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Battling the Burn: How students, parents and administrators can help battle the summer heat

by Michael H. Miller

BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (08/11/2025) — As the sun beats down on the rolling hills of northeast Mississippi, the sounds of cleats cutting through freshly mowed grass, whistles piercing through the thick muggy air and drums echoing from the practice fields across the area signal the start of a new school year, however, something else has been rising in tempo as well -- temperatures.

With the heat index in northeast Mississippi forecasted to soar close 110 degrees Fahrenheit and meteorologists predicting that it can go even higher in some places, football players, band members and anyone else training in the outdoors can be ripe for significant health risks if proper precautions are not taken.

But at Northeast Mississippi Community College, preparation is key, and staying safe in the Southern heat is just as important as executing the perfect play -- or marching in step.

"Heat doesn't just affect performance -- it can be dangerous," said Northeast head athletic trainer Ziggy Marro. "But with education, proper preparation, and the right support, we can help students thrive even in extreme conditions."

Northeast's athletic training staff and its student athletic trainers undergo rigorous training to recognize the signs of heat illness and the symptoms to keep athletes and band members on the field at all times but if the need arises, they also have the training to treat heat illness or get the proper medical treatment.

Training the Body -- And the Mind -- for the Heat

Athletic and band training in the summer is not just about getting stronger or learning the correct marching routines; it is also about helping the body acclimate to the heat.

Experts recommend starting slow, especially for new students, gradually increasing the intensity and length of workouts over a 7-14-day period to help prevent over exertion for those who have become accustomed to the air conditioning during the summer.

"It's about heat acclimatization," Marro said. "You can't just go full speed from Day 1. Your body needs time to adjust to higher temperatures and humidity."

Anyone who has spent a Mississippi summer outside knows the humidity can be brutal. It is not just hot - it is sticky and can feel like a person is walking through a wall of heat.

When the humidity creeps up to 50-70 percent, it can make the temperature feel several degrees hotter than what the thermometer says.

For instance, a day with a real temperature of 95F but with 50 percent humidity can feel more like 107F. That "feels like" number is called the heat index, and it gives a more accurate picture of what a person's body is experiencing -- not just the air temperature, but the added weight of humidity too.

And in Mississippi, people are no strangers to both the heat and humidity.

Heat index is why athletes and band members need to be smart about how and when they train.

Early mornings or later evenings -- when the sun is not bearing down -- are the best times to practice.

And once players and band members hit the field or the band lot, it is crucial to build in a multitude of breaks, move between sun and shaded practice areas, and keep sessions short, ideally under two hours.

Parents: Your Role Starts at Home

Parents can play a pivotal role in protecting their students from heat illness by emphasizing good hydration long before students hit the practice field.

Experts recommend drinking water throughout the day -- not just during practice -- and making sure students eat balanced meals that include fruits and vegetables, which help with hydration.

Experts also warn that sugary sodas and energy drinks should be limited since they could dehydrate a person faster.

Parents are asked to encourage their children to get plenty of rest, wear light-colored and breathable clothing, and never ignore symptoms of fatigue or dizziness.

If a child is on medication or has a pre-existing condition, consult with a healthcare provider to understand how the heat might affect them.

Administrators, Coaches, and Directors: Set the Tone

Administrators and program leaders can make the biggest difference by setting policies and modeling good practices. That includes:

  • Scheduling training in cooler parts of the day
  • Creating mandatory water breaks every 15-20 minutes
  • Monitoring heat index levels using on-site thermometers or weather apps
  • Providing shaded recovery areas or cooling tents before, during and after practices
  • Ensuring all staff are trained to recognize and respond to heat illness symptoms

Recognizing the Signs: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be lifesaving for someone suffering from a heat-illness.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, clammy skin
  • Weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or fainting

Action: Move the person to a cooler location, loosen their clothing so that air can help cool the body, sip water, and apply cool cloths.

Heat Stroke Symptoms:

  • High body temperature (103F or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry or damp skin
  • Sweating has stopped
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Action: Call 911 immediately. While waiting, move the person to a cooler place and use cool cloths or ice packs to bring down the body's core temperature. Do not give them anything to drink.

"Recognizing the early signs can prevent a medical emergency," Marro explained. "We educate our athletes and staff to know the difference and act fast."

Hydration: Water vs. Sports Drinks vs. Sugary Beverages

Experts say that water is always the first and best choice for hydration.

During high-intensity or long-duration activity, sports drinks containing electrolytes can help replace sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals lost through sweat.

However, Marro points out that those relying on sports drinks may need to look at the nutritional information first before downing that ice cold, sports beverage.

"Not all sports drinks are created equal," said Marro. "Look for ones with lower sugar content and higher electrolyte values. Avoid energy drinks or sodas -- they dehydrate more than they help."

Athletes and band members are reminded that if they are sweating, they are losing more than just water.

Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

  • Hydrate before, during, and after practice or competitions.
  • When possible, wear breathable, light-colored clothing and a hat
  • Take frequent breaks in the shade
  • Practice early or late in the day
  • Listen to your body -- and speak up if something feels off

"Don't be afraid to speak up if you think something is wrong," said Marro. "If you or the person beside you has stopped sweating, don't do another rep or step. Seek the attention of a coach or director and get the help that you/they need."

As summer practices ramp up, it is more than physical skill or endurance that counts in the long run -- preparation, awareness, and support -- on the field, in the band lot, at home, and from the top down help make a successful program.

--NEMCC--

Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.

For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.

Media Attachments

Northeast Mississippi Community College head athletic trainer Ziggy Marro checks on Matthew Windham (53) of Booneville during a recent Tiger football practice. Northeast’s athletic training staff and its student athletic trainers undergo rigorous training to recognize the signs of heat illness and the symptoms to keep athletes and band members on the field at all times but if the need arises, they also have the training to treat heat illness or get the proper medical treatment.

Northeast Mississippi Community College student athletic trainer Carson Guerra of West Union fills up water bottles during a recent Tiger football practice. Northeast’s athletic training staff and its student athletic trainers undergo rigorous training to recognize the signs of heat illness and the symptoms to keep athletes and band members on the field at all times but if the need arises, they also have the training to treat heat illness or get the proper medical treatment.

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