Coaches keeping athletes cool in heat wave

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Athletic directors and coaches across the city are taking steps to keep student athletes cool on one of the hottest days of the year.

Hodges Stadium at the University of Florida had no activity Friday afternoon. The field was empty being watered by sprinklers.

Assistant Athletic Director Fred Burnett said there’s a good reason for that.

“We've already had a few practices this morning trying to get them out of the heat,” said Burnett.

UNF’s women’s soccer team took the field Friday night for their first match of the season. Burnett said trainers made sure to keep them cool on the field.

“One of the things we'll use for some of our games with the warmer climates is a porta-cool, which is an air conditioned fan,” said Burnett.

Burnett said they also have plenty of fluids to keep the athletes hydrated.

According to UNF, student athletes are also tested for the sickle cell trait before they can play.

Those who carry it are more prone to dehydration, trainers watch them closely throughout the season.

WJAX