Football season is around the corner and with it, a concern about the health of young athletes.
International exercise, performance and fitness expert Michael F. Bergeron spoke to a handful of coaches on recommendations for providing a safer environment for athletes during the upcoming season. Thirteen coaches were in attendance, representing Duncan, Marlow, Comanche, Velma-Alma and Central High.
During his presentation, Bergeron pointed out that two athletes had died in the past two months while practicing in the heat. He went further in pointing out that most fatalities associated with athletics and the heat happen within the first three days of practice.
With a focus on football, Bergeron made several recommendations on preventing injuries, the first of which is acclimatization during the preseason. Acclimatization takes into account the weather, intensity of practice and allowing athletes to get used to practicing in their attire.
Other steps recommended were hydration, practice modification in accordance with the weather as well as monitoring athletes and clinical support and education.
In speaking about hydration, Bergeron pointed out that it is not uncommon for athletes to lose .5 to 3 liters of sweat each hour of practice.
Of the 13 coaches in attendance, Comanche’s Brent Clark was the only area head football coach present. The Indians went through two-a-days last season starting early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid the extreme heat. Suggestions like having a plastic swimming filled with ice water proved to be sensible for programs on a budget.
“The presentation in hydration is a hot topic,” Clark said. “It is hotter and we keep starting earlier.
“If there is something I can change in our procedure, we are going to do it.”
While softball does not carry the same kind of concerns that go with football, the teams do practice in the heat. Within the span of three weeks, softball teams from across that state will open practice and will do so in extreme temperatures.
“The importance of hydration and cramping is there in softball,” Duncan coach Robert Cowan said. “We’re out there in the 100 degree heat. Everything he talked about is important.”
The coaching contingent was not limited to fall sports as coaches in winter and spring sports were also represented. The lecture was broad based enough that all coaches were able to take something from it and apply it to their programs.
“It’s very beneficial,” Velma-Alma basketball coach Kenny Bare said. “I’m a guy that coaches indoor sports but it was stuff we need to know. I with all of the coaches could have been here.”
Sports
Getting ready for the heat
International expert adresses area coaches
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Demons rout Altus
After a tough loss on the road last Friday night against Lawton MacArthur, it seemed the Duncan Demons needed a boost to get themselves going for the last week of the season. DHS had its sights set on using the Altus Bulldogs as the tool for their motivation Tuesday night at Duncan Gymnasium.
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Lady Outlaws smother Rush Springs, 38-28
It wasn’t one of Marlow’s best offensive performances of the season. Luckily it was one of the Lady Outlaws best defensive showings.
For only the third time this season, Marlow held an opponent to fewer than 30 points and the Lady Outlaws topped the visiting Rush Springs Lady Redskins, 38-28. -
Culberson, DHS hold off Lady Bulldogs
There is a saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” For the Duncan Lady Demons, a rematch against Altus at Duncan Gymnasium on a chilly evening seemed like the perfect motivation to help DHS avoid a two-game losing streak Tuesday night.
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Duncan hosts Altus tonight
ometimes it’s not how hard you fall, it’s how fast you get back up.
After a tough overtime loss Friday night at Lawton MacArthur, the No. 14 Duncan Lady Demons (14-7) will look to rebound this evening against the No. 11 Altus Lady Bulldogs (12-6) with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. from Duncan Gymnasium. -
Bray hands Turner its first loss
The Bray-Doyle Lady Donkeys picked up one last shot of momentum Monday night before heading into the Class A district tournament.
The Lady Donkeys took control early and never let up, topping previously unbeaten Turner, 68-51 at home on senior night to finish the regular season on a five-game winning streak. -
Velma-Alma rolls Healdton, 52-36
Make it six in a row for the Velma-Alma Lady Comets.
Senior Night proved to be quite beneficial for V-A thanks to a strong second half, which broke open a close game, giving the Lady Comets a 52-36 victory over the Healdton Lady Bulldogs. -
UNTARNISHED
Monday night saw the No. 4 Velma-Alma Comets send a clear message to the rest of the field in the playoffs: The road to Oklahoma City will run through Velma, one way or another.
V-A wasted no time in dismantling the Healdton Bulldogs on Senior night, as the Comets finished the regular season 23-0, thanks to a 72-12 victory. -
Encore Performance
Just like four years ago, Eli Manning and the Giants orchestrated an impressive late fourth-quarter drive to overtake the lead and the Patriots couldn’t answer in the final minute, handing the Super Bowl championship to the New York, 21-17 on Sunday night.
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Carletti-Silva commits to Army
Duncan High School senior quarterback Brandon Carletti-Silva has given a verbal commitment to the United States Military Academy — better known in the sports world as Army — and plans to make his decision official on Wednesday.
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Comets try to complete regular season perfection
Throughout the season, V-A has defied the odds, beating every team set in their way, resulting in a perfect 22-0 record.
Tonight, the Comets will look to finish their regular season unblemished as they host Healdton (1-14) at 8:30 p.m. for Senior Night. - More Sports Headlines
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