CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Several high school football games in the Charlotte region are starting later than usual on Friday nights, with some kickoffs delayed to 7:30 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. because of heat.
At schools like East Gaston High School, the temperatures have also affected whether teams can practice outdoors.
East Gaston head football coach Nate Medici said the heat has increased in recent years.
“It’s just it’s gotten worse every, every year,” Medici said.
East Gaston senior Kody Trantham said some days make it clear practice outside won’t be possible.
“Some days you do walk outside your house on the way to practice and you’re like, there’s no way, there’s no way of practicing today,” Trantham said.
“We can’t practice like at least one day a week, at least, if we don’t move practice,” Trantham said.
East Gaston senior Brady Miller said missing outdoor practice affects the team.
“It’s unfortunate days we can’t go outside because we really want to have that practice time as a team to bond and get better as a team,” Miller said.
East Gaston Athletic Director Haley Stewart said state regulations limit what sports teams can do when equipment readings rise above a certain number.
“So it takes into account heat and humidity. And then that kind of determines how we run our practice, whether it’s less equipment, less time, more water breaks, or if we can be outside at all,” Stewart said.
Medici said coaches and trainers have made adjustments to still hold some form of practice.
“We might come in the gym, we might go and we spend some time, we plan to try and watch film, get on the whiteboard, a little more of the mental side of the game, but we have plans in place for those days where it’s just too hot to go outside,” Medici said.
Students have access to water, sports drinks and electrolytes, and often drink a bottle of water during every class.
“The number one thing I’m worried about is player safety and keeping these guys healthy to perform the best they can on Friday night,” Medici said.
Trantham said the atmosphere on game nights makes the adjustments worthwhile.
“We have a great atmosphere for game nights and the lights are on. It’s just one-on-one, team versus team,” Trantham said.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s just a fantastic experience that I don’t want to take for granted. I mean, being able to go out every Friday night, have the entire community watching us, supporting us, it’s just a fantastic thing that I really do enjoy,” Miller said.
Coaches say fans attending games can bring in a clear water bottle, and concession stands will be stocked to help people stay hydrated.