TURNOVERS

by Alan B. Gibson

Summer slowdown in sports, caution urged in extreme heat

Floating neck deep in either Dale Hollow Lake or Lake Cumberland seems to offer about the only relief from these 100+ degree days that we’re suffering through right now – and from what I saw last weekend, there was plenty of floating going on, at least at Dale Hollow.

This extreme heat has caused the normal slowdown of local spring activities to become even slower, as not only is this level of heat uncomfortable for outdoor sporting activities – it’s downright dangerous to be out in it.

Of course within the next two weeks, our high school athletes will begin practice for the upcoming fall sports – with our golf teams being the first to venture out for official pre-season practice sessions.

Coaches are now trained and equipped to be able to measure heat index levels, and when certain levels are reached, practice sessions are shortened and in some cases of very extreme heat index levels – even cancelled. The same holds true during matches as well when that time is reached.

Summer and fall football practice will follow golf, and of course those same safety measures are in place for the gridiron athletes as well.

Bottom line – stay cool, stay hydrated, and as long as we’re locked in this heat wave – be careful out there.