BEAUMONT, Texas – It's important for Lamar University's student-athletes to remain hydrated at all times. It will be even more important in the coming days as LU's fall sports teams conduct practices on days when the temperature is expected to surpass 100 degrees.

"We make sure that the student-athletes have plenty of water at all times," said Josh Yonker, LU's head athletic trainer. "The coaches provide plenty of water breaks during practice sessions."

LU women's soccer coach Orlando Cervantes remembers when water breaks weren't so common for athletic teams.
"It used to be thought needing water during practice was a sign of weakness," Cervantes said. "Now we know how dangerous that is. We make sure our team has plenty of fluids."

It is not enough for an athlete just to have fluids during practice or competition. Adequate hydration maintains body temperature and prevents dehydration. Not having enough fluids can lead to cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

"You need to stay hydrated throughout the day," Cervantes said. "You have to have enough fluids throughout the day."

In addition to water, Lamar University athletes also consume Overtime, a sports drink. Unlike Gatorade or Powerade, Overtime is a sugar-free product.
"The soccer team really seems to like the blue raspberry flavor," Yonker noted. "That's by far the most popular flavor.

The Lamar football and soccer teams schedule their practice sessions to attempt to avoid the hottest portion of the day. However, when the mercury is hovering around the century mark, there aren't many cool times.

"We're smart at practice. We keep water at every station and we take plenty of breaks to give them the opportunity to hydrate," Lamar football coach Ray Woodard said. "At the same time, there's only so much you can do. We're out here in pads, and it's 100 degrees. That's part of football, learning to play in the heat."
Woodard noted the student-athletes are weighed before and after each practice to ensure that they are not losing too much weight, and that they are properly hydrated when returning to practice.

In addition, a good number of Lamar's soccer games start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, a time where the sun and the heat can be really oppressive.
"It's not ideal, but we have to adapt to it," Yonker said. "I'm sure part of the reason for the afternoon games is so that the visiting team can get back home in plenty of time for Monday classes."

During football game days at Provost Umphrey Stadium, players can keep cool on the sidelines thanks to large electric fans. Yonker said those fans normally aren't used at practice, but could be if the temperatures climb too high.
Another concern on bright days is the risk of sunburn. Yonker said his department does have some sunblock, but that it was up to each student-athlete to make sure they are properly protected.

"Out student-athletes are smart enough to make sure they wear sunblock," Yonker said. "We really haven't had any problems."
It should be noted that student-athletes also have to avoid over hydration, which could lead to low sodium levels (hyponatremia). Athletes are told not to drink more water than they sweat. That's where sports drinks come in, as they contain some sodium.

Woodard said the trainers and assistant coaches have stressed to the student-athletes that they drink the proper fluids and avoid drinking too much soda and similar beverages.

"Our trainers do an outstanding job," Woodard said. "They really make sure our student-athletes stay safe."