Amid scorching temperatures, Hillsborough County parents are concerned for student-athletes

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County football season is back and as the season begins to heat up, it joins scorching temperatures that continue to rise across Tampa Bay.

The Hillsborough High School Terriers opened their football preseason facing off against the Plant City High School Raiders at home Friday evening.

The 7:30 p.m. match-up followed a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service for Hillsborough County from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Hillsborough High School Principal Dr. Kevin Gordon said the timing is ideal for students and student-athletes.

“[At] 7:30, you know, we’re past the hot afternoon temperatures and we’re rolling into the evening dusk and then nighttime comes,” Dr. Gordon said. “It makes the conditions a lot better for players, especially in Florida, where we get really, really high heat around the 3 to 5 p.m. range.”

Grandmother and Hillsborough High School alumna Cherrie Green came to cheer on her grandson.

“It’s very hot, especially during practice, you know, sometimes I wonder, ‘How do they do it in the middle of the day?'” Green said.

Green explained she ensures her grandson is hydrated with water and Gatorade both before and after practice.

Cassandra Sendro told News Channel 8 water is essential in keeping her son hydrated as he participates in the school’s marching band.

“I got him well-prepared. He’s got a big Stanley thermos. It’s big. He’s got plenty of water, and he’s got, you know, some money for concessions later on,” Sendro said. “We do coconut water. It’s got really good electrolytes.”

Gordon said, with the training and safety precautions implemented for players, as well as the entire student body, he is assured safety is present.

“All of our coaches are properly trained and know how to make sure our students stay hydrated, and they know the symptoms of excessive heat. We also get advisories of when to practice and when not practice,” Gordon explained. “I am secure in the fact that we have trained personnel out there to make sure our kids stay hydrated and safe.”