Afternoon Brewton area sports fans! I hope you had a great weekend and that this week will also be great for you.

As the hottest days and weeks of the summer season are upon us, football practice began this morning. Even as our local teams T.R. Miller and W.S. Neal began their practices for the 2010 season this morning at 8 a.m., it was still hot.

As I went to both team’s practices, wearing khakis and a shortsleeve button shirt might I add, I could see the heat taking the effect on the players.

While water and gatorade breaks were being given, when you are out there on the field running and doing other things, it just seems like you can’t breathe or get enough drink in you.

Coaches encouraged players to get enough rest, drink plenty of liquids before, during, and after practices, and to make sure they were eating the right foods.

While this time of the year is always an exciting time as that means high school football and college is so close, it can also be a dangerous time.

I know just the little while I was out there trying to get some pictures and talk to coaches, I was literally pouring with sweat as sweat was beading up everywhere. One coach jokingly commented that you know it is hot when the cameraman has to stay hydrated. And I did try and stay as hydrated as possible with my water bottle in my back pocket.

I hope all athletes and coaches and sportswriters and fans stay well hydrated and play it smart in these hot temperatures.

Before long, fall will be here with some cooler temperatures. Only three more Fridays to go from this one and we will have our first games in the area.

As I close, here is some tips from T.R. Miller athletic trainer Mike Miller to stay healthy during these hot times.

http://www.millerfootball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=20&Itemid=33

Until we meet again here or out in the world of sports, God bless.