During the first week of school, not only was the pressure of the upcoming season rising, but so was the heat. 

With daily temperatures hovering around 100 degrees for almost an entire week, it took its toll on student athletes across the area. 

From the softball jamboree getting canceled to major cramps during football games, students were affected by record temperatures all week. 

“Not being able to play outside and see what it feels like the week leading up to the game was really hard, especially for the newbies,” said senior band player Jameson Krupp.

Students recognize how this heat wave affected their performance. Band wasn’t able to learn their full show by the first football game, where they were supposed to perform it for the first time. However, some teams were fighting back against the weather to beat the heat. The football team practiced at night all week and their game was pushed back an hour. Cross country woke up before the sun, starting practice at 5:30 am. 

A cross country team veteran of four years, Riley Merchant, said, “We had to run while carrying lights because it was so dark, but it was a fun bonding experience with my teammates.” 

The coach’s biggest worry is always a player’s safety and performance, so the first week of school was quite stressful. 

Athletic Director John Crites said, “I’m continually worried about athletes competing in all conditions. When the temperature is hot, you must hydrate, and that does not just mean the day of the contest but the days leading up to a contest.” 

One football player experienced what happens without correct hydration firsthand. It was during the fourth quarter of the first big game when junior defensive linebacker, Michael Lattner, went down. His mom immediately rushed to the edge of the stands, in fear for her son’s health. 

“Everyone thought I broke something, luckily it was just a cramp,” said Lattner.

Megan Shafferkoetter, the athletic trainer, ran to his side and once she realized what was happening she tried pushing the cramp down. However, even with her full body weight pushing it down, the muscle fought back. The cramp lasted over ten minutes in total, leaving Lattner unable to play for the rest of the game.

After the week of heat and exhaustion, these teams learned to persevere together and will have some wild stories to tell. Meanwhile, some teams had to cancel completely. The softball jamboree was called off, which came as a huge disappointment, especially for the seniors. Shafferkoetter had her work cut out for her as she stressed over all the athletes. The start of the fall sports season was rough, but Windsor High School students and staff persevered. 

“Megan said I needed more sodium, so she made me eat two full mustard packets to get rid of the cramp,” Lattner said.