The time is 2:35 p.m. and the final bell has just rung. After a long day of learning, you finally get to go home and escape the relentless heat of Oak Park High School. Yet for some, their tough journey in the heat has just begun. 

For the athletes of OPHS, enduring the sweltering weather has become a part of the athletic experience. Especially in the months of August, September and even October, the heat lingers forcing athletes to push through hours of sweat, and struggling their way through their games and practices. 

“Sometimes I come home with a headache and I feel very hot after practice,” junior Aaron Berro, varsity football player, said.

However, while some athletes are struggling as a result of the heat, others have adapted. 

“For me, I’m used to [the heat] because it’s pretty much been like this all four years,” senior Abby Li, varsity girls tennis captain, said.

For lots of athletes the toughest rival isn’t another team; it’s the restless heat. 

With temperatures reaching up to nearly 100 degrees, it is no surprise that hard, physical activities outside in the heat can lead to serious health risks, as well as limit the full potential of athletes. 

To protect athletes, the Oak Park Unified School District has policies in place in cases of extreme heat. When temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, schools are required to enforce safety measures. In addition to enforced policies to address risks, athletes and coaches find creative ways to make practices bearable.

When it comes to serious health risks and dangerous conditions, coaches and captains alike are only worried about one thing: the safety of their athletes. 

“We have a thing called the Shultz Shuttle where one of our coaches comes and picks us up if we can’t finish the run,” Ben Mocha said. 

Similarly to track, the captains of girls tennis are just as focused on their team’s well-being. 

“As captains, we make sure that our team is taking breaks in the shade, and making sure that everyone is getting water,” Li said. 

It is not easy to escape the fierce heat that overpowers Oak Park, so it’s crucial to figure out a way that works for you to keep going. Ben Mocha has a few methods that work best for her to remain cool during hot practices. 

“The goal is to try to drink three of my water bottles, [but] it usually doesn’t end up happening. I make sure I have electrolytes, try to stay in the shade and wear sunscreen,” Ben Mocha said.

Berro uses a similar method to survive the high temperature during football practices. 

“The main thing is to just make sure you’re hydrated and drink water so you don’t cramp or get heat exhaustion,” Berro said. 

The intense heat has also contributed to shifting athletic schedules, both for practices and games. 

“We’ve had morning practices to try to avoid the heat, but when we’re not able to have those we are forced to run in around 90 degree heat,” Ben Mocha said. 

The varsity football team has also been impacted by the heat waves. 

“Our game against Agoura got postponed an hour and thirty minutes because of the heat,” Berro said.

Beyond simple safety measures, one of the most important things for athletes to do during extreme periods of heat, aside from hydrating, is to get in touch with their bodies and understand what their own physical limits are.

“You have to be aware of how you are feeling,” Li said. “Like if you are feeling lightheaded, you should stop right away so you don’t injure yourself and then aren’t able to play.”

Athletes are often trying to prove themselves, and while for some the heat can be used as motivation to push themselves further, it is important to prioritize physical well-being. 

“Don’t push yourself, because I think that [while] the most important part of being an athlete is wanting to stay on the team and wanting to play, [it’s even more important to not] injure yourself and know your limits,” Li said. 

Not only does the scorching heat affect the body physically, it can also become a barrier from fully being aware and utilizing practice time.

“With the heat, you’re worried about it being hot, and you are not worried about ‘what do I do on this play,’” Berro said. 

With the most extreme of challenges, there is always a positive side, even when it comes to the ceaseless heat of Oak Park.

“[The heat is] also good for us because during our matches we already have the experience of playing in the heat. So I think it benefits us in some ways,” Li said. 

No matter what sport you play, or if you’re even involved in Oak Park athletics at all, one thing is for sure: it’s hot outside, and it’s not going away anytime soon. To protect yourself from the current heatwave and safely participate in practices, drink plenty of fluids; take breaks in the shade when possible; wear light clothing; cool down with wet towels, misters, or ice; and most importantly listen to your body. 

“Try to stay out of the heat when you can and just take care of your body,” Berro said.