Holland Hall Athletics Taking Precaution with Heat Conditions

Dear Holland Hall Community,

Once again, Oklahoma is facing another extremely hot summer and I wanted to inform everyone on how Holland Hall will be addressing the heat as our athletic teams prepare for the upcoming fall season.  Football, cross country and field hockey officially start practices this week. Cross country and football will begin practices at 7 a.m., while field hockey will begin at 8 a.m. There will be plenty of water available for the athletes and more frequent breaks during practices, plus a large cold tub will be available to athletes after each work out. Athletic Trainer Jim Mansfield and Strength and Conditioning Coach Phil Muir require all football players to sign in their weight before and after practice; with the goal to have each athlete gain back at least 90 percent of the weight he lost the day before. If the heat persists, we will require the same procedures for field hockey as well. While volleyball and cheer will practice indoors, the athletes will still need to take precautions and take care of themselves during and away from practice.

It is extremely important that athletes take care of themselves after practice by eating, drinking water and resting.  If we continue to have extreme heat, the concern will be that kids’ bodies will continue to wear down and not have ample time to recover.  We will address each week separately as the forecast is predicted.

If you have any concerns, feel free to call Jim Mansfield, your child’s respective coach or me.  We are all very attentive to the heat conditions and taking caution as we begin practices and upcoming games.

Sincerely,
Steve Heldebrand, Athletic Director