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Updated: 7:48 PM Aug 3, 2008
Soccer Teams Find Ways To Beat The Heat
Opponent not the only foe in 100-degree weather Sunday's heat did not stop a weekend soccer tournament in Omaha that attracted 90 teams from across the Midwest. The only thing surpassing that number was the temperature. Posted: 4:17 PM Aug 3, 2008Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com |
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Sunday's heat did not stop a weekend soccer tournament in Omaha that attracted 90 teams from across the Midwest. The only thing surpassing that number was the temperature.
“We are bringing fruits and vegetables and stuff like that because of the heat so your body can recover,” said Brittany Washington of Arsenal.
No complicated X's and O's in this post-game rap at The Azzurri Invitational at NP Dodge Park. The keys to this tournament were to beat the heat. How to stay cool? "Pour water on myself, it works."
So did the shade. On the sidelines, players and coaches sought refuge under a tent, never far from a bottle of water.
"Since yesterday we have been telling them to drink a lot of water, drink a lot of Gatorade, and bananas to keep the cramps off of 'em,” said Sting Rays head coach Jesse Castillo.
Some lucky parents found relief under a tree watching five games in two days. Brion Washington had his share of the sun.
"Incredibly hot, we tried to find some shade earlier. The girls have been getting water breaks consistently through the tournament. People have been doing a good job in the tournament with the water breaks, but it's really hot out here."
Emergency crews were standing by. One coach passed out earlier in the tournament. He's okay and coaching again, but it's a reminder of how careful you have to be to keep hydrated and take care of yourself.
If that means adding an extra break or two or adjusting game times, so be it, said tournament director Mo Farivari.
"We are going to give the teams a break, water breaks in each half, we are going to monitor the weather and we probably will shrink the games a little bit each half."








