Some high schools in North Texas started practice Monday morning. UIL rules allowed schools that did not have spring practice start conditioning.
Conditioning did not include contact, so kids were not allowed to wear pads, but practice with helmets was allowed.
At North Dallas High School, coaches held a practice at 9 am, but during the summer heat, they said they would not have any outdoor activities between noon and six p.m.
"We take water breaks every 15 minutes. We motivate the kids to take water every chance they get," says Head Coach Carlos Perez. "You'll see our student athletic trainers scattered across the field. They're making sure each group is getting water as we go."
Perez says they also watch temperature and humidity levels and will limit outdoor activity at certain levels.
Students say they were encouraged to drink water often and were told to hydrate before and after practice.
"Whenever you want. If you're thirsty, go get water. There's no restriction on water breaks or anything like that," says Quarterback Angel Trevino. "It's my job as a leader to make sure people are watching out. It's also my job to remind them to keep on with nutrition."
"It's really tough," says Sheriff Jallow, who is playing his first year in Texas after moving from Philadelphia. "It was hot in Philly, but it's hot here."
Jallow says he keeps a gallon water bottle with him. He says trainers also give them protein shakes before practice and make sure they have something to eat.
"They make sure to take extra precautions," he says.
Despite the heat, Trevino says the team works together to stay motivated. He says working toward a common goal will help them long-term.
"It's big mentally. Sometimes you don't feel like doing it, but you've just got to lean to put your head down and work," he says.
"We're preparing them for the next stage in life after high school," says Perez. "Character building, team building, these are things that are going to help you out in jobs and life after football. That's really what it's about for us."
For schools without spring practice, full contact practices can start Saturday. Scrimmages can start August 15. Schools that held spring practice can start conditioning August 12 and full contact August 17.
Week One of the season starts Thursday, August 29.
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