How Heatwaves Are Impacting Preseason Practices Across Wisconsin
By Kate Gassman, Friday Football Tailgate Director
As heatwaves grip Wisconsin this late summer, high school football programs—particularly in De Pere—are adapting preseason routines to ensure player safety without sacrificing preparation. Across the state, districts are adjusting typical schedules amid escalating heat indices and following WIAA recommendations closely.
Wisconsin Heat Guidelines in Focus
Under WIAA heat-acclimatization protocols, schools must gradually ramp up intensity over the first week, limit practice sessions to two hours per day, enforce a mandatory three-hour rest between sessions, and remove helmets or shoulder pads until full gear is permitted. Practices must be postponed if the heat index exceeds 104°F, with hydration breaks every 30 minutes and uniform alterations like t-shirts and shorts encouraged when temperatures hit 95–104°F. WIAA also recommends routine Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) checks to guide decisions.
On-the-Ground Adjustments in De Pere & NDA
At De Pere High School, athletic leaders have moved several afternoon sessions indoors or shifted them to pre-dawn slots near 6–7 a.m., paralleling strategies seen in cross-country programs statewide. Practices scheduled at midday have been delayed or transformed into walkthroughs and film-study to limit physical strain.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame Academy has implemented a similar plan: shorter, earlier outdoor drills, paired with frequent hydration and cooling breaks. Trainers provide electrolyte mixes and chilled towels, while parent-athlete communications emphasize proper hydration starting the night before practice. Coaches also monitor players vigilantly, emphasizing signs such as dizziness or nausea—“Don’t be a hero,” many trainers urge.
Local Statistics & Impact
In De Pere, heat index readings in recent weeks have climbed regularly into the 100–105°F range, prompting at least three practice cancellations or relocation to indoor facilities. Notre Dame Academy reported cutting outdoor time by around 40% on peak days—switching to film sessions or weight room work instead.
By aligning with WIAA policy and prioritizing early hours, indoor alternatives, and enhanced hydration routines, De Pere and NDA are striking a balance between preparation and player welfare. As temperatures remain high, these adjustments will become critical to keep preseason on track without risking student health.
Read more:
Meet the Coaches: Building Culture at De Pere High and Notre Dame Academy
