Heat Sensation: Protecting Mississippi’s Youth in an Era of Rising Temperatures
By Dr. Selika Sweet
For many, climate change has long seemed like a far-off crisis—something playing out in melting glaciers or along coastal cities. But here in Mississippi, I’ve come to understand that climate change is not just global. It’s local. It’s personal.
My perspective shifted when I joined the Climate & Health Equity Fellowship. I began to see climate change not as an abstract concern but as a daily threat to our health, our children, and our communities. That reality is especially stark on our football fields.
Summers here have always been hot. But lately, the heat feels brutal. I drive a 2014 car with a temperamental air conditioner, and my passengers don’t let me forget it:
“It’s too hot to ride in this car—don’t forget we’re in Mississippi!”
“You’ve got to get that A/C fixed—I’ll die in here!”
“Here’s the number of a guy who can fix it. Call him today!”
They’re not wrong. The heat is no longer just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.
Climate records show Gulfport–Biloxi reached an alltime high of 107 °F on August 26, 2023, and that summer was officially the hottest on record, with monitoring going back to 1893 ncaa.org+8fs.ncaa.org+8fs.ncaa.org+8.
Deadly Consequences on the Field
This heat doesn’t just challenge cars—it strains young bodies, especially when athletes train in full gear under the blazing sun.
Between 1992 and 2024, at least 58 football players in the U.S. died from exertional heat stroke—and over 90% were highschool students, according to the Korey Stringer Institute at UConn .
In Mississippi—where football and summer heat are deeply rooted—these risks are dangerously amplified.
But these deaths don’t have to happen—they’re preventable:
- Phillip “Trey” Laster Jr., 17, a Brandon High School lineman, collapsed during practice in August 2022 when the heat index exceeded 103 °F. He vomited, became dizzy, and was reportedly told to keep running. His parents’ lawsuit, filed in
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January 2024, alleges extreme heat and inadequate safeguards—including lack of acclimation, ice baths, and medical staff—contributed to his death (Associated Press).
- Bennie Abram, 20, an Ole Miss player, collapsed during a 2010 offseason workout and died. The Lafayette County coroner found complications from sickle cell trait (SCT), exacerbated by intense physical exertion in heat, were the cause.
Why Sickle Cell Trait Matters
SCT affects millions, particularly African Americans. Under intense physical exertion—especially in heat—it can trigger “exertional sickling,” which may lead to organ failure or sudden death.
In 2010, the NCAA Division I Legislative Council adopted a rule requiring incoming student-athletes to confirm SCT status—either through documentation or a test—and by early 2012, Division II adopted similar requirements, with Division III following in 2013 ajpmonline.org+14ncaa.org+14ncaa.org+14. These policies strengthen safety at the collegiate level, but most high schools—including many in Mississippi—do not require SCT screening, leaving athletes vulnerable.
A Call to Action: Three LowCost, HighImpact Protections
- Screening & Training Adjustments
Coaches should know which athletes have SCT and tailor training accordingly. - Empowered Reporting
Athletes must feel safe pausing or reporting symptoms—without fear or stigma. - Medical Support & Emergency Resources
Every practice and game must include trained personnel and tools—like coldwater immersion tubs and WBGT monitors.
These steps align with the NATA’s 2015 Position Statement on Exertional Heat Illnesses, emphasizing medical staffing, acclimation, hydration, environmental monitoring, and emergency protocols.
Our Responsibility in the Magnolia State
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Climate change may seem distant—but in Mississippi, it is immediate and deadly. This isn’t just about coastal flooding—it’s a public health crisis unfolding on our sports fields.
We cheer for our youth on Friday nights, but that’s not enough. We need knowledge, policy, and compassion.
Let’s treat extreme heat like the hazard it is. Let’s ensure every athlete returns home safely.
And yes—I’ll fix the A/C. In Mississippi, the heat isn’t just weather—it’s a wake-up call to protect our future.
SIDEBAR: LifeSaving Strategies for Athletes in Extreme Heat
(Adapted from the NATA Position Statement)
- Acclimation: Gradually ramp up intensity over 7–14 days.
- Hydration: Frequent water breaks; emphasize pre-/post-practice fluids.
- Monitoring: Use WBGT to guide activity levels.
- Preparedness: Medical staff and coldwater immersion tubs must be on site.
