Student Well-Being & Movement Video

One Small Change Helped This Football Team Prevent Heat Injuries

By CJ Riculan — September 11, 2025 2:26

Each year, student-athletes suffer heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

This Georgia football program has found that the best way to keep kids hydrated is to have them drink from water bottles, rather than cups.

It seems simple, but it’s just one of a number of ways they’re keeping kids safe while practicing in the Southern heat.

Here, Shane Lasseter, head football coach and athletic director for Heard County High School in Franklin, Ga., outlines all the measures the school takes, and explains why water bottles make such a difference.

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Senior Joaquin Garcia takes a drink of water on the sideline during a morning football practice at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 2, 2025.
Senior Joaquin Garcia takes a drink of water on the sideline during a morning football practice at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 2, 2025.
Noah Devereaux for Education Week

CJ Riculan is a contributing video producer for Education Week.

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