LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A Lee’s Summit West football player was recovering Wednesday night after collapsing at practice Tuesday because of the heat. Junior center Jacob Williamson approached a trainer during practice, saying he didn’t feel very well and then collapsed. Players who were there say he was unresponsive and taken away in an ambulance.
FOX 4’s chief meteorologist Mike Thompson said the heat index was 99 degrees during the 3:30 p.m. football practice.
The Lee’s Summit School District athletic director says there are restrictions on activity when the heat index is above 95 degrees, and their measurement did not hit that mark. Even so, he says some safety measures were taken.
“Not only were they allowing kids to go to the water, they were taking the water to the kids. They had managers literally walking around making sure the kids stayed hydrated,” Richard Bechard, Lee’s Summit School District Athletic and Activities Director, said.
Practice has been rescheduled for 6:00 p.m. the rest of the week. Friday’s home opener against Liberty will also take place later in the evening.
Williamson remains in the hospital, but his family says he is improving. He’s alert, talking and anxious to get back to the football field.