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Wlaf1450JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- It’s been a challenging week keeping Campbell County High School Athletes safe from the extreme heat as they play and practice. “Yes, it has been challenging. We’ve taken more breaks each hour at football practice so the players are able to get more water,” said Rachel Kozemko, CCHS Trainer (TOP PHOTO).
Kozemko was quick to notice there was a breeze when she came out onto the field at Thursday’s practice. “That’s good,” she said.
A portion of Wednesday’s practice was without pads because of the heat. “They went the first hour in just jerseys and pants before going with full pads the last hour,” she said.
For Friday’s game, Kozemko says she will have two ice baths rather than the usual one on the Cougars sideline just in case. “I’m trying to be proactive. I’m walking around all the time checking on the players constantly chatting with them making sure everyone is OK,” said Kozemko.
Ice towels are also another tool Kozemko, who is provided to CCHS by Tennova La Follette Medical Center, has in her arsenal of keeping her players safe. “So, if I notice someone starting to feel a little bit dizzy, I’ll grab one of those and throw it on their neck to hopefully quickly cool them off,” said Kozemko.
Kozemko also keeps tabs on the heat that comes off Reynolds Field. “This week’s reading has hit 90, and we can still go at that, but 92 is the mark that will pause or cancel a practice or game,” said Kozemko. She gets her reading by using a wet bulb thermometer that automatically calculates the air temperature, humidity and breeze.
Campbell hosts Karns in the first region game of the season, and WLAF has the full radio, TV and internet coverage.
Since tonight’s game time was pushed back to eight o’clock, she’s thinking that will help it to be a little cooler. She also has a surprise for the players tonight. “I’m making Gatorade, blue, for them. They don’t normally get Gatorade. I’m pulling out all the stops,” said Kozemko. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/04/2026-6AM)