Athletes treated for heat exhaustion
A number of high school athletes were treated for heat exhaustion and dehydration Saturday, prompting cancellation of the boys varsity West Stampede cross country race in Sugar Grove.
About 20 boys and girls high school teams were competing in the annual race, including students from Bartlett, Batavia, Marmion, Rosary, St. Charles North, St. Edward, Glenbard East, Glenbard North, Naperville Central, Wheaton Warrenville South, Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South.
The meet started at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Waubonsee Community College. As the day wore on, the list of athletes suffering effects of the high temperatures kept growing.
Shortly before the girls varsity race ran at 11:20 a.m., rumors began flowing, ranging from shortages of water and other liquids to reports of runners seeking medical attention.
The boys race was scheduled to be run at noon, but word quickly came that it was to be postponed.
During this time, North Aurora firefighters obliged the crowd of athletes by turning on their engine's water hoses and spraying water into the air to cool the athletes off.
About 30 minutes later, meet volunteers began breaking down the starting and finishing lines because local authorities made the decision to cancel the boys meet entirely due to the heat. By the time the decision was made, ambulances and emergency units from at least 11 agencies had arrived at the meet.