In early August three Baker University men’s soccer players were sent to the hospital after succumbing to the heat during pre-season training workouts.
Head coach Alan Koch said freshman David Cooper, sophomore Matt Hodges and junior Josh McDaniel all made trips to the hospital to be treated for dehydration and heat exhaustion.
“All three men were treated and released quickly,” Koch said.
Koch said the coaches and training staff try to take all the necessary precautions in these types of situations to make sure the athletes remain safe.
“Any one of the guys could have suffered major damage but thankfully they are all OK,” senior goalkeeper Bret Clark said.
Koch said the combination of intense workouts and lack of fluids took its toll on the three players.
“Many times, players come into pre-season camp out of shape and unprepared for the intense workouts,” Koch said. “But I don’t think that was the case for any of these men. I believe they came here to camp in shape, I just think the heat and humidity really got to them.”
Koch said the team has only suffered one major injury, which is the broken toe of senior defender Nathan Chiarelli.
“Nathan could be a major impact player for this team and we will only get better when he returns.”