Heat stroke has been a hot topic in the football world this summer.

Several football players at the high school, collegiate and professional levels died this summer while practicing for their respective teams.

The most recent deaths at the college and professional levels have been to Rashidi Wheeler of Northwestern University and Korey Stringer of the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings.

Many schools are changing their practice schedules and activities on account of the heat.

Locally, Sacramento State Hornet athletes are prime targets of heat stroke with 100-degree temperatures blazing down on the practice fields.

“We are fortunate that just about all of our players come from California, so they are used to these weather conditions,” said John Volek, Hornet head football coach.

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body’s normal cooling system – sweating – becomes inefficient due to high temperatures, humidity and/or exertion.

When this occurs, one’s body temperature can rise rapidly, which can result in brain and organ damage.

“We hydrate our players all the time and make sure that we always have at least six trainers on the field,” Volek said.

The staff also makes sure trainers know of any prescription drugs or medical conditions a player might have.

The Hornet football team has seen no serious cases of heat-related illnesses so far this year.

Despite initial reports that labeled heat stroke as the primary cause of death in many of the recent tragic cases around the country, Volek thinks otherwise.

“If you research the cases you will find that one was a diuretic and several others had heart conditions,” Volek said.

After investigation, asthma – not heat stroke – was cited as the primary cause of Wheeler’s death. Linda Will, Wheeler’s mother, is filing a lawsuit against the school saying that the practice in which Wheeler collapsed and died was not properly staffed.

Hornet sophomore wide receiver Kenan Smith believes the football program has proper staffing of sports trainers.

“We have good communication between us (the players) and the trainers,” Smith said.

Player egos and reputations also play major factors.

As is the case with Stringer, an All-Pro offensive lineman during his tenure in the NFL.

Stringer was noted as being embarrassed after being carted off the field during a summer practice. He came back and practiced the next day, vomiting throughout. He did not seek the help of a trainer until after the practice was over.

He later lost consciousness and died.

“If they feel tired, if they feel exhausted or take a hard hit, don’t be embarrassed to say ‘I’m hurt’ and go to the sidelines,” Leanord Carter, Sr. said.

Carter’s 14-year-old son, Leanord Carter, Jr., died of a heatstroke while practicing for the Lamar High football team in Texas.

The elder Carter spoke with the media the day after his son passed away.If nothing else, these recent deaths have brought awareness to a problem that is taking the lives of America’s youth.

Players are beginning to realize that football is not worth risking their lives for, even if it means suffering from the embarrassment of leaving the field.

“My safety is more important than my ego,” Smith said.