Athletes continue training at Fresno State despite heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Much like these warm temperatures, the competition is heating up at Bulldog Stadium.

Battle in the Valley and Dirt Dog Camp started with a morning of seven-on-seven pool games, but these athletes aren't sporting their swimming gear.

More than 20 high school varsity football teams took to Fresno State's Bulldog Stadium.

"All these coaches want to get out here play seven-on-seven, get a chance for their guys to compete for awesome opportunity to play at Bulldog Stadium," said camp director Spencer Harris.

Athletes from as far north as Stockton and as far south as Bakersfield were eager to play in front of Fresno State's football coach Jeff Tedford and staff, but it was safety that stayed as the top priority

"Our rep from Gatorade spoke to them beforehand about staying hydrated," Harris said. "And we told the coaches, bring their tents bring their coolers."

The summer heat and lack of shade weren't the only concern, it was the playing field itself. The camp was split into eight different half-fields - two on Bulldog Stadium's Astroturf which gets eight to 10 degrees hotter than a grass playing field.

The camp had athletic trainers at each scrimmage to make sure their players stayed hydrated. Anita Camargo stocked up on ice, cold drinks and snacks to make sure her wide receiver, Mateo, could focus on the game.

"I'm taking extra precaution for my son and our boys from Kerman," she said. "I have extra ice Gatorade and towels for them."

Hydration is of utmost importance as receivers and their defenders typically rack up most of the yardage.

"I was very nervous because the heat hit us quick this year," Camargo said.

Despite the humidity and heat, each athlete put their best cleat forward for the opportunity to play.