CIF Track and Field State Championships moves back events because of high heat

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- While crews over at Buchanan High School in Clovis prepped for the CIF Track and Field State Championships. Chinenye Agina, a sophomore at Sanger High School, worked on perfecting her high jump. It's what she'll be doing in triple digit weather Friday, and possibly Saturday, with the hopes of taking home the gold.

"Saturday is going to be hotter than this."

The weather, though, not a problem for this first-year track star.

"If you really think you're going to do good, weather should not be a factor,' said Agina.

But it is something her coach, Clay Manning, worries about.

"In the heat of the day, it's going to take its toll, it's going to be attrition for some of those qualifiers as to who ends up finishing on the podium Saturday."

To Manning's luck, CIF Wednesday afternoon changed the schedule to make weather conditions for the athletes better, by pushing back both field and running events by at least an hour. So runners on Friday will now start at 6:15 p.m. and those participating in field events will start at 5:00 p.m. And on Saturday runners will take off at 7:00 p.m. and field events will begin at 6:00 p.m.

"People come from across the state, and our state is vast and there's lots of different climates, and so, we're just taking these extra precautions to give everyone the best possible environment for everyone to participate in," said Rebecca Brutlag, CIF.

American Ambulance, who will be at the event, said the best way to avoid heat exhaustion is by staying hydrated.

"Drink lots of water, try to avoid sports and caffeinated beverages," said Ben Garcia, American Ambulance paramedic.

Paramedics say for those who will be trapped under the sun on metal benches-- bring some sort of blanket to avoid burns.

In addition to moving the events back an hour, CIF said there will be hydration stations, cooling areas, and tents out for the athletes.