2007 THE YEAR IN LOCAL SPORTS-4. Heat wave alters sports scene

Scorching August temperatures forced coaches and teams from around not only the local area, but the entire state to rethink their preseason preparations.

During the first half of the month, school system officials called a halt to all outdoor activities, as temperatures soared into triple-digits.

As a direct result, the Lady Pioneer soccer team’s plans for an all-day session of scrimmages were scrapped, and the Pioneer football team had to drastically alter its practice plans, moving into the Charlie Dalton Gym for toned-down drills. Both the WCHS and WCMS teams later changed their schedules, practicing after dark under the lights at Nunley Stadium and the WCMS baseball field.

After roughly a week temperatures cooled slightly, allowing squads to resume their normal schedules.