Bay area football coaches reassure parents after Orlando player death

TAMPA - A day after an Orlando area football player collapsed and died in the heat, bay area coaches are trying to reassure parents football in the summer is safe.

15-year-old Olivier Louis collapsed at Wekiva High School's football field during practice Tuesday. The heat index was triple digits. Orange County officials say an autopsy was performed today, but results may not be known for 12 weeks. One possible cause of death is heat stroke.

At Wharton High School, in New Tampa, head football coach Tim Kocher checked the school's hydrating machines. The giant water wagons are used to make sure players have enough water during practice.

"Every school has at least one of these machines," Kocher said. "We have three. . . A player can lose three to four pounds a day at practice in sweat...bigger players 10-12."

Hillsborough public school coaches make sure athletes get lots of water.

However, Kocher says parents and players have a responsibility too. Kocher says proper hydration begins 24-48 hours before a heat event. "By the time they get to practice, it's almost too late unless they drank a lot of water the night before," said Kocher.

At Tampa Bay Youth Football League, league President Scott Levison said, "Minimal, we have 20 minute water breaks. Every 20 minutes we stop for water, minimal."