In response to a significant heat wave sweeping across South Dakota, numerous sporting events this weekend have had their start times modified to ensure the safety and comfort of players and fans alike. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will reach or exceed 90 degrees throughout the state on Friday, prompting these adjustments.
High school football remains a staple of Friday night activities, but five games have been rescheduled to later times to avoid the peak heat. Among the notable changes, the game between Rapid City Stevens and Jefferson has been pushed from its original start time of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Lincoln versus Roosevelt matchup will commence 20 minutes after the conclusion of the Stevens-Jefferson game. Other adjusted games include Washington at Harrisburg, now starting at 7 p.m., and both Pierre at Yankton and Canton at Dakota Valley, which have been moved to 8 p.m.
The Pierre versus Yankton game was one of the earliest to make this change, reflecting the growing concern over player safety in extreme temperatures. In addition to football, Yankton also rescheduled its soccer doubleheader against Watertown, moving the start times to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday. Furthermore, tennis matches originally set for Friday have been moved to earlier in the day, starting at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
As the heat wave continues into Saturday, temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-90s, leading to further adjustments in college football matchups. Four games within the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) have altered their kickoff times to accommodate the weather conditions. Doane will now play at Dakota Wesleyan University at 11 a.m., while Hastings’ game against Dordt has been shifted from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, Briar Cliff's matchup with Mount Marty has been moved from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Northwestern will now face Morningside at 7 p.m. instead of the originally scheduled 6 p.m.
These changes underscore the importance of player safety in high school and college sports, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Athletic programs are taking proactive measures to ensure that athletes can compete in a safe environment, reflecting a growing awareness of the risks associated with high temperatures.
As the weekend approaches, schools and athletic departments across South Dakota remain vigilant, monitoring the weather and making necessary adjustments to ensure the health and safety of all participants. With the heat wave expected to persist, further changes may be on the horizon for upcoming events.
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