The grass was cut. The lines were painted. Tryouts had been held and teams had gotten to know one another. All the elements of a typical EHS athletic season had fallen into place.

One thing was missing. Players.

Record-high summer temperatures around America had left many of Edwardsville’s teams with no choice but to cancel practices or move their activities indoors.

For ninth-grade field hockey player Maggie Moseley, playing inside has complicated her transition into high school sports.

“I got used to playing outside, in rough grass, so I’m not used to the ball moving so easily,” Moseley said. “But I think it’s good for me to get better at.

Playing on smooth gym floors lets the ball move faster, a change Moseley saw as a potential opportunity for improvement.

“It could help us with faster passes, but I’m not too sure,” Moseley said.

Moving field hockey into the gym allowed the team to meet despite extreme weather conditions, but Moseley said multiple teams competing for indoor space had left practices “cramped.”

EHS marching band, having moved their practices into the auditorium during the heat indexes, managed to get onto the field amidst the hot weather.

“With the little time we have on the field, we have to move quickly when it comes to learning our show,” senior band member Rachel Mueller said. “Rehearsals are more fast-paced than usual, and there is little room for wasted reps or idle time.”

Though teams had spent weeks battling the heat, the weather would offer a different challenge in the coming days. Heavy rains brought EHS athletics indoors again.

For marching band, changing practice yet again was necessary to adapt to the weather.

“Even if it rains, we try to work past it and get on the field as soon as possible. If rehearsal starts in the rain, we head inside until it clears up and get back to practice,” Mueller said. “I think the sudden change in weather was unexpected, but we work through it like any other obstacle.”

Though adverse weather conditions kept many EHS teams from meeting normally, many players remain optimistic. According to junior cross country runner Carson Looper, changes at the start of the year won’t lead to setbacks later in the season.

“I think that [indoor practices] should not have a huge impact on the team. Especially if we work hard as a team,” Looper said.

Through a combination of indoor practices and limited time outdoors, marching band is meeting its goals, according to Mueller.

“I think we are doing a good job keeping up the pace needed to succeed. Even though we may not have had as much time on the field as some other bands, we are accomplishing everything we need to as we push through the heat,” she said.

With seasons progressing regardless of weather, athletes are setting their sights towards reaching their athletic goals.

“We need to get everyone excited for our work outs, and especially our races,” Looper said. “I feel like that will build motivation towards the team to work harder and harder at the practices.”