Tuesday, April 23, 2024
FUELING UP: Athletic trainer Andy Rankin's job offers plenty of challenge including impromptu lunches to fuel and hydrate GHS athletes.
On Saturday, Granbury athletic trainer Andy Rankin had the unique challenge of feeding a group of teenage baseball players without making them sluggish between games two and three of the Pirates’ playoff series.
The Pirates had just fought through a two-hour long game, and the Texas heat had turned itself up into the mid-90s. Rankin’s job was to make sure the Pirates had the fuel they needed to finish out game three.
“Today, it’s different because it is hot and humid,” Rankin said. “So, we want something light, but that still has some calories in it to give us a little gas and fuel their tanks. That way, they can last another two or three hours.”
Rankin further explained his planning.
“This has been a long day for them, and the last time they ate was 10:30 this morning. The next time they are going to be able to eat will be around 5:30. That’s a long time,” Rankin said. “We’ve got bananas, energy bars, trail mix, Gatorade and sliced pickles for them. The main goal is to keep the food light and prevent dehydration.”
Russell@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066 ext. 231
