"Other Sources" Investigated As Causes Of Football Team Illness

STEVENSVILLE, Md. (WUSA) -- Extreme heat is the most likely cause of the illnesses that felled 17 players and coaches of the Kent Island High School varsity football team Thursday.

Even so, other sources such as the water and food shared by the team during the day will be investigated, according to Carol Williamson, the superintendent of Queen Anne's County Schools.

"We had all of our teams practicing out here yesterday," Williamson said. "No other team had a problem. And (the football team) had only been practicing for about 45 minutes when all of this occurred. So that's why we are looking at other sources."

Fourteen players and three coaches were taken to hospitals after an emergency call was made from the school at about 4:45 p.m. Thursday.

All of the victims were back on their feet Friday, according to Williamson.

The superintendent expressed confidence that the school's coaching staff had taken appropriate precautions to prevent injury.

"These are good, experienced coaches," she said.

Even so, Williamson said there will be a review of the county's policies regarding athletic activities in heat.