As Houston’s sweltering summer temperatures continued to rise, the Houston football team came up with a creative solution to beat the sweltering heat. A refrigerated trailer, affectionately known as “Club Ice,” is the hottest thing on campus. This makeshift cooling station provides players with some much-needed respite during the hottest weeks of the year.
Jayden York, a transfer tight end, and wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV are among the players who have embraced this unique method of cooling down. “It’s like being at Walmart in the ice cream section,” York told the Houston Chronicle. He compared the experience to standing in front of an open freezer on a sweltering day. This refrigerated trailer is chilled between zero and minus eight degrees, allowing players to step inside for five minutes of refreshing relief. When they get out of the cold climate, they feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
The University of Houston coaching and medical staff implemented this cold therapy as part of their comprehensive strategy to prevent heat-related problems during morning workouts. As temperatures rose to 90 degrees and above, about two dozen players took turns cooling off in the trailer conveniently parked near the outdoor practice courts. Avery Power, a sports medicine intern, oversees the process, making sure the players get the most out of their brief stay in the icy retreat.
Although traditional cold water pools remain available, Club Ice has quickly become the preferred method of cooling down. Many players appreciate the alternative offered, noting that cold water pools can sometimes feel too extreme, but the trailer offers a “happy middle ground” that effectively cools the body down without overtaxing it.
Houston’s Donovan Smith on 2024 Manning Award preseason watch list
Cougars head coach Willie Fritz stresses the importance of beating the heat by holding practices in the cooler morning hours. He believes this approach, which he used during his tenure at Tulane, keeps players safe and focused. Fritz has no intention of returning to afternoon practices, as the early start also gives players time to rest and recover in the afternoon.
The cooling trailer is currently only available for one month, but talks are underway to expand its use throughout the season. Cougars players attest that it quickly lowers their body temperature after intense training sessions.
Ultimately, “Club Ice” is not just a novelty, but a crucial tool that helps the Houston Cougars beat the heat and stay at the top of their game.
