(843) 991-2695Free Consultation Request
Medicare Agent in Charlotte, NC
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Charlotte, NC or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Charlotte, NC
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Medicare Agent in Charlotte, NC
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Medicare Agent
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Charlotte, NC
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Charlotte, NC is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Medicare Agent in Charlotte, NC
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer Medicare Agent in Charlotte, NC. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Medicare Agent
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 82 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance for Teresa
Senior Medicare Plans for Wendy
Medicare plans for michele
Senior Health Insurance for Macklyn
Healthcare for Mary
Burial Insurance for Midnightflowerphonix
Medicare Advantage for Linda
Senior Medicare Insurance for Larry
Medicare for Joan
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance for Carol
Senior Medicare Plans for Elisa
Medicare plans for Andrea
Senior Health Insurance for Bernard
Healthcare for Judie
Burial Insurance for Richard
Medicare Advantage for Cindy
Senior Medicare Insurance for Judith
Medicare for Raymond
Senior Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance for Daniel
Senior Medicare Plans for Rodney
Medicare plans for Shields
Senior Health Insurance for E
Healthcare for Amanda
Burial Insurance for Janice
Medicare Advantage for Felicia
Latest News in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte area may have to pay back nearly $70M for I-77 South toll lane project
Spencer Chrismanhttps://www.wbtv.com/2026/09/05/charlotte-area-may-have-pay-back-nearly-70m-i-77-south-toll-lane-project/
The video above is a live stream of WBTV and affiliated programming, and may not be directly related to the article below.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The city of Charlotte and surrounding cities and towns could be on the hook to pay back nearly $70 million to the state for Interstate 77 South toll lane project.On Friday, Sept. 4, WBTV obtained a breakdown of the amount that the North Carolina Department of Transportation spent on the I-77 toll lane project.According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation,...
The video above is a live stream of WBTV and affiliated programming, and may not be directly related to the article below.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The city of Charlotte and surrounding cities and towns could be on the hook to pay back nearly $70 million to the state for Interstate 77 South toll lane project.
On Friday, Sept. 4, WBTV obtained a breakdown of the amount that the North Carolina Department of Transportation spent on the I-77 toll lane project.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the department spent a total of $69,577,547.67 from November 2018 through Aug. 31.
Nearly $60 million was spent on fees paid to contractors, around $5 million was spent on legal fees and around $1.8 million was spent on labor costs, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization voted in May to rescind support for the express toll lane project.
However, in July, North Carolina leaders approved a $34 billion state budget that said the North Carolina Department of Transportation can recover project costs from cities like Charlotte that backed out.
Since then, Statesville, Monroe and Cornelius have voted to support the I-77 expansion again.
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization has until Oct. 5, to decide if they are going to renew support for the project. A vote is expected in an upcoming September meeting.
In a July letter, North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson outlined how the department could provide $300 million in additional investments.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation said the proposed benefits could include more green space, bike lanes, public art and efforts aimed at addressing food access, including grocery stores, in areas considered food deserts.
Secretary Johnson said in the letter that he will wait for a vote by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization in September before removing the project from the State Transportation Improvement Plan.
CATS Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Gold Line Service
charlottenc.govhttps://www.charlottenc.gov/CATS/News/CATS-Celebrates-Fifth-Anniversary-of-Gold-Line-Service
Press ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAug. 31, 2026Contact: 980-722-0311CATSPR@charlottenc.govCHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Gold Line streetcar and looks forward to continued investment in the system.The Gold Line opened for passenger service on Aug. 30, 2021. The route serves 17 stations along four miles of track between French Street Station in the Historic West End and Sunnyside Station near Plaza Midwo...
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2026
Contact: 980-722-0311
CATSPR@charlottenc.gov
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Gold Line streetcar and looks forward to continued investment in the system.
The Gold Line opened for passenger service on Aug. 30, 2021. The route serves 17 stations along four miles of track between French Street Station in the Historic West End and Sunnyside Station near Plaza Midwood. Since its opening, the Gold Line has carried more than 2.8 million passengers, with top stops including CTC Arena, Tryon Street, Johnson & Wales, CPCC and Sunnyside.
The Gold Line introduced a first of its kind hybrid Siemens S700 streetcar. The vehicles can run on overhead wire, but can also utilize an onboard battery system that allows wire free operation through Uptown, preserving the Tryon Street parade route and enabling safe passage under low clearance bridges along the alignment.
As a result of the Mecklenburg County voter-approved sales tax referendum in November 2025, and as part of the 2055 Transit System Plan, an extension that will add approximately six miles of track and up to 17 stations is planned for the future. The proposed extension will create new connections to the Eastland Community Transit Center and the Rosa Parks Community Transit Center. The Gold Line will also provide a critical link between the proposed Charlotte Gateway Station and other transit corridors.
“The Gold Line serves some of Charlotte’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods, and its success reflects the value of investing in communities,” said Brent Cagle, Interim CEO of CATS. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a system that supports every rider, every day.”
As the Gold Line advances into its next chapter, the system will continue to play a vital role in connecting communities, supporting local businesses and providing reliable, accessible transit for residents and visitors.
Use the CATS-Pass app for live vehicle tracking and trip planning. For questions or concerns, riders can speak directly to a customer service representative at 704-366-7433.
The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request a reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge), please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433. Call Center open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 - 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 - 4 p.m.
Which Charlotte dive bars have the best food? Here's a taste of the Top 10
Evan Moorehttps://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article317115777.html
I get hungry when I drink.And as a relatively frequent dive bar customer in Charlotte, my options are usually limited to popcorn, nachos or some other sodium-packed pub snack designed to absorb the last few drops of water that weren’t already soaked up by the 10 Bud Lights I’ve had over the past few hours.So I put together a list of the 10 best dives to grab some grub. But before I get into it, if you read to the end and question why your favorite dive was snubbed, here’s the criteria I used:With that s...
I get hungry when I drink.
And as a relatively frequent dive bar customer in Charlotte, my options are usually limited to popcorn, nachos or some other sodium-packed pub snack designed to absorb the last few drops of water that weren’t already soaked up by the 10 Bud Lights I’ve had over the past few hours.
So I put together a list of the 10 best dives to grab some grub. But before I get into it, if you read to the end and question why your favorite dive was snubbed, here’s the criteria I used:
With that said, here’s where to find the best dive bar food in Charlotte.
Angry Ale’s
Location:
Angry Ale’s has , and part of its staying power is the food. I usually get the chicken tenders, but I tried the egg rolls (filled with chicken, chopped bacon and Philly cheesesteak) for the first time recently, and it didn’t take long for it to become my go-to order.
Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia
Location:
Location:
Any spot that has is good in my book. You can build your own pizza there for under $15, or try the Nuttin But Meat, loaded with pepperoni, ham, sausage, beef and bacon, or the Al-fredo pizza, topped with alfredo sauce, chicken, broccoli and mozzarella.
Comet Grill
Location:
Comet Grill has been , including its classic burger — topped with pimento cheese, bacon, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard and ketchup — and its Carolina burger — with all-meat chili, mustard, onions and slaw.
Copperhead Social Club
Location:
I’m a firm believer that fries should have toppings whenever possible, and I’m glad shares that philosophy. The Green Chili fries are topped with chopped burger, roasted green chiles, queso fresco and cilantro mayo, but you can opt for the Shoestring Parmesan fries with roasted garlic aioli for something less messy.
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille
Location:
Location: 940 Market St, Fort Mill, SC 29708
Dilworth Neighborhood Grille isn’t just known for . Personal favorites of mine include the Buffalo chicken dip and the Greek chicken pita, but the menu includes something for every appetite.
Ed’s Tavern
Location:
Location:
Southwest egg rolls are uniquely American, and has some of the best I’ve ever tasted. You can’t go wrong with a burger, and the club sandwich is severely underrated. The wings are great, too.
JackBeagles
Location:
Location:
Go with a Beagle Burger. Get the classic burger (with lettuce, tomato and onion) for something tried and true, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the Jack Mac, topped with pimento cheese and bacon. And the waffle fries pair well with any beer.
Moosehead Grill
Location:
You can’t go to Moosehead and . It’s consistently rated as one of the top wing spots in the city, and you’ll find out why as soon as you take a bite.
Saeed’s Bar and Grill
Location:
If you know someone with a boat on Lake Norman, Saeed’s is where you’ll want to go after being on the water. The chicken tenders and fries hit the spot after a long day of drinking, and it’s also a great spot to continue drinking.
Thomas Street Tavern
Location:
I’m partial to the hot dogs at T-Street, but the appetizers are good, too. Order the chicken nachos, take them out to the patio and try your hand at cornhole or ping pong. I’ve still never won at either.
Your guide to 2026 college football watch parties in Charlotte
Heidi Finleyhttps://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article317120231.html
College football is back on our screens, and Charlotte is stacked with spots where fans can catch their favorite sports teams with fellow alumni while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat.Whether you’re cheering for a Carolina team like UNC, Duke, Clemson or USC — or you’re a transplant from somewhere else — here’s a list of where local college alumni chapters offer NCAA college football watch parties around the city:Appalachian State UniversityLocation: 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209...
College football is back on our screens, and Charlotte is stacked with spots where fans can catch their favorite sports teams with fellow alumni while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat.
Whether you’re cheering for a Carolina team like UNC, Duke, Clemson or USC — or you’re a transplant from somewhere else — here’s a list of where local college alumni chapters offer NCAA college football watch parties around the city:
Appalachian State University
Location: 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 601 S Cedar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Auburn University
Location: 1531 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Clemson University
Location: 1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
East Carolina University
Location: 1113 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28205
Location: 601 S Cedar St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 4548 Old Pineville Rd, Suite A, Charlotte NC 28217
Florida State University
Location: 200 E Bland St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Louisiana State University
Location: 4001-A Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Michigan State University
Location: 1423 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Penn State University
Location: 8155 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 19906 N Cove Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Location: 1212 Central Ave, Charlotte NC 28204
The Ohio State University
Location: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way #100, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 227 Southside Dr Unit A, Charlotte, NC 28217
Location: 13812 Cinnabar Pl, Huntersville, NC 28078
University of Alabama
Location: 14015 Conlan Cir, Charlotte, NC 28277
Location: 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
University of Florida
Location: 911 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
University of Georgia
Location: 1906 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
University of Iowa
Location: 1627 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
University of Kentucky
Location: 911 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
University of Louisville
Location: 1513 Pierson Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
University of Michigan
Location: 3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
University of Nebraska
Location: 4001-A Yancey Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: 1300 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
University of Notre Dame
Location: 317 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
University of South Carolina
Location: 1515 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
University of Tennessee
Location: 2101 Central Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
University of Texas
Location: 208 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Virginia Tech
Location: 400 S Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Location: 1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
West Virginia University
Location: 911 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Did we miss a college football watch party location? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com. Information was contributed by Philip Freeman and Chyna Blackmon.
Dangerous heat, humidity force Charlotte area high school football teams to adjust schedules
Katy Solthttps://www.wbtv.com/2026/09/04/dangerous-heat-humidity-force-charlotte-area-high-school-football-teams-adjust-schedules/
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Several high school football games in the Charlotte region are starting later than usual on Friday nights, with some kickoffs delayed to 7:30 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. because of heat.At schools like East Gaston High School, the temperatures have also affected whether teams can practice outdoors.East Gaston head football coach Nate Medici said the heat has increased in recent years.“It’s just it’s gotten worse every, every year,” Medici said.East Gaston senio...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Several high school football games in the Charlotte region are starting later than usual on Friday nights, with some kickoffs delayed to 7:30 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. because of heat.
At schools like East Gaston High School, the temperatures have also affected whether teams can practice outdoors.
East Gaston head football coach Nate Medici said the heat has increased in recent years.
“It’s just it’s gotten worse every, every year,” Medici said.
East Gaston senior Kody Trantham said some days make it clear practice outside won’t be possible.
“Some days you do walk outside your house on the way to practice and you’re like, there’s no way, there’s no way of practicing today,” Trantham said.
“We can’t practice like at least one day a week, at least, if we don’t move practice,” Trantham said.
East Gaston senior Brady Miller said missing outdoor practice affects the team.
“It’s unfortunate days we can’t go outside because we really want to have that practice time as a team to bond and get better as a team,” Miller said.
East Gaston Athletic Director Haley Stewart said state regulations limit what sports teams can do when equipment readings rise above a certain number.
“So it takes into account heat and humidity. And then that kind of determines how we run our practice, whether it’s less equipment, less time, more water breaks, or if we can be outside at all,” Stewart said.
Medici said coaches and trainers have made adjustments to still hold some form of practice.
“We might come in the gym, we might go and we spend some time, we plan to try and watch film, get on the whiteboard, a little more of the mental side of the game, but we have plans in place for those days where it’s just too hot to go outside,” Medici said.
Students have access to water, sports drinks and electrolytes, and often drink a bottle of water during every class.
“The number one thing I’m worried about is player safety and keeping these guys healthy to perform the best they can on Friday night,” Medici said.
Trantham said the atmosphere on game nights makes the adjustments worthwhile.
“We have a great atmosphere for game nights and the lights are on. It’s just one-on-one, team versus team,” Trantham said.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s just a fantastic experience that I don’t want to take for granted. I mean, being able to go out every Friday night, have the entire community watching us, supporting us, it’s just a fantastic thing that I really do enjoy,” Miller said.
Coaches say fans attending games can bring in a clear water bottle, and concession stands will be stocked to help people stay hydrated.
Disclaimer:
