Have you ever attempted to hike up a mountain? Did you notice your light-head, shortness of breath, burning lungs, and other effects? You were probably experiencing the effects of the altitude- the main element and central force in the Mountain West Conference (or at least for the poor teams at sea level).
According to online sources (and I know other athletes can agree), while at altitude attempting to take part in strenuous activity many things happen to the body:
- Depth of respiration increases
- Pressure in pulmonary arteries increases, forcing blood into portions of the lung not normally used
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
Below is a list of Mountain West schools and their respective elevations:
1. Wyoming, 7220 feet
2. Air Force, 6600 feet
3. Colorado State, 5200 feet
4. New Mexico, 5100 feet
5. BYU, 4660 feet
6. Utah, 4660 feet
7. UNLV, 2024 feet
8. TCU, 635 feet
9. SDSU, 441 feet
1. Wyoming, 7220 feet
2. Air Force, 6600 feet
3. Colorado State, 5200 feet
4. New Mexico, 5100 feet
5. BYU, 4660 feet
6. Utah, 4660 feet
7. UNLV, 2024 feet
8. TCU, 635 feet
9. SDSU, 441 feet
Schools even use their altitude training and prowess against their opponents, such as the picture below taken at the Air Force Academy pool...
So is the conference technically fair? Last time I checked Fort Worth, Texas was not mountainous or very far west, so why must all the TCU, and San Diego State for that matter, athletes be forced to torture at the hands of altitude? Do you think it makes a difference, or is altitude more of a mental force?
Let me know your thoughts!
I agree Sarah...not fair at all!
ReplyDeleteI think it's called home field advantage; maybe not technically fair but a big part of sports. What Frog or Aztec wouldn't want to see the Air Force Academy? The 1968 Summer Olympics were held in Mexico City (7349 feet), real athletes show up and compete; anywhere, anytime!
ReplyDeleteHaha I think Eric posted that from my computer. I don't know that I'd say it's not fair... but it's definitely an advantage for the home team. If you haven't competed at altitude before just imagine lighting a match inside your lungs in the middle of a race... that's what it feels like. However, we still won quite a few races despite the disadvantage. It just makes victory that much sweeter :)
ReplyDeleteSarah, you know the SEC is the best conference for footbal. Being here in Fort Worth at the NAS JRB we have one person who is a gator fan, one who is and LSU fan and one who is a Texas Tech fan so you know I have to rub it in that Ole MIss beat all 3 of them. Go Rebs.
ReplyDeleteBruce