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Bryan Station High School football coach J.T. Haskins walked away from a lightning strike on July 17 and is now warning others to prioritize safety during summer workouts. His close call — struck while locking a metal gate after a weather-shortened 7-on-7 event in Lexington — underscores how quickly a routine drill can turn dangerous.
A sudden, violent jolt
According to local reports, Haskins was securing the field after organizers halted the session because storms were moving in. When he grasped the fence post to close the gate, lightning hit the metal and sent him to his knees.
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Haskins told the Lexington Herald-Leader the strike “lit it up” and left him momentarily pinned to the post before the current released. His wife, who had just driven through the same entrance, and a nearby friend were able to assist him immediately.
He visited Central Baptist Hospital that day; doctors found no burns and he drove home on his own. He returned the next morning after feeling chest tightness and was released after diagnostic tests. Medical staff suggested the electrical charge could temporarily affect muscle function, accounting for the discomfort he experienced.
Coaching beyond Xs and Os
Haskins used his experience to push a simple, stark message to coaches, athletes and event organizers: safety must come first. In a social-media post he wrote that no practice or game is worth risking a life and urged others to “err on the side of caution” when lightning is nearby.
The sentiment is particularly relevant during the offseason, when schools across Kentucky and nationwide hold passing leagues and summer competitions. Organizers juggle maximizing practice time with the responsibility to protect players and staff from fast-moving storms.
What weather authorities advise
The long-standing guidance from the National Weather Service remains clear: when thunder is audible, seek shelter immediately. Lightning can strike miles away from the core of a storm, so early precaution is essential.
- Seek a substantial building or a fully enclosed vehicle at the first sound of thunder.
- Avoid metal objects and open structures such as bleachers, flagpoles or chain-link fences.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before returning outdoors.
- Have a plan – designate an indoor safe zone and a clear cancellation policy before events begin.
Most high school athletic associations require that outdoor activity be suspended when lightning is detected within a predetermined distance of the site, and participants must remain sheltered until officials declare conditions safe.
Why this matters now
As teams ramp up for the upcoming season, many programs push to squeeze in extra reps during summer. Haskins’ account is a timely reminder that weather can change in minutes and that the cost of misjudging risk can be severe.
His closing appeal is straightforward and practical: prioritize people over practices. “No event, practice or game is ever worth risking your life,” Haskins wrote — advice that applies to athletics and any outdoor activity when storms approach.
