Steroids, hormones, overtraining, stress injuries – the world of high school sports has ushered in a host of new issues in recent years. The death of Kentucky high school football player, Max Gilpin, was brought to light again today as the trial began for his former coach.

Max Gilpin collapsed during practice last August, while running in 94-degree heat. He died three days later.

His coach, David Stinson, now faces charges of reckless homicide and wanton endangerment.

Witnesses at a nearby soccer field claim that Coach Stinson denied players water while they ran sprints at the end of practice. Others watching the practice say nothing was unusual until Gilpin collapsed.

Jimmie Reed, the executive director of the Kentucky Football Coaches Association, said “It was an act of God that’s completely out of our hands. I don’t see where Coach Stinson did anything that could have prevented it.”

What do you think? Are high school sports too intense these days? Find out more about fitness and steroid use.