All-out blitz for student athlete drug testing
State’s new drug-testing policy welcomed by local high school athletes, coa
August 12, 2009
Jeff Beck knows of what he speaks when it comes to high school athletes being tested for performance-enhancing drugs.
The
former Dundee-Crown basketball standout participated in a random test
during the Chargers' fourth-place appearance at the state finals last
season. Beck, The Courier-News Player of the Year, missed most of the
Class 4A state title game while trying to produce a sample.
"I drank about five bottles of water," he said.
Beck was one of an estimated 700 student-athletes who were tested
for anabolic steroids and stimulants during Illinois High School
Association state competitions.
That number will increase this school year thanks to House Bill 272, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday.
The law states that any high school athlete in Illinois can be
tested randomly during their respective season of competition.
Penalties for a positive test could include a one-year suspension from
the activity.
Beck, who also played football at the Carpentersville school, says that's OK by him.
"I think it's a good thing," he said. "When you see all of these
(major league) baseball players" using performance-enhancing drugs,
"it's not fair to the people who aren't."
Knowing what's OK
That's the sentiment among most area coaches reached by The Courier-News this week.
"I think it's great, and I'd be the first coach to have his team
sign up for a test," said Mike Rolando, football and softball coach at
St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin. "People might look at
it as an infringement on someone's rights, but it's hard for a coach to
monitor every player.
"Anything that can deter this from happening, I'm for it. Our
athletes know that it's not acceptable. They know right from wrong."
The testing is to be done by a third party that is independent of
the IHSA and the schools. It will be funded through an added $50 court
fee for persons charged with drug-related offenses.
"It's great. I don't have a problem with it at all," Burlington
Central boys track coach Mike Schmidt said. "Just the thought that
there's a possibility of being tested could curb a kid who's thinking
about it."
More than one coach in the area has confirmed that there have been
rumors of performance-enhancing drug use by Illinois athletes. But the
testing done by the IHSA found no athletes violated its drug policy.
Six individuals tested positive, but they were granted medical
exceptions and were not penalized.
Elgin High School football coach Dave Bierman said Maroons athletes are warned about the existing IHSA policy.
Team physician Nick Bumbales "talks to all the athletes here,"
Bierman said. "And I think (the new policy) is a good thing from a
safety standpoint. It's a good idea, because you would think the
football players would take that in the spring during weight lifting.
"They could skirt the issue if there's only testing during the playoffs."
Girls no exception
Female athletes are tested, too. Several members of the Burlington
Central volleyball team were tested during the Rockets' run to a
second-place finish at state last fall.
Central volleyball star Stephanie Holthus, The Courier-News Player
of the Year, was not one of those tested. But she said, "I definitely
think this is a good thing. If you're into that kind of stuff, you
shouldn't be representing your school. But I personally haven't seen
any (performance-enhancing drug use) in volleyball."
The law also requires coaches to complete a program about the dangers of steroids.
"This is probably a good idea," longtime Hampshire football coach
Dan Cavanaugh said. "You always hear the rumors about this type of
stuff, but I've never seen it happen. I'm sure it goes on.
"But if nothing else, it will make kids aware of it. It's like we
tell our kids: 'You get stronger the old-fashioned way — through hard
work.'?"