All-out blitz for student athlete drug testing
State’s new drug-testing policy welcomed by local high school athletes, coa
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.
(Sun-Times News Group File)
"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.' "
