SHERRARD CONSIDERS DRUG TESTING FOR ATHLETES

Sherrard, IL -- Student-athletes at Sherrard High School could soon be
subject to random drug testing. The district has been considering
implementing a policy since early last year.

Already, coaches and student-athletes have been surveyed on the issue. And
parents were invited to a recent informational meeting.

"The turnout was small and we're still trying to determine what that
means," Athletic Director Jim Lee said. "I guess what we're thinking right
now is the small turnout was an indication to us that people are OK with
it. We felt if there were a lot of thoughts against it, that maybe we'd
have a larger turnout."

Sherrard has relied on information from Rock Falls High School concerning
random drug testing. The Whiteside County School implemented a policy seven
years ago.

"We're trying to take this process slowly," Lee said. "We want to make
sure we do things right and don't just jump into anything and regret that
we did it in the first place."

Before the issue is voted on by the full school board, a special committee
will be set up to make a recommendation.

"We'll put together a task force," Lee said. "We'll bring in
representatives from many areas. The administration, the coaching staff,
parents and other members of the community. They'll look at the aspects of
random drug testing and how it could fit at Sherrard and is there a need
for it at Sherrard."