NC'TOWN DRUG TESTING TO GET UNDER WAY

NEWCOMERSTOWN -- Two meetings will take place next week to inform
Newcomerstown High athletes and student drivers with parking permits
about the district's new drug testing policy and a new conditioning
program being instituted for all athletes.

Winter sport athletes are required to attend one of the two meetings,
set for Wednesday at 6 and Thursday at 4:30, Board of Education
members heard at their meeting Thursday. School officials also
encouraged other student athletes to attend.

The random drug testing program is to begin this semester. Students
and parents of students participating in winter sports and/or holding
parking permits will be required to sign "informed consent" agreements.

According to Athletic Director Matt Ritzert, up to 15 percent of
eligible students will be selected at random for a urinalysis test
that will screen for a wide variety of drugs including alcohol,
marijuana, nicotine, opiates, barbiturates, amphetamines, LSD,
anabolic steroids, cocaine and more.

Students who test positive will be required to participate in an
intervention program and will face suspension from parking privileges
and/or participation in athletics.

Ritzert explained that the tests are random and unannounced. They
will begin after the meetings but "before the month is out."