KODIAK'S PLAYER FOUND WITH COCAINE

If students at LCC needed any reminders about the pain illegal drugs can
cause, they got one in the form of another student.

Natasha Arthur, a guard for gold-medal-winning women's basketball team, was
stripped of her medal and suspended from competition for four years after
testing positive for cocaine metabolites.

The other players and team will keep their medals and national
championships title.

Arthur, a general studies student from Salmon Arm, B.C., was randomly
selected for testing at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association national
championships in Montreal.

In a prepared statement, she apologized for hurting her coach and teammates.

"I want to say I'm sorry this happened. I hope with all of my heart that
you can forgive me and that you realize how important you have all been in
my life this past year."

Arthur said that a week before nationals she was in a place where drugs
were available and believes something was placed in her drink. She
expressed regret at the choices that lead to this incident.

"From this experience I have learned that everyone, not just athletes,
needs to be careful and protect themselves by making sure you don't leave
drinks unattended and knowing who you're with."

Cheryl Dick, LCC vice-president of enrollment, said that the school wants
to support the women's team.

Dick said that Arthur would finish her courses at LCC and that counseling
services had been provided for her and her teammates. Dick said that it is
a difficult situation to handle for young athletes.

She also emphasized the necessity of educators to be available to talk to
and show care and concern for their students.

"For me, as a person in post-secondary education, it drives home the
importance of having conversations and remaining vigilant about illegal drugs."

Dick explained that all LCC athletes must attend a drug awareness seminar,
but athletic director, Tim Tollestrup, is looking at what else the college
can do to "elevate awareness."

Despite one player testing positive for drugs, Dick praised the team for
its hard work.

"I don't think this diminishes that (they are a great team). They earned
those gold medals."

Students at LCC have mixed reactions about Arthur's positive drug test.

"It brought down her entire team and the reputation of the college because
of stupid choices," said Carolyn Riha, a 26-year-old Nursing student."

General studies student, Jacquelyn Plourde, also wondered about Arthur's
statement.

"When you're drugged you would kind of know."

But the 20-year-old student also expressed sympathy toward the basketball
player.

"If something is placed in your drink, that's sad for her. That sucks."