REACTION MIXED TO IN-SCHOOL DRUG TESTING

WINKLER -- The sign welcoming people to Winkler says it's the "people who
make the difference," and they certainly have a difference of opinion
regarding a proposed policy of random drug-testing for high school athletes.

The policy, which could be implemented as a pilot project for this school
year at Garden Valley Collegiate, has been met by a mixed reaction among
students.

"I don't think it's right," Grade 10 student Curtis Piper, 16, said
yesterday. "If (students) do drugs it's their own fault.

"I'm not one of the druggies, but there are a lot of druggies in this town.
Most of them use marijuana and a little bit of other stuff."

Brock Klassen, a 14-year-old volleyball player in Grade 9, and Briar
Loewen, a Grade 11 soccer player, gave the policy the thumbs up.

"I think it is a good idea," said Loewen, 16, who also plays baseball for
the Garden Valley Zodiacs. "They're trying to get athletes to say 'no' and
I think it'll prevent a lot of people from getting too deep into a habit
that they don't necessarily need."

In a friendly town where many students leave their bikes unlocked at
school, one might think drugs wouldn't be a problem.

"I think in any high school there is a problem with drugs," Loewen said. "I
think one of the biggest problems is that people deny there is one, but
definitely there is a drug problem.

"But the athletes that are serious enough about their sports won't be
deterred from playing."

The subject has become a hot topic among students, Loewen said.

"I think a lot of people feel it's an invasion of their rights and they
think that if athletes are being tested, why isn't the choir, the drama
group and a lot of other clubs within the school," she said.

"It's an OK idea, but it's their own lives and if they want to do it after
school or on weekends, let them," said Grade 11 student Shane Tholenaer, 16.

"(Drug use is) not hurting anybody at school," offered Grade 11 student Ike
Fehr, 17. "If they want to hurt their own bodies, it's their choice."