FOOTBALL TEAM MAY FACE DRUG TESTS

UMATILLA -- Football players at Umatilla High School could face random drug
screening next fall under a test program being considered by the Lake
County School Board.

If it is a success, random drug testing could be expanded to other county
schools.

"We all want to make sure that those who would be the leaders of our
schools are mentors of high quality," said School Board member Kyleen Fischer.

Fischer and others said that kids look up to athletes, and athletes are
representatives of the school. That makes it fair to hold them to higher
standards than other students, they said.

Still, officials are researching the legal aspects of such a policy before
implementing it. Nationwide, some objections have been raised to similar
drug test policies, especially regarding which students are fair game for
testing.

The Supreme Court agreed earlier this month to hear arguments on whether
any student involved in after-school activities -- from chess club to
cheerleading -- could face random drug testing with no evidence that a
student has a drug problem. Critics say such broad testing is unconstitutional.

Courts previously have approved drug testing for athletes. Osceola High
School started a similar testing program last year.

Drug testing at Umatilla High was requested by football coaches, according
to Principal Dale Moxley. He said coaches want their players to be held to
a higher standard.

"They feel wins and losses aren't the most important thing," Moxley said.
"Part of being a coach in high school is to help kids build character."

Moxley said there is no indication that Umatilla High athletes have a
greater drug problem than other students, but he said it would be naive to
think that all were not using drugs.

"There are kids doing drugs everywhere," he said. "If we can catch it early
enough and help a kid, this will be worth it."

If the drug-testing program is approved by the School Board, then about 60
members of the junior varsity and varsity football teams could face random
testing throughout the season. They would undergo urinalysis for traces of
various illegal drugs.

The cost might be a problem, officials agreed. Students would be expected
to pick up the $50 charge for the test. Some officials said that would be
too expensive.