Players Perfect On Testing Drug-Testing For Lc Football Continues Without Problem
So far so good.
Heading into the fourth weekend of Greater Spokane League football, Lewis and Clark has all its players.
What that means is the Tigers who have taken drug tests have passed.
LC, in cooperation with Deaconess Hospital, became the first area school to drug test its athletes. What makes this plan unique is the players asked for it.
“I think it was mainly what we wanted,” LC quarterback and co-captain Brian Agnew said. “The seniors came out and we voted to do it and we all stuck by it. In the past there’s been some problems with drugs. Football and drugs just don’t mix. I don’t think it’s a slap at the face of any other team in the past.
“It’s going pretty well, everybody’s been clean. Everybody’s sticking with it. As we keep winning, we’ve got all the incentive to stick with it.”
Even when you know your clean, it’s still a little nerve-wracking waiting for the three names to come up on Monday morning and then waiting for the results.
“I did it,” said linebacker and co-captain Jeff Wood. “It took me a while. … It’s just kind of weird.”
Agnew added, “You never know what might came up. There could be a mix-up. It makes you a little nervous, but the guys are sticking to their guns.”
Both believe the potential of a test has made it possible for some players to say no. A failed test results in a two-game suspension.
“You put a lot of trust in your teammates,” Wood said. “It would be disappointing (if someone failed) and I’m sure he’d be ashamed and embarrassed. We hope they clean themselves up. They’re part of us, everyone has their problems. We’ll be sure to help.”
There really hasn’t been any repercussions. Wood said he doesn’t talk to opponents and Agnew said, “At school they kind of rag on you, ‘Oh, drug-free this, drug-free that.’ Whatever. It’s nothing big. Most kids support it.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo