Story posted Wednesday, January 27, 2010
IHSA Tests Help Dispel Steroid Rumors
By DWIGHT ESAU Journal & Topics Reporter
Rumors that Maine South football players failed state-mandated drug tests are false and malicious, according to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), Maine South Principal Dave Claypool, and head coach Dave Inserra.
Strong denials of failed tests by both school officials were backed up this week by an official statement by the IHSA itself, which conducted random testing of student-athletes in three sports last fall.
"The IHSA has compiled the results of its Performance-Enhancing Drug Testing Program for the fall of 2009," Executive Director Marty Hickman said on the association's website. "There were zero positive test results among the 141 tests conducted by the Association during the fall sports season, which included girls swimming, boys soccer, and football. Of the 141 student-athletes tested, 117 were tested for anabolic steroids, and 24 were tested for stimulants.
"We had intended to release the results of our fall drug testing at a later date," Hickman said. "But we felt compelled to distribute them immediately to address a proliferation of false and damaging rumors about the test results of Class 8A football state champion Maine South. It is truly unfortunate that these rumors have persisted. It is our hope that these groundless accusations will not diminish the outstanding accomplishments of Maine South High School, its football coaching staff, and its players."
Inserra said he began hearing the rumors a week after last November's state championship game against Chicago Marist. "They reached a fever pitch, and I asked the IHSA to set the record straight," the coach said. "There is absolutely no truth to these rumors. Ten of our players were tested. Six weeks later, my principal (David Claypool) e-mailed me saying all tests were negative. I appreciate the IHSA recognizing this for the sake of the kids, and for the sake of the school. All our results were negative, as fully expected.
"This is ridiculous, the rumors may come from people at schools that have lost to us, possibly several times in recent years," Inserra said. "Some people told me they were being discussed on a high school football message board.
"My dentist asked me about it. One of the custodians at school approached me. Our kids are talking about it. We've even heard about it from other teams."
"It's a sad day when this kind of stuff happens," said Claypool. "It's very unfortunate for our student-athletes."
The IHSA began random drug testing at state-tournament sites in the 2008-09 school year. Players from six of the 16 teams in the eight football championship games last fall were tested.
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