FHSAA plans to monitor steroids testing in N.J., By: Lindsay Jones
June 10, 2006, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Florida High School Athletic Association Commissioner John Stewart said Thursday he will be paying close attention to New Jersey this year after the state became the first in the nation to pass a statewide high school steroid testing policy.
Under New Jersey's plan, which was passed Wednesday, all high school athletes who qualify for team or individual championships are subject to the random steroid tests.
"I think it will be a good thing to watch what New Jersey is able to accomplish," Stewart said.
Stewart and the FHSAA had supported two bills that would have done the same in Florida this spring, but both bills died before they reached the House or Senate floor. Legislators then tried to include $200,000 to be used for a testing program into the budget, but the item was among many cuts made by Gov. Jeb Bush May 25.
The House and Senate bills that were filed in the Florida legislature this year both advanced through various education committees before stalling May 6. They would have provided $3 million to pay for a three-year random testing program for all high school athletes in public and private schools.
The FHSAA hadn't supported a proposal in 2005 that did not include money to pay for the testing.
"If you're going to test it, you have to pay for it," Stewart said. "The [2006] bill was the way to go. The legislators sought our input on it, and we applaud them for seeking our input."
Stewart said he would speak with state legislators again if any decide to push a similar bill next year.
Stewart said 17 state schools — including seven from Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties — will take part in an "SI Schools" steroid and drug prevention education program this year. Florida is one of four states to have schools participating in the program, which is paid for by a grant from Sports Illustrated and teaches students about steroids, narcotics, exercise and nutrition.
Area schools that will participate are: Boca Raton, Cardinal Newman, Glades Central, Jensen Beach, Olympic Heights, Palm Beach Gardens and Treasure Coast High, which will open in Fort Pierce in August.
Treasure Coast High names five new coaches: Dan Comeau, the athletic director at Treasure Coast, named five new coaches this week.
The new hires include: Barbara Bursutil (girls' soccer), Regina Roberts (cross country), Ashlee Robertson (girls' track), Wayne Stacey (boys' track) and W. Justin Vantassel (wrestling).
