Tourney aims to raise steroid awareness, By: Brain Stanley

April 20, 2007

ROMEOVILLE -- Sheriff Paul Kaupas hopes this year's Spring Classic encourages kids to keep away from steroids.

"Some kids see steroids as an easy fix, but it just isn't worth it," he said.

The second annual baseball tournament began Thursday and runs through Sunday. Kaupas, Romeoville Mayor Fred Dewald and Police Chief Andrew Barto threw out the first pitches on three diamonds at Volunteer Park.

Eighteen teams made up of boys ages 9 to 13 from across Will County will compete in the tournament.

"It's a release for kids who like baseball to see kids from other areas," Kaupas said. The motto of the tournament is "Play safe and play fair."

Teams from Romeoville, Plainfield, Lemont, Lockport, Homer, New Lenox and Claredon Hills will play ball this weekend. Kaupas said several deputies are coaches with the teams. "The honor guard and crime prevention unit will be there, too," he added. The Romeoville Recreation Department assisted the sheriff's police in setting up the tournament.

Ads from local businesses and elected officials in the program will help fund the cost of organizing the tournament.

"But this is more (an event) to bring awareness than a fundraiser," said Kaupas, "and it gives people in the community a chance to get involved with the kids."

"I was a coach of a New Lenox Park District team for my daughter for three years and it's great to see young athletes compete," Kaupas said.

Deputy Mike Guilfoyle initiated the tournament last year after several high-profile professional athletes came under scrutiny for steroid use.

"The tournament ... is a method of informing young athletes, parents and coaches of the dangers of performing-enhancing drugs," said a statement prepared by the sheriff's office.

"We want to impress upon kids (steroids aren't) the way to go," Kaupas said.