Don't Be Like Mike!

OK, I'm sure you've all seen the bad news about Michael Phelps.

I don't want to get all preachy, but I think it's important to take this opportunity to discuss illegal drug use. And for those under the age of 21, for now, alcohol falls in that category.

First, let me point you to the Webster School District's Chemical Abuse Prevention page. WAIT, DON'T GO THERE QUITE YET!

There are a bunch of articles that I find interesting at that web site; however, one of the most interesting facts is never presented at a web site like this: prevention programs don't seem to work. And this blog entry won't either. But I have to try, and so do the folks (like those that maintain the CAP web site) that mean well, and truly have the best interest of kids in their hearts, even if none of us can turn that into effective communication.

But here is a great example. One very poor decision by Michael Phelps - a decision that he had to make in perhaps a few seconds as the bong was passed his way - and he literally lost millions of dollars in endorsement money. Perception is reality, and in that moment he went from being this kind of geeky, but "American as apple pie" young man to just another pothead. Decisions like that need to be made in advance, without the various undue influences that can lead to a decision that one may regret.

I've personally seen a wide range of negative consequences for student-athletes in high school and college: everything from being too hung-over to practice, to being forced to leave school. On the other end of the spectrum, I have never seen anyone's performance (school or athletic) be enhanced thru drug or alcohol use (I have been fortunate to have never been around users of steroids, etc., but if you want to hear some sobering stories in that area, talk to Coach Buffum some time - there was serious pressure in some track events to keep up with the Jones's, so to speak - bonus points to you, if you caught the pun).

Anyway, I know that Cross Country tends to attract the best of kids, and I hope that you all have enough respect for yourselves, your teammates and your family to avoid illegal drugs.

OK, enough of that. Tomorrow: back to winter sports commentary.