2008 Woodie Awards
Athletes learn about NCAA Drug tests
Lauren Newmyer
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: Sports
Caffeine is just one of the legal substances that NCAA drug tests detect. Drinking three "energy" drinks, like Red Bull or Monster, before a test or a game is enough to show up positive for banned levels of caffeine.
"I didn't know so much about energy drinks and some of the other things that can test as a positive drug test," said Caryn Washington, a senior on the women's lacrosse team.
Equally, if not more important than the punitive aspects of testing positive for drugs are the heightened health risks that athletes who use drugs and alcohol face.
"Athletes tend to do more binge drinking than others," said Schneidwind. "Over 60% of male NCAA athletes have ten or more drinks in one sitting."
Schneidwind explained that excessive drinking of alcohol causes depletion of vital nutrients, increase in fat store, and decreased reaction time, coordination, balance and strength. She warned that these symptoms, which apply directly to athletes, could appear days after heavy drinking. This puts athletes at a greater risk, not only with their performance on the field but also their health and safety.
Overall, students felt the presentation was informative, though a little dull.
"It probably didn't affect (student athlete's) decisions (in using drugs), but it helps to be informed on what they're being tested for as far as drugs are concerned," said Chris Walker, captain of the men's cross-country team. "If you're looking to take vitamins and things like that, it's helpful so you know what to take and what not to take. A lot of times I take vitamins and being able to go to the trainer and say 'will this get me in trouble?' is kind of helpful."
"I didn't know so much about energy drinks and some of the other things that can test as a positive drug test," said Caryn Washington, a senior on the women's lacrosse team.
Equally, if not more important than the punitive aspects of testing positive for drugs are the heightened health risks that athletes who use drugs and alcohol face.
"Athletes tend to do more binge drinking than others," said Schneidwind. "Over 60% of male NCAA athletes have ten or more drinks in one sitting."
Schneidwind explained that excessive drinking of alcohol causes depletion of vital nutrients, increase in fat store, and decreased reaction time, coordination, balance and strength. She warned that these symptoms, which apply directly to athletes, could appear days after heavy drinking. This puts athletes at a greater risk, not only with their performance on the field but also their health and safety.
Overall, students felt the presentation was informative, though a little dull.
"It probably didn't affect (student athlete's) decisions (in using drugs), but it helps to be informed on what they're being tested for as far as drugs are concerned," said Chris Walker, captain of the men's cross-country team. "If you're looking to take vitamins and things like that, it's helpful so you know what to take and what not to take. A lot of times I take vitamins and being able to go to the trainer and say 'will this get me in trouble?' is kind of helpful."
Be the first to comment on this story