Cyndi Loza

McQueen High School football players are enjoying the benefits of a looming proposal to randomly test the school’s football team for drugs, McQueen running back and strong safety Tyler York said Tuesday.

“You go in a house this summer and you know that there’s not going to be drugs and alcohol,” said York, McQueen varsity captain. “I mean, that’s a good feeling for everyone knowing that there’s not going to be that peer pressure, option to drink or stuff like that. So, it’s definitely already helping and it has not even been approved yet.”

Washoe County school trustees delayed Tueday giving McQueen officials permission for random drug testing of varsity, junior varsity and freshman football players this season.

Trustees plan to vote on the program Aug. 5.

“I think the board just wanted to reflect more fully on the issues surrounding this and be sure we have all the data, pros and cons, to this,” board President Barbara Price said. “These are never clear cut issues.”

McQueen would become the first Northern Nevada school to test for recreational and performance-enhancing drugs.

Green Valley High School in Henderson has tested athletes for both since 2006. Battle Mountain High School has tested for recreational drugs, but not alcohol, since 2004.

“We are a very high profile football team,” McQueen coach Ken Dalton said. “I really felt this tool was missing from the Washoe County school system, and I was willing to step up to do this.”

Dalton said 12 players would be tested weekly for 14 drugs, including alcohol, marijuana, anabolic steroids and ecstasy.

The weekly test would be of urine samples from seven varsity players, three from the junior varsity and two freshmen. Each test costs $37, to be paid by the McQueen football program.

District officials have said the program could be expanded, depending on the McQueen results.

If students fail the test, there would be no penalties by either the school or law enforcement, but players must adhere to their Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association contract. The organization imposed a drug and alcohol policy on member schools in 2002.

Athletes must sign a contract that prohibits the use or possession of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. A first violation results in a suspension of six competitive weeks of play. A second violation brings a 90-day suspension, a substance abuse evaluation and a substance abuse intervention program. A third violation makes them ineligible for the rest of their high school careers.

“The kids that have used drugs (on the McQueen football team) have stopped just because (tests) could happen,” said Michael Garman, varsity cornerback.

York said the McQueen football team is the best group to start with to send a message about substance abuse.

“By us taking this step for drug testing, we’re going to set an example throughout the school pretty quick,” he said.