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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
Prep notebook: Implemention of Cabell County drug testing begins July 30
Cabell County high school athletes must attend drug testing orientation sessions on July 30.
The mandatory orientation sessions are for Huntington High School and Cabell Midland High School students in grades 9 to 12 who will compete on a sports team during the next school year, along with students who will drive to school.
Sessions begin at 1 p.m. in the Huntington High auditorium and 9 a.m. in the Cabell Midland auditorium.
Orientation will be about two hours and will include of a Drug Testing Policy review, a presentation to educate students and parents about the effects of drug use and an overview of the drug testing process.
Students will not be permitted to practice or play for a team or receive a parking pass unless they have participated in an orientation session and signed a drug testing consent form. Parents or guardians must also sign the consent form.
Parents or guardians of non-athletes and students who don't drive to school have the opportunity to voluntarily place their student in the random drug testing pool. Volunteer participants also need to attend orientation.
Cabell County Schools adopted the student drug testing policy in April.
The tests, which will be urine tests, will check for an array of illegal drugs while some students within the pool might also be randomly checked for performance-enhancing drugs.
Any positive sample will be subject to confirmation by a second and different test of the same specimen.
A first offense will result in the parents or guardians being contacted immediately and a private conference being scheduled. For the student to continue participating in the activity or driving to school they will have five days to show proof that they have received drug counseling. The student must also submit to a second test within two weeks.
A second offense earns a suspension from the activity for 14 days, and the student will be randomly tested on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year. Third offenses garner suspensions for one calendar year.
The procedure for driving students is similar, but a second-offense means a 90-day suspension of parking privileges. Opt-in students who test positive will be required to meet with administration and their parents and guardians.
THOMAS HEADS TO EKU: Ashland's Matt Thomas played a multitude of positions while in a Tomcat uniform.
Now, his colors won't change, but he is going to trade in his Tomcat title to become a Colonel. Thomas is headed to Eastern Kentucky University to continue his football career.
Thomas proved his versatility last season as he led the Tomcats in passing and rushing with Ashland competing in Kentucky's Class 5A.
In addition to his achievements on the football field, Thomas was a standout basketball player for Ashland, playing all four years in both sports.
