Drug testing used to be in the discretionary hands of high schools across America, with most opting for signed contracts stating that athletes would not use alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs.

On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court reacted to a 7th-grader’s refusal to take a drug test, upholding the 4th Amendment of unreasonable search and seizure.

Now, local reaction to the ruling is mixed, as some athletic administrators in the area feel the testing is an expense that might not be worth the effort.

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SIUC’s Charlotte West, Associate Athletic Director, said she can not speak against the deterrent to test for drugs at the high school level.

I do have an extremely serious concern about the finances involved in this action, West said. It is a very expensive process, and it would take away dollars that could be used for other areas of the sports budget.

If there were quite a few indicators that the student was using drugs, I wouldn’t be opposed to the testing, but without cause, a random testing wouldn’t be beneficial.

Jim Woodward, Murphysboro’s Athletic Director, said he probably would not implement the program because of the extreme cost.

Personally, I think society has a problem overall with the Fourth Amendment, Woodward said. On the other hand, extra curricular activity is what athletics are, and I don’t really see any problems with the new drug testing guidlines.

However, Bryan Kohring, a third year assistant coach for the Murphysboro Junior High wrestling squad, said the testing is beginning at too early an age.

I think the kids that do drugs are probably not going to be the same kids trying out for the team, Kohring said. At least, not at this level.

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We do make our athletes sign a contract saying they will abstain from using drugs, and if they do, they will be punished.

Nathan Bateman, an eighth grade wrestler for the Murphysboro squad, said he feels the new rules will be a good addition to athletics.

I think it is good that they have this rule, Bateman said. It will keep people off steroids.