IHSA brings PES testing to MC for first time

On Monday April 20, Mount Carmel Athletic Director Mr. Dan Lacount got the call he’s been waiting five years to receive. This was a call from the IHSA saying that its representatives would be coming to MC to enforce their new PES (Performing Enhancing Substance) policy. This meant that Lacount would have to gather the names of every MC student-athlete in the school, a number that would come out to be 506 of the roughly 650 total students. These 506 students are spread over 17 different sports.

This is the first year Mount Carmel has been selected to participate in the test, which has only been in force for five years. Of the 506 students athletes, only 12 athletes were to be selected for the test.

According to Lacount when the IHSA officials arrived, “I was given a list of 12 names of the students who would be tested. I went to Mr. Stimler and called them down to the bathroom where they were given a urine test.” The identity of the 12 students was kept confidential.

While this type of testing can cause anxiety, wrestling coach John Kading sees its value ” It’s a great idea.  If you look at the data, the biggest rise ( in PES use) is among  girls at all levels, and then among high school boys. I like the randomness, but I personally would like to see the circle closed a little bit.”

Still, Kading feels that the process would be more effective if they would test at the state finals and start testing all state finalists.

Senior Dan Rodriguez concurred with Kading ” I think it is an awesome idea, but they can also go the extra mile and help teach students the harmful effects.”

Mount Carmel President Fr. Tony Mazurkiewicz also supports the IHSA inititiative. “I believe the testing is very necessary; it shows a lot of responsibility by the IHSA.”