Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo Illustration By eric zitz

Steroids increasingly prominent in NCAA

by jed lynch

jelynch@vwc.edu

Would you risk an early death for fame? The use of anabolic steroids can stunt growth and be harmful to the reproductive system of not just men but women as well. It can also increase the possibility for tendon tears, which could bench you indefinitely. There would be no more post-game boozing since steroids can hinder liver function and there have been cases of heart attacks in young and middle-aged bodybuilders which could result in early deaths.

Steroids can be taken either in pill form or by injection. The added testosterone allows users to gain muscle mass faster and gives them the ability to workout harder and longer without soreness. The added testosterone can cause side effects such as extreme irritability or “Roid Rage” as it is commonly referred to. It can be harmful to the reproductive system in particular to males since the body could stop naturally producing testosterone. And ladies, you’re not safe either. Increased body hair, deepening of the voice, and acne are just a few of the side effects. Also, once you stop, the strength goes away. This leads to addiction.

The most recent indictment of Roger Clemens, pitcher for the New York Yankees, and his trainer Bryan McNamara for the illicit use of steroids is the latest news. But what many people do not know is that steroids are not just a problem with professionals. The NCAA has reported that nearly half of all steroid use starts in high school.

“I saw it in high school,” said VWC baseball head coach Nick Boothe.

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared his experience with steroids. Although he himself never took an anabolic steroid he admitted that he “came as close as [he] could get” in high school with the use of an Animal Stat, 1AD, and Andro.

“You used to be able to buy [1AD] at GNC,” he informed, “but they outlawed it so I had to get it off line.”

Two of his friends, however, did take the next step up. One took a steroid in pill form and the other used a syringe to inject the substance.

When taking steroids, one goes on what is called a “cycle.” The length of time is directed on the box and usually lasts a few weeks.

“The directions said to take it for three weeks and then take two weeks off, but we would just take them straight through until the bottle was empty,” he explained. “It was definitely abused viciously.”

“It seemed like they never got tired and their bench would increase thirty pounds in a week,” he said. “But they would get pissed off at the smallest thing.”

You might be wondering about Human Growth Hormone, or HGH, as it is often referred. But the truth is that often it does not even work for well-trained athletes, according to the Mitchell Report. However, the side effects can include, but are not limited to, protruding jaw and eyebrow bones, inflammation of the heart muscles, and even cancer. The Mitchell Report also states that “At times HGH is made in compounding pharmacies using undiluted HGH from unknown or questionable origins.” It used to be derived from cadavers. Some users were diagnosed with the human equivalent of mad-cow disease.

Virginia Wesleyan has a no-test policy for any illicit or illegal drug. However, all student-athletes sign a waver to the NCAA consenting to testing in tournament play. If caught, not only would the athlete be punished by the NCAA for his/her actions but would be punished “under the school’s substance abuse policy,” said Athletic Director Joanne Renn.

Just say no.