Team's season canceled for drug- or alcohol-violations

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. --The multi-team swimming meet at Portsmouth High School will go on as scheduled on Saturday, but without the host team.

Portmouth school officials canceled the rest of their team's season late Wednesday because of widespread violations of the school policy against drug and alcohol use. Officials made the announcement after a lengthy closed meeting Wednesday night.

School policy not only requires team members to abstain from using drugs and alcohol, but to avoid knowingly being in situations in which others are using either one.

"The decision was based on the number of athletes who were involved or knowledgeable of the situation," Superintendent Robert Lister said.

"The number of athletes that had knowledge of this was pervasive," he said.

Lister said the violations occurred last weekend. He said he could not elaborate on the incident or say exactly how many of the 44 team members were involved.

In addition to Lister, the School Board, Principal Forrest Ransdell, athletic director Mike McKenney and the team's coaches attended the meeting.

The co-ed team, which includes divers, has members from grades 9-12.

Lister said some students have already been suspended from school in connection with the incident and more discipline may follow.

"This is very disappointing," Lister said. "We're basing this on the fact that they compromised the integrity of athletics. They're not just representing the swim team, but Portsmouth High School and the Portsmouth community."

Lister said school officials hope to meet with parents soon to discuss the cancellation.

Board members said the last time a sports season was canceled was in the late 1980s or early 1990s. Member Ann Walker said hockey players drinking on the bus while returning from games led to that cancellation.

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Information from: Portsmouth Herald, http://www.seacoastonline.com