Saying no to drugs is one of many struggles for teens. More than 78 percent of  American teens over the age of 13 have drunk alcohol. 81% of teens have told CNN news that they have had the opportunity to try drugs. Only 42% of those teens have claimed to have used them. Teens are often pressured to “join the party” and tell themselves that they won’t get addicted.

One way that kids have been lead away from the abuse is by sports. Many people have seen the famous movie The Blind Side that was based on a true story. The movie shows how NFL lineman Michael Oher starts his life moving in and out of foster care and how he chose not to do drugs and drink alcohol. Finally, Michael gets adopted and plays football and was very good. Now he is very successful. So journalist went out to talk to AHS coaches to find their stories about how kids they’ve coached have been lead in the right direction by going out for sports.

When journalist asked Head football coach Mike McDermott how sports keeps kids clean, he

speedily answered with “athletics or activities allows youngsters to be accountable.  Being involved with an activity automatically provides structure for students to be on time and follow team rules. It also provides other opportunities to work on their game.  This might be practicing at home or lifting weights for their particular sport this is an avenue which keeps them away from poor choices such as drugs and alcohol.” Said coach McDermott.

AHS journalist also asked him to share his stories or encounters with players who have found sports to help them through rough times and stories where kids resorted to drugs. “We have had a number of past student/athletes who have come to us after their playing days and said thanks for providing them some structure.  I have many friends who I played with before I started coaching and because we played sports or were activities in something year around we didn’t have time to dabble in drugs or alcohol.  If we weren’t practicing we played sports in the yard winter or summer. On the flip side, there were also a couple of kids who after they left activities fell into the drugs and alcohol trap, I can think of 2 former players who had serious effects from this.”

AHS journalist also reached out to the students. Wanting to see their take on how sports have drug them away from the partying. AHS sophomore Connor Pellett told us “ Sports have instilled good morals within me. Staying active has steered me in the right direction. I know putting those dangerous substances in my body is not good for me. I just want to keep my body in the best physical and mental shape as possible.” said Pellet.  Pellet also said “ Coaches have been a big influence also. Coach Duff reminds everyone in the room every day ‘to be the best you have to treat your body the best’ and I really do believe that.”

Another student-athlete journalist interviewed is junior Gratt Reed. Gratt told us how being active in sports has kept away from such a terrible scene. “ Being involved in sports, and extracurricular activities, have played a major role on me staying away from drugs and alcohol use. These activities take time out of my everyday life; time that could be used otherwise if I didn’t participate in out of school activities. Sports have also influenced me to use my time wisely. After getting home from a two-hour practice, I have to eat supper, do my homework, and sometimes even “study” for my sports. This leaves no time to even think about drinking or doing drugs.” Reed said. Gratt also told us how his coaches have had a big intake on the subject. “ My coaches are constantly on me, and my fellow peer athletes about staying away from drugs and alcohol. They tell us about how us athletes need to treat our bodies well. Drinking alcohol and doing drugs are the complete contrary of treating our bodies well. Overall, coaches and sports have played a sufficient role in staying away from alcohol and drug use.”

Drugs and alcohol are one of America’s biggest growing problems. This just shows that one of the many ways to set yourself apart from the scene is to be active and stay healthy.