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Phoenix athletes suspended after party Impact will be felt the most on the girls golf, track and field and baseball teams By TIM TROWER PHOENIX - A spring postseason that seemed so promising at Phoenix High School received a blow this week when more than a dozen athletes in several sports were suspended for their involvement in a party at which alcohol was consumed. The party occurred about two weeks ago, said Principal Bruce Rhodes, who learned of the circumstances late Wednesday and began addressing the issue the next morning. About 15 varsity and junior varsity athletes in girls golf, track and baseball have been suspended for two- or four-week periods. They are allowed to practice with their teams but cannot compete. Athletes not involved in sports this spring but who were at the party could serve suspensions in the future, said Rhodes. Because the regular season is winding down in most cases, the difference between the two levels of suspension could be moot. Two-week sanctions were levied against kids who were at the party but did not drink alcohol, which was predominantly the case, said Athletic Director Dale Sauer. Those who drank alcohol received four-week suspensions. The punishments were implemented Thursday, meaning all the athletes will be held out of contests at least until May 23. Those suspended for two weeks can return to action for the baseball team, provided it makes it as far as the state quarterfinals, which are scheduled for May 24. The girls golf team, which won the district championship this past Tuesday, will be without some players at the state championships Monday and Tuesday. The season also ended for suspended members of the track team. In order to compete in the May 24-25 state meet, they must qualify at the district championships, which are May 17-18. "It's bad timing in terms of the playoffs and state tournaments," said Rhodes. "You would hope kids would make better choices, especially at this time of season but also for their own sake." The baseball team is in third place in the Skyline Conference with a 12-6 record. It needs to win one of its remaining three games - it visits North Valley in a doubleheader today - to advance to the league playoffs. There was no apparent involvement by players on the softball team, which shares first place in the conference with Rogue River and Henley with three games left. The Pirates travel to North Valley for a doubleheader today. The boys golf team ended its season at the district tournament Tuesday and also doesn't appear to have been involved. Phoenix athletes no longer sign a code-of-conduct contract, said Sauer, who is in his first year as athletic director. Guidelines are spelled out in the school handbook and athletes are made aware of their responsibilities. There is a tiered system of punishment. Repeat offenders next would be suspended for nine months, then a year if yet another transgression occurred. "Our goal in this always is that kids learn a lesson," said Rhodes. "Going to parties where there's alcohol, whether you're drinking or not - even if your intentions are only to socialize - it's not a good place to be. And especially if you're an athlete representing the school." Many of the athletes suspended are underclassmen and will have a chance to compete again. "Our goal is that this has a consequence but that it gets parents and kids talking and making a commitment not to do this again," said Rhodes. The parents he spoke with, Rhodes said, were largely cooperative regarding the measures being taken. Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.