Breakfast of Champions

Describing a coach as a second parent and the team as a family, high school athletes urged coaches to convey an anti-underage drinking message to their athletes at the “Breakfast of Champions” in August at Lexington Catholic High.

Approximately 60 coaches from Sayre and Lexington Catholic attended the educational event sponsored by the Youth Coalition for Alcohol Education and the Bluegrass Prevention Center, both with DrugFreeLex.

A similar session was held for Fayette County Public School coaches last year.

Discussing YCAE activities and making a presentation on alcopops – fruity alcoholic drinks that are marketed to underage drinkers – were Sofi Tzouanakis (Henry Clay), Clay Barnett (Sayre School) and Vontella Thomas (Tates Creek).

Sharing personal observations were high school athletes Ross Boggess (Henry Clay), Marty Brown (Lexington Catholic), Justin Sanders (Sayre School), along with Thomas and other YCAE members.

“Setbacks from drugs and alcohol can keep people from their potential. I like to see everyone strive for excellence,” Sanders told the coaches.

Research shows that getting drunk can undo up to 14 days of training. Players who drink are twice as likely to be injured.

Alcohol also interferes with muscle performance, reaction time, speed and agility.

UK Dietician Monica Fowler presented these facts and discussed the importance of the “other 22 hours” when athletes are not in practice. She works with UK athletes on diet and lifestyle choices that have a direct impact on their success.