The NCAA News - News and Features

The NCAA News -- September 27, 1999

Sports Sciences Education Newsletter

NCAA hires familiar group to handle drug-testing

BY TY HALPIN
STAFF WRITER

The National Center for Drug-Free Sport, headed by former NCAA Director of Sports Sciences Frank D. Uryasz, has been hired by the Association to perform drug-testing and assist the membership with questions relating to the use of banned substances.

Established in correlation with the NCAA's decision to move to Indianapolis, the Center will attempt to make a seamless transition. Uryasz said he hopes to improve on the solid testing program that is in place, offering faster and more efficient service to the membership.

"It is our intent to maintain the high level of integrity and service in drug testing," Uryasz said. "One advantage from my point of view is that we are able to focus solely on drug-testing, so we hope to improve on what is already a good system."

Ronald J. Stratten, the NCAA's vice president for education services, said the transition to having an outside organization perform drug-testing is an important step for the Association.

"Drug testing is a critical element of the NCAA's mission," Stratten said. "We feel very comfortable with Frank and have supreme confidence that our drug-testing program will continue to be the highest level possible."

Uryasz, who was with the Association for almost 13 years, hired several NCAA employees who did not wish to relocate from Kansas City. Cindy Thomas, Jeff Dubes and Michelle Dorsey are former NCAA employees that worked with drug-testing that joined Uryasz at the Center.

Stratten points to a combined 26 years of NCAA drug-testing experience that Uryasz has assembled at the Center.

"The credibility and expertise is as high a level as it can be," Stratten said.