High Schools

Football has always been called "a game of inches." Now, that adage can refer to the increasing inches around the biceps and necks of those players wanting to make an impact.

In a steadfast effort to get bigger, faster and stronger, some players have turned to dietary supplements. The most popular and potent legal performance aid is creatine.

Creatine is found naturally in skeletal muscle. More creatine in the muscle means more energy. More energy means better bench presses, faster 40-yard dash times, and more explosive strength.

Tony Ortiz has witnessed the impact of creatine during his 25 years as the director of athletic training education and sports medicine services at Wright State University.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't working," Ortiz said. "Kids are using it as both a shortcut and a way to get an edge over their opponent."

But along with the benefits comes potential danger.

"When they're on creatine, athletes need more fluids," Ortiz said. "It makes them vulnerable to heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration."

No shortcuts

Creatine supplements have been used to increase athletic performance since the early 1990s. Its use is legal at all levels of competition, and it is available at nutrition stores and many supermarkets. Coaches and trainers discourage its use, but the decision ultimately rests on the athlete.

Communication between the athlete and his or her doctor, coach and parents can help to lessen the risk of dehydration.

"Ideally, athletes are using it under a doctor's supervision," Ortiz said. "Unfortunately, most of the time, nobody knows they're on it. If coaches know they're on it, it's important that they give them additional opportunities to hydrate."

Centerville coach Ron Ullery doesn't like to see players using supplements.

"We encourage them to eat well, sleep well and work hard in the weight room. The old-fashioned way is the safe way.

"In the late '90s, everyone wanted a shortcut. Today, kids are more educated that it takes hard work over a long time to get the results you want. There is no shortcut."

Hydrate properly

If athletes do decide to take a supplement, Ortiz suggests taking one that helps with the replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes to maintain healthy hydration and nutrition. There are supplements available that safely and legally keep athletes healthy.

Coaches have caught on to the fact that careful hydration and nutrition, not supplements, are the best ways to build strong, healthy players.

"Kids lose muscle because they're dehydrated," Ortiz said. "They lose the hard work they put in at practice and the weight room. Hydration and nutrition are keys, and coaches have been better with that than in the past."

Contact this reporter at gsilverman

@coxohio.com.

Just the facts

On its Web site the Ohio High School Athletic Association warns students about steroid usage.

High school steroid use more than doubled from 1991-2003, according to a survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

6: Percentage of students surveyed — out of 15,000 — who admitted trying steroid pills or injections.

Less than 4: Percentage of nation's high schools that tested for steroids during the same time period, according to the National Federation of State High School Association.

Ohio: Does not have mandatory testing of steroids for high school students. However, some school districts do test.

Should high school athletes be allowed to take supplements?