C-M investigating possible drug use on baseball team
Some members of the Canon-McMillan High School baseball team face disciplinary action stemming from an incident involving marijuana use during a baseball trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., last week.
Several sources told the Observer-Reporter the incident occurred March 21 after the middle of three games played at the Cal Ripken Experience baseball complex in Myrtle Beach. Some Canon-McMillan players were held out of Sunday’s game against Landon School of Bethesda, Md., the final game scheduled before the team returned to Washington County. Canon-McMillan was to play a home game Thursday against Chartiers Valley but it was postponed because of inclement weather.
None of the players involved was identified, and no information was available about whether students not on the team were involved.
Canon-McMillan is investigating the incident but has not issued any statements.
School board member Manuel Pihakis said the district “was aware of the situation.
“If there is disciplinary action required, then we’ll take it,” said Pihakis. “Every board member has been contacted.”
Pihakis declined to comment further.
School board President Paul Scarmazzi also did not want to comment specifically on the incident but did say the board was aware of it.
Frank Zebrasky, the Big Macs baseball coach, and Frank Vulcano, the school’s athletic director, declined to comment. Phone messages left for Canon-McMillan principal David Helinski, Assistant Superintendent Scott Chambers and Superintendent Michael Daniels were not returned.
The Canon-McMillan Student Handbook states that “the use of illegal or potentially harmful drugs, controlled substances and other chemical substances, which occur before or during school regulated activities, both on and off school district property, will result in a minimum of ten (10) day suspension from school and the Board will be notified for potential additional disciplinary measures, including expulsion …”
The Big Macs have a home section game scheduled for Monday against Mt. Lebanon.
The Canon-McMillan School Board will have an agenda meeting April 16 and a board meeting April 23.