IHSA drug test results clear Maine South football rumors

The Illinois High School Association announced Tuesday it had zero positive results among 141 tests administered in its fall 2009 Performance-Enhancing Drug Testing Program.

The results were announced in response to false rumors regarding test results with the Maine South Class 8A state championship football team.

"We had intended to release the results of our fall drug testing at a later date," said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman in a statement, "but felt compelled to distribute it immediately to address a proliferation of false and damaging rumors about the test results of Class 8A football state champion Maine South.

"It is truly unfortunate that these rumors have persisted. It is our hope that these groundless accusations will not diminish the outstanding accomplishments of Maine South High School, its football coaching staff, and its players."

Maine South beat Marist in November for its second straight unbeaten 8A title.

According to the IHSA, 117 student-ahletes were tested for steroids and 24 were tested for stimulants.