More than 280 students and teachers gathered in the gymnasium yesterday afternoon and showed the 'Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose' program that they know how to party.......alcohol-free, of course. 1st Sergeant John Gruzinskas of the West Virginia State Police, Rich Wilson former attorney with Gold, Khourey & Turak, and Tyler MacKay and Mark Moore from the Wheeling Nailers were greeted by members of the school's Peer Support group and lead through the hallways, where welcome signs and banners were hung, and into the gymnasium decorated with balloons, signs and streamers.

"I just want to say one thing," remarked attorney Rich Wilson, program coordinator and partner at the law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak. "You guys at Frontier know how to do it."

Wilson asked the students various questions concerning the legal and financial consequences of drinking and driving. Those who participated in the discussion were awarded Nailer tickets, Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose t-shirts, mouse pads, and various items donated by local organizations. The prizes were delivered by Wheeling Nailers MacKay and Moore.

Wilson explained that statistics reveal that if you haven't already been effected by an alcohol related crash, that there's a good chance that you will unless you and others make safe decisions. "Two out of five people will be effected by an alcohol-related crash," offered Wilson. "To put that into perspective, look to the two people on your right and the two people on your left, and pick which two will be a part of that statistic, that's scary." Wilson continued, "And you're not in the most at risk group, but your younger brothers and sisters are. The number one cause of death for children aged birth to 14 is traffic crashes. When alcohol is factored in to this statistic, these folks don't have a chance." Wilson continued, "I think you'll agree with me that this is frightening."

Sergeant Gruzinskas, a 24 year veteran of the West Virginia State Police, explained that many DUI arrests don't start out as DUI arrests, but as minor traffic violations. "Many times we'll pull someone over because they have a tail light out, then we notice the smell of alcohol and that's when our attention shifts to a possible DUI arrest", says Sgt. Gruzinskas. Student Tyler Kroll experienced first-hand what an actual DUI stop entailed. With the use of "Drunk Goggles", he simulated being intoxicated and was taken through the "heal-to-toe" field sobriety test. After miserably failing the test, Tyler was handcuffed by the 6'7" Sgt. Gruzinskas and "off" to jail. Gruzinskas added, "Sure the glasses are a lot of fun, but it's not a game when you drink and drive." "I don't why anyone would take that risk."

Wheeling Nailers Tyler MacKay and Mark Moore spoke to the students about their thoughts on drinking and driving. MacKay, the 21-year old first year goalie, explained, "Drinking and driving is frowned upon very much within our organization and in Canada, where we are from. In fact, if you have a D.U.I. arrest on your record, you are not allowed to leave the country. For us, that means the end of our careers. I've seen a lot of my friends be turned away and contracts torn up because they chose to drink and drive."

Moore, a Harvard graduate with a degree in Math, has been fortunate enough to not experience the hardships of drinking and driving. "I have not personally known anyone to have gone through those problems, but what I know is that it is not only bad for you and the other individuals involved, but equally devastating to your family and friends."

At the conclusion of the program, students David Blakenship, Rachael Vance, Lara Brunoni, and John Bartlett were recognized for their efforts on the 'Booze Buster Quiz.' Each was given a prize packet that included 4 tickets to a Wheeling Nailer's game.

For more information on the Booze and Cruise, You'll Lose program, please contact the law firm of Gold, Khourey & Turak at (304) 845-9750. For Nailer tickets, call (304) 234-GOAL.