A recent 2012 research study conducted by University of Minnesota researchers found that teens are using steroids and muscle-enhancing substances at higher rates than previously thought.  The study found that 5.9 percent of boys in the survey reported using steroids, while the rate among girls was 4.6 percent. The findings were surprising, especially since some of the steroid users were only in seventh or eighth grade.

Earlier unrelated studies have found that:

1.     Among those who admit using steroids, 80 percent said they believed the drugs could help them achieve their athletic dreams

2.     65 percent of steroid users would be willing to use a pill or powder, including dietary supplements, if it guaranteed they would reach their athletic goals, even if it might harm their health

3.     57 percent of users said they would use it even if it could shorten their lives

4.     About 6 in 10 users believe that professional athletes have the right to use steroids, and they think that using anabolic steroids for athletic purposes is legal.

5.     About 60 percent of users said that professional athletes influenced their (or a friend’s) decision to use PEDs

Beyond the Zone is a feature/documentary of how a 55 year old amateur powerlifter has defied the odds by setting two World Weightlifting Endurance Records at 53, and 54 years and is positioned to attempt another world record in 2013 at 55 – drug free!

It’s a unique story of ground breaking “drug free” fitness training, teamwork, hard work, focus and inspiration developed to prove that performance enhancing drugs are not needed to reach your fitness – sports goals at any age!

All the funds from this campaign will be used to produce a 30 minute feature-documentary on the process of training as a “total athlete” and utilizing ground breaking training techniques to break World Weightlifting Records drug free! Big things are possible if you work hard, smart and stay clean!

No joke, no gimmicks!

Child obesity, rampant steroid use, unhealthy adult lifestyles, etc. are not the only headlines people need to read! Anyone can be strong and healthy, young or old…it’s just a matter of knowledge, a plan and lots of hard work!

Baby boomers to fitness enthusiasts and teen athletes to elite pro athletes at any age react to this story with excitement, interest and motivation……..… branding together the marketing opportunities are endless!

The effort is the development of a not-for-profit film documentary “Beyond the Zone” about “Winning Big without Performance Enhancing Drugs” – It Is Possible. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beyond-the-zone-steroid-free-winning-at-any-age/x/3619545

Lincoln – Nebraska’s Steffi Neisen claimed a spot on the WGCA All-America Scholar Team for the third consecutive season, while teammates Jackie O’Doherty and Cassidy Stelzmiller added their first appearances on the academic team announced by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association on July 1.

Neisen, a junior from New Prague, Minn., will enter her senior season at Nebraska in 2013-14 with a chance to become just the fifth four-time scholastic All-American in school history, joining Madeleine Shiels (2009-10-11-12), JC Stevenson (2007-08-09-10), Allison Stewart (2005-06-07-08) and Jackie Beste (2003-04-05-06).

A three-year starter in Coach Robin Krapfl’s lineup, Neisen ranked second among the Huskers in stroke average in 2012-13. The education major also continued to excel in the classroom, earning academic All-Big Ten honors for the second straight season. She was also Nebraska’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner.

O’Doherty and Stelzmiller, both redshirt freshmen for the Huskers in 2012-13, claimed the first national scholastic honors of their careers. O’Doherty, a Lincoln East graduate, competed in 31 rounds for the Huskers while earning academic All-Big Ten honors as a nutrition and health science major. Stelzmiller, a native of Placerville, Calif., played 22 rounds for Nebraska as a redshirt freshman while earning academic All-Big Ten accolades as an accounting major. Both O’Doherty and Stelzmiller are four-time Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll selections.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama minor league baseball team has cancelled a gun raffle that was supposed to be featured during its Second Amendment Night promotion.

Huntsville Stars spokeswoman Nicole Colonis said Monday that the raffle during the team’s Wednesday night game against the Chattanooga Lookouts was cancelled after Minor League Baseball officials said the promotion was likely not in the franchise’s best interest.

Colonis says Second Amendment Night will still feature free admission for members of the National Rifle Association who present their membership card.

The Huntsville Stars are a Class-AA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — University of Colorado quarterback Jordan Webb and former Buffaloes lineman Alexander Lewis have waived their rights to preliminary hearings in an assault case.

The Daily Camera reports a judge granted the waivers Monday.

Witnesses told police the two were involved in a fight in Boulder in May with Air Force Academy cadet Lee Bussey. Witnesses say Bussey’s head was pushed into a brick wall before he was pushed to the ground and punched.

Lewis and Webb are charged with second-degree assault. Lewis also is charged with two counts of harassment. Lewis has said he intends to transfer to Nebraska.

Lewis is due for arraignment July 26. Webb is due for arraignment Aug. 2.

Webb’s attorney has said Webb’s role was non-criminal. Lewis’ attorney has said Lewis wasn’t the aggressor.