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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Wrestlers Need New Rules

D.F. Oliveria Opinion Writer

I still remember the awful leg cramps I suffered in the middle of the night after eating only steak and hard-boiled eggs, without salt. And running - for miles before school, while my college roommates slept in their cozy beds. All to drop weight and gain an edge for wrestling. Some guys did a lot more. Now, three college wrestlers have died this fall while trying to shed an unhealthy amount of weight in a short period. They paid the ultimate price for the slight edge they would have gained from wrestling at a lower weight class. A few rule changes involving weigh-ins could reduce the sport’s health risk at college and high school levels. Ultimately, I discovered a sure-fire way to make weight: Go out for baseball rather than wrestling.

Solons’ “Walk-A-Mile” earns Sweet Tater

Freshman Rep. Larry Watson was concerned a year ago when North Idaho solons made Hot Potatoes for failing to participate in “Walk-A-Mile.” The Wallace Democrat never had heard of the program. Maybe you haven’t either. “Walk-A-Mile” requires lawmakers to live on a food-stamp budget for a month - and swap war stories with welfare recipients. The program is designed to give lawmakers insight into the effects of the laws they pass and to introduce low-income people to the legislative process. Well, Watson put his food stamps where his mouth was. He signed up for the program this year, as did state Rep. Wayne Meyer and Sen. Clyde Boatright, both Rathdrum Republicans. Afterward, Watson said: “There were a lot of lunches that were Top Ramen and that type of thing. I tried to hold it down.” For trying, Larry, Wayne and Clyde earn a round of Sweet Potatoes, with all the trimmings - on the house, of course.

Safety lights illuminate unsafe situation

Hmmm. Post Falls School District officials say double shifting doesn’t put middle schoolers at added risk; yet, they pass out safety lights so drivers can see kids walking to and from school in the dark - and make arrangements for extra busing. Either the district’s in denial, or it’s trying to put a smiley face on a dangerous situation that’s claimed one youngster this fall, Nick Scherling, 13. I’d guess the latter. Darkness can be hazardous to the health of school-age children or teenagers - whether they’re out after curfew or walking along a street used by an occasional drunken driver. Fortunately, the Post Falls Ambulance Service, the Post Falls Police Department and the parent-teacher organization know that. They donated the safety lights. But then, the three groups don’t have to worry about playing politics. , DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125, or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.