Millard South: Pass Breathalyzer To Cheer On Football Team

You won't get in the stands at Buells Stadium unless you pass a test, but you can't study for this one.

By Liz Dorland

CREATED 8:52 PM

Millard, NE -- You won't get in the stands at Buell Stadium unless you pass a test,  but you can't study for this one.  Millard South High School's rule is plain and simple : no booze at Buell.  It's the second year that Millard South is using breathalyzers on their students. 

Having a ticket to the game, won't guarantee you'll get in.  Activities Director Nolan Beyer said, "We are screening all of our students for alcohol."

Millard South parent's are okay with the policy.  Bob Osterman said he thinks it's "great".  "I have two boys that go to school here, and I know there's a problem with underage drinking not only at Millard South but all high schools in the nation," said the father.

Lisa Duncan agreed, "It's a great way to keep trouble out of the stadium, and to remind the youth to stay away from alcohol until they're adults." 

KMTV asked Duncan if she thinks there's a big problem with alcohol and the youth? 

She replied, "I do. I've heard it's already been going on at the games, so I do think it's a problem, and the kids aren't ready for that alcohol is an adult responsibility, and the youth aren't ready for the responsibilities of that."

Millard South is just one of thousands of schools across the entire U.S. to take extra steps to make sure their students are staying safe, and staying away from alcohol.

Mr. Beyer said there is a lot of interest from other schools right here in Omaha.  "I took several phone calls today (Thursday) from other metro administrators just asking how we were going to administrate it at such a large event, and I explained to them and I think many of them will try it in the future."

As for the students, many don't seem to mind.  Everyone said it's a small price to pay to keep Millard South students sober and safe.   "This is a high school football game and it should be drinking pop, eating popcorn and having fun and you don't need alcohol to have that," said parent Patty Freeman.

Friday night,  Millard West and Millard North will face-off, and student's coming to that game will also need to take a breathalyzer before getting in.

Reported By: Liz Dorland, ldorland@action3news.com