Texas implemented random steroid testing at the start of the 2007-2008 school year, starting the nation's largest steroid testing program (in one of the nation's largest states, go figure).

But according to an Associated Press report from earlier this week, only two Texas high school athletes tested positive, from a pool of more than 10,000 students who were tested.

Four tests came back unresolved and three students refused to be tested, according to figures released by the University Interscholastic League. One athlete left the testing area without cause or approval, and 18 missed the mandatory testing without an excused absence.

How many high school sports participants there are in Texas (population 23,904,380, according to a 2007 U.S. Census estimate)? According to the National Federation of State High School Sports Associations, Texas led the nation in high school sports participation during the 2006-2007 school year, with 296,027 girls and 467,940 boys.

If you read today's story on fundraising and the 19th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl, you're probably wondering what exactly all that money goes towards.

The money goes towards the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a 22-hospital system that provides orthopaedic care, burn care, spinal-cord injury care and cleft palate care.

***

It's that time of year again ... and more than 100 football players and coaches have congregated in Hebron for the week leading up to the 19th Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl.

The annual game showcases the top high school football graduates and raises money for the Shriners Hospitals and its burn centers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

You might be familiar with the story of Sean Daniels of Easton (up in the County), who lost his right hand in a farming accident last fall but returned to play basketball at Easton High.

Daniels attended the Kobe Bryant Basketball Camp in California, where he met the Lakers star earlier this week. Daniels' story was featured on The Early Show on CBS.

We've all been feeling the economic strain, whether it's $4-a-gallon gas, higher costs of home energy or the stagnant housing market. Sports Illustrated examined an issue that's facing school districts nationwide: the economic health of high school athletic programs.

If you've read today's paper about the International Scouting Services' Challenge Cup at North Yarmouth Academy, you might be wondering what exactly this International Scouting Services is.

Here's a quick link:

www.isshockey.com

***

Jamie Belleau has been named the hockey coach at Lewiston, his alma mater. Belleau previously coached at Edward Little

Belleau led Edward Little to state championships in 2003 and 2004, his first two seasons of coaching at the Auburn school.

Belleau, a 1989 Lewiston graduate, succeeds Norm Gagne, who left the program in May after coaching at Lewiston for three seasons.