Buses at top of wish lists

AIKEN --- Aiken County coaches are hoping to put a stop to embarrassing bus breakdowns.

Last week the coaches requested funds from the Aiken County School Board for 19 new buses and a $500-per-team allotment for travel costs, which would top $1 million.

Coach Rick Knight of Midland Valley High School said he remembers when the school's football team was stranded less than a mile from Strom Thurmond High in Edgefield. The opposing team had to drive them home.

"We've broken down many times, and all the buses we have to maintain ourselves," Mr. Knight said "Sometimes we have to change home and away games to meet the maintenance schedule. We're really lacking when compared to most school districts."

About 30 buses are in the Aiken County athletics fleet, said Al Lown, the Silver Bluff High athletic director. Mr. Lown estimates that about two-thirds of the fleet is more than 18 years old.

"We don't have enough money to replace those buses, and most of what we use now were replaced by the district years ago," Mr. Lown said.

Although Aiken County schools face a tight budget year, Deputy Superintendent David Caver said that within the next couple of weeks he will propose a plan that would put activity buses on a maintenance cycle.

Coaches said they realize the district probably won't provide the $1 million up front, but if no help is offered they would have to think about cutting programs.

"Our booster club recently had to borrow money (from the district) for a concession stand, so they know the money isn't there," Mr. Lown said.

Programs that would see cuts first include nonprofitable sports that don't bring in a lot of spectators, such as golf and tennis.

School board member Jack Hunter mentioned increasing gate prices for sports such as football and basketball. But coaches said the increased cost would push away some families.

Coaches also stress that even if ticket prices went up, the bus repairs and increased fuel costs would eat up profits.

"We've replaced engines, transmissions, manifolds -- things that are very costly services -- and we receive no money from the district," Aiken High athletic director Carey Johnson said. "The only money we have to operate on is gate receipts, but that leaves no money to buy needed equipment and uniforms for teams, so we're still at a loss."

High school officials say they realize not everything will change overnight.

"Every day we have teams going out and we usually don't hear a complaint until it breaks down," Mr. Lown said. "We're not expecting all those needs to be met this year, but would like a plan for them to be met. The feeling is we need some help."