Don't be surprised to see three Utah Valley hospitals packed with victims of true-blue fever, a malady that can be treated only with the latest issue of Brigham Young University football cards.
BYU and the three Intermountain Health Care hospitals in Utah County produced the player cards for the first time last year to educate children about drugs. Each card contains a drug-free message. The 1991 editions were unveiled Wednesday afternoon.Scores of people dashed into American Fork Hospital, Orem Community Hospital and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for a set of cards last year. And police departments in American Fork, Orem, Provo and Springville, which distributed the cards through drug education programs in schools, also couldn't pass them out fast enough.
"The response we got was overwhelming," said Val Hale, BYU assistant athletic director. "We could have printed hundreds of thousands and it would have been successful."
Police, BYU officials and hospital administrators expect the same response this year.
To meet the anticipated demand, BYU made up 25,000 sets of cards - twice as many as last year. The 16-card set contains 1990 Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer and 14 of his teammates, and an action shot of Coach LaVell Edwards - he's smiling.
Actually, each card shows the player in action during a game last season, including a photo of defensive tackle Brad Hunter punting - something he probably won't be doing this year.
"He's a Friday kicker," Edwards said with a grin. College football games are typically played on Saturday. "He's the greatest practice kicker I've ever seen."
The back of each card contains a brief biography of the player, some career highlights and a drug-resistance message under the heading, "Tips from the Cougars."
On the back of Detmer's card it reads: "Calling the right plays will allow the offense to move and eventually score. Be the quarterback of your own life and call the right play. Stay away from drugs and you will score in life."
Edwards said education is the key to preventing children from getting involved with drugs.
"If just one of these cards helps just one young man or young woman, then we've accomplished our goal," said Mark Howard, chief executive officer of the three IHC hospitals.
The cards are available free of charge at the three hospitals and through the American Fork, Orem, Provo and Springville police departments. Police will also pass out cards during drug education courses in schools. BYU will insert cards into football game programs. Cards are also available for sale at the BYU sports information office.