New book gives update on '84 title-team players

The topic brings up pride in Cougar fans, taunts and scrutiny from others.

That's why picking up the newly published "13 and 0 — Reflections of Champions" stirred mixed reactions. What more could be added to the chronicle of BYU's 1984 season? The season that triggered controversy after controversy until money moguls hatched the Bowl Championship Series we have today?

Well, the 289-page soft-cover book by Candace and Alvin Salima (Spring Creek Book Company, Provo) surprisingly delivered new material. The focus is a look into the lives of 30 players and staff of that team, a work made more complicated by the publisher's race to go to print this summer, cramping the Salimas' research.

Just the same, time with Glen Kozlowski in Chicago, Philadelphia's Vai Sikahema, Robbie Bosco on campus and a solid crew of others, "13 and O" provided the skeleton for some interesting life updates and lessons learned.

The 1984 team has some history, some of it sad. The struggles of the late Craig Garrick, the trials and triumph of Hawaii-game hero safety Kyle Morrell and the rebellious run of Kozlowski to return to BYU's football team after being asked to leave are part of the drama. Some of these stories could make books in and of themselves, something the Salima husband/wife combination either could not get on the record or simply ran out of time to produce.

After starting last January with a manuscript deadline to produce by spring, Candace — the writer — immediately ran into trouble. The boys of 1984 were reluctant to be part of a project that made money off their fortunes. There is a $1 donation to the BYU Cougar Club on each sale of the book, and that loosened some tongues.

Candace got the book rolling by doing an end run of her own. She went to the wives of players, and they delivered biographies, family photos and other information. Plus, they got their hubbies involved.

The result is a poignant reflection by these players on how that season changed their lives. Anecdotal accounts of preparation, camaraderie and struggles during and after 1984 are the gems in this book, which concludes with a spiritual tone discussing faith and the leadership of LaVell Edwards and his staff.

Chapters include a summary of each game of the season, biographies of 30 players, a Bosco focus, a BCS system commentary from players and an update on families. Other sections explore advice for youth, pivotal plays and some spiritual offerings on faith and what it brings on the field in life.