Remembering “Luv Ya Blue” at Deer Park Public Library
Deer Park, TX – DATE – The Tyler Rose. Dr. Doom. Beating the Cowboys on the Thanksgiving Day game. Pastorini’s Flak jacket. The Mike Renfro catch. The Snake. Astrodome pep rallies after heartbreaking losses. It was all part of a phenomenon called “Luv Ya Blue,” and we owed it all to Oilers head coach Bum Phillips. On Friday, February 17, 2017, Susan Phillips will share her memories of her father and one of the most exciting eras in Houston sports. The program will begin at 11 AM in the library’s meeting room.
The phrase “Luv Ya Blue” comes from an interview with the Heisman-award winning running back Earl Campbell held shortly after a victory against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. Thousands of fans waving blue and white pompoms cheered the Oilers on as Campbell masterfully rushed for 199 yards. Houstonians energetically supported the team in the toughest of times. They went to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 1978 and ’79, each time facing off against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite coming up short in both contests, thousands of fans joyfully welcomed the Oilers back to Houston.
Coach Bum Phillips was a larger than life figure, known for his cowboy image and unpretentious manner of speaking. He formed a special bond with the teams he coached and his players worked hard for him. The Oilers sent several players to the Pro Bowl, including Robert Brazile, Toni Fritsch, Leon Gray and Mike Reinfeldt. Three Luv Ya Blue Oilers- Elvin Bethea, Earl Campbell and Curley Culp- were ultimately inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This presentation is the latest installment in the library’s Featured Friday series. These monthly programs offer a variety of lectures, movies and special programs of cultural, historical and local interest.
Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Deer Park Public Library. No registration is required and all are welcome to attend. There is no admission fee. The library is located at 3009 Center St., Deer Park, TX 77536. The telephone number is 281-478-7208.