POGS: POGS OR MILKCAPS OFFER FAST ACTION FOR YOUNGSTERS

POGS, cardboard disks about 1.75 inches in diameter with distinctive designs, are the newest collectible for pre-teens. For some, they replace sports trading cards.

Adding to POGS' popularity is its own game -- similar to "playing for keeps" while shooting marbles years ago -- with all the accessories that marketers like to sell.

Slammers are the most interesting of the accessories, which also include playing boards and carrying tubes. Slammers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights and their own distinctive designs. Youngsters talk knowledgeably about their favorites, known by a variety of names.

In the game, also known as the Milkcap Game, players alternate throwing the heavy slammers onto a pile of POGS that have been stacked on a playing surface. Each player usually keeps the POGS that are flipped over.

Robert "Mitch" Proffer, owner of Instant Replays in Cape Girardeau, said his sister living in Florida suggested he carry POGS in the store he opened in early March.

"She twisted my arm and sent me some," Proffer said. "They've been a big seller."

When youngsters walk by his downtown store and see the sign, "POGS ARE HERE," they stop, point and drag their parents inside, Proffer said, adding that having the POGS loose for the youngsters to select their favorites has increased sales.

POGS began as a promotional tool four years ago by the Haleakaia Dairy in Hawaii, which was marketing a new juice drink consisting of Passion, Orange and Guava. Guidance teacher Blossom Galbiso at Waialua Elementary School gave the paper milkcaps from the drink to her students to play with.

Now youngsters, usually 6 to 14, play with POGS, collect their favorites and trade them. The players can bring out a small playing board or use the carpet at home.

POGS sell at area stores for 10 to 25 cents each. Most toy, variety and discount stores offer basic kits, which include a varying number of POGS and different slammers. A basic slammer costs about $1 while a torpedo slammer sells for $7. A tournament set sells for $13 to $15 at area stores.

Herman Wiedefeld, co-owner of Videos'N'Creme in Cape Girardeau, said his business has incorporated POGS into the token system for awards on some games. He also brought in a POGGER game in February, which takes quarters and has proven popular with the younger players.

Players are guaranteed at least one POG for their quarter, but they can actually win several if they are skillful or lucky enough. POGS lie on a round plate that rotates inside a clear top. Players activate an arm that moves across the top of the plate, pushing whatever POGS it hits closer to the side.

Players try to line up several POGS in one place so that when the arm knocks them off, several POGS fall into the winning slot. Two of these less expensive POGS can be traded for a more attractive one in a nearby case.

The designs on the POGS and slammers draw the youngsters, Proffer said. Boys really like the poison designs and girls prefer the more scenic, he said. Some of the choices include 8-balls, skulls, Ying-Yangs, patriotic, super heroes, monsters, cartoons, movies and sports.

Even grandmothers like POGS, Proffer said. He heard one woman, 70ish, say, "Oh, that's cute." She bought about 20 POGS.

The youngsters crowding around the POGS display at Proffer's store relayed some ideas about their popularity.

Amber Ellinghouse, 11-year-old daughter of Charles and Claire Ellinghouse and a sixth-grader at Alma Schrader Elementary School, said she plays primarily at home with her brothers and friends. "Torpedoes are the best," she said about her slammer with a Ying-Yang design.

Three fourth-graders at St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in Cape Girardeau said they play during recess. They kidded one another about how many POGS each has won or lost in their competition.

Chad Proffer, son of Mark and Marilyn Proffer, has been playing POGS since his aunt sent him a starter set at Christmas. He has about 300 POGS and trades only the ones he doesn't like.

Adam Prasanphanich, son of Sam and Debbie Prasanphanich, has 100 to 150 POGS. He likes the poison, 8-ball and Ying Yang designs.

Tyler Cuba, son of Rick and Rhonda Cuba, started playing POGS with his friends in February. He likes to use a poison slammer and has about 120 POGS in his collection.

"We wanted to have something to do outside during recess," Cuba said. "It's interesting to the players."

Cuba said four or five will usually play at the same time. He wins as many POGS as he loses.

Two Cape Girardeau elementary school principals said POGS haven't been a problem.

Richard Giles, principal at Charles Clippard, has suggested the students don't play for keeps. He hasn't heard any squabbling yet.

"I haven't seen too much of it, Giles said. "At this point in time, they're not a problem. In another day and time, there was marbles and baseball cards."

Jim Watkins, Franklin School principal, said he's seen a few third-graders carrying POGS with them. He thinks the youngsters are trading POGS more than playing with them.

"As long as they don't interfere with academic activities, there's no need for a policy or concern," Watkins said. He hasn't seen any inappropriate pictures or designs.

Larry O'Connor, president of L&M Collectibles in Lakeland, Fla., said his warehouses in Florida, Kansas and Arizona were expected to ship about 6 million POGS during March.

POG tournaments and shows are starting in areas as more and more people enjoy the newest collectible item. He said he's constantly amazed what people will pay for collectibles.