The University Interscholastic League could begin testing for steroid use as soon as the end of October, according to several published reports.

The UIL is close to accepting a bid from among the 14 companies in the running to conduct steroid testing, the Houston Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman reported. Testing could begin by the end of the month, or as soon as a week after the final bid is accepted, UIL athletic coordinator Mark Cousins said.

The UIL will test athletes from all sports on a random basis. Up to 25,000 public school athletes will be tested within two years, prompting Cousins and UIL athletic director Charles Breithaupt to call the program “the largest steroid testing program in the world” at the UIL Medical Advisory Committee meeting Sunday, the American-Statesman reported.

It also reported legislative budget planners have set aside $6 million, which will allow the UIL to test a portion of Texas’ estimated 740,000 student-athletes.

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