Aug. 15, 1999

AT CAMP: The Fighting Illini concluded their first weekend of workouts at Camp Rantoul with a single-session afternoon practice. The practice was their fifth workout of camp, all having been in shells. The team worked out in individual position drills, offensive and defensive group drills, and 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 scrimmage-like action over the course of the afternoon.

The quarterback race continues to be a spirited competition. The trio of Kirk Johnson, Kurt Kittner, and Walter Young balanced repetitions in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Johnson was unofficially 12-of-21 for 102 yards and one interception (by safety Asim Pleas). Kittner hit 12-of-17 passes for 109 yards. Young completed 7-of-9 passes on the day for 52 yards and one interception (by cornerback Johnny Rogers).

"We are very pleased with how well practice is going thus far," said Head Coach Ron Turner. "The attitude is great and the work ethic is good. The intensity and enthusiasm are very high. We are right on schedule."

GETTING DEFENSIVE: Many plays have been made by the defense during the first three days of camp. Today's afternoon session was no exception. Safety Asim Pleas and cornerback Johnny Rogers both intercepted passes during the scrimmage portion of practice. Linebacker Danny Clark made the defensive play of the day when he stripped Steve Havard after he caught a swing pass and dashed down the sideline 40 yards for a touchdown.

"We're real pleased with the ways things are looking defensively," said Turner. "That's not to slight the offense. I also think we are doing some good things offensively."

A NEW BOWLING CHAMPION: At the team's 2nd Annual Camp Rantoul Bowling Competition last night, the individual competition saw a changing of the guard as a new champion was crowned. Freshman defensive tackle Jeff Ruffin took top honors edging last year's champion long-snapper Patrick Rouse.

"My main goal was to help win the team title for the defensive tackles," said Ruffin. "I just went out there and tried to bowl my best game. As a rookie here I have been trying to make a statement on the football field and I guess I started in the bowling alley. I made a statement there and now I need to make one out here on the grass."

In the position group competition, the special teams, led by Rouse, placed first followed by the quarterbacks. Ruffin and the defensive tackles finished third.