Aug. 25, 1999

UNDER CENTER: The Fighting Illini's tight race for the quarterback spot ended today as Illinois head coach Ron Turner announced that sophomore Kurt Kittner earned the starting job.

"We have decided as a staff to go with Kurt Kittner," Turner said. "It was a very hard decision and Kurt earned the job because he outperformed the quarterbacks in camp, not because the others didn't perform well. We feel we could win with all three quarterbacks, but Kurt had the edge during fall drills."

"We competed hard all camp and I am excited to get the opportunity to start this year," Kittner said. "I am much more comfortable with the offense after a year in the system. I don't rush, take my time in the pocket and have a much better touch. The guys around me (receivers, running backs and tight ends) are also a year smarter and that will make us a much better offense."

HOME SWEET HOME: The Fighting Illini came home to Memorial Stadium after a 10-day fall camp at Rantoul's former Chanute Air Force base. The squad returned to shortened practice fields, due to the beginning of construction of the indoor practice facility.

LOOKING AHEAD: The Illini practice schedule in Champaign for the week: Thurs., Aug. 26 Practice @ 3:40 p.m. Interviews at the conclusion Fri., Aug. 27 Practice @ 3:40 p.m. Interviews at the conclusion