Nov. 27, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois head coach Ron Turner has accepted an offer to coach the North squad in the 63rd annual Kelly Tires Blue-Gray All-Star Classic in Montgomery, Ala., on Christmas Day.

Turner, along with Illinois assistant head coach Harry Hiestand, will coach the offense of the Blue squad with the defensive coach yet to be determined. Turner will also be accompanied by several Fighting Illini players, rosters will be finalized later in the week. The Classic will be nationally televised on ABC and attracts over 250 professional representatives.

"This will be a lot of fun," Turner said. "It's another chance to coach football and give the Illinois program more exposure. The game is also for a very worthy cause."

All proceeds from the Blue-Gray game go to the Lions Club sight and conservation projects and youth charities. Over $4 million has been provided for these humanitarian services.