Aug. 9, 2000

One hundred and one members of the 21st-ranked Illinois football team reported to the third annual preseason training camp in Rantoul, Ill., today to prepare for the 2000 season. Players packed up all the essentials for the 12-day, 18-practice session which begins officially on Friday morning.

"We are all ready to go," junior fullback Jameel Cook said. "Preseason camp is grueling and a lot of hard work, but this team is ready to do what we need to do to get to the next level. The Big Ten is the toughest conference in the nation and we have to conditioned ready to play each and every week and that is what these next two weeks are all about."

fan appreciation day: Illinois will host its annual Media/Fan Appreciation Day along with Tricia Taliaferro's women's soccer team on Thursday, Aug. 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m. for all fans. The event is free to the public and a great opportunity to meet and greet your favorite Illini.

The following is a schedule for the rest of Camp Rantoul:
Aug. 10 6:30-8 p.m. Fan Appreciation Day
Aug. 11 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 12 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 13 3:40 p.m. Practice
Aug. 14 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 15 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 16 3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 17 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 18 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 19 7 p.m. Practice*
Aug. 21 8:30 a.m./3:30 p.m. Practice
Aug. 22 8:30 a.m./1:45 p.m. Practice

*at Rantoul High School