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University of Illinois Athletics

Camp Rantoul will take place at the UI football complex surrounding Memorial Stadium this year due to a major grass kill on the practice fields in Rantoul.

Football

Illini Football Camp Moves To Champaign In 2001

Football

Illini Football Camp Moves To Champaign In 2001

Aug. 1, 2001

Champaign, Ill. - Following a major grass kill at the Rantoul football fields, the University of Illinois preseason football camp has been moved to Champaign and the UI campus in 2001.

In late July, the Village of Rantoul applied a fungicide to the football/soccer field complex as part of routine field maintenance. When the fields appeared under stress, village officials took steps to assist the grass through the recent dry, hot period. However, after seven days, the grass appeared to have died on all three fields. Samples of the soil and grass taken by the village and the company that provided the fungicide were sent to independent labs for analysis. Test results are not yet available.

After extensive discussions between Rantoul and UI officials, all parties agreed that the preseason camp for 2001 should be held at another location due to the risk of injury to the players.

"We're disappointed in the situation," Illinois head football coach Ron Turner said. "We all look forward to having camp in Rantoul as the start to our season. I feel terrible for the people in Rantoul as Gary Adams, Rich Thomas and all the people who help us during camp go out of their way to make us feel comfortable. It's unfortunate, but a situation we'll have to deal with. We plan to have a very good and efficient camp in Champaign. We plan on being back in Rantoul next year and for several years in the future with this being a long-term commitment."

Turner is in Chicago appearing at the annual Big Ten Football Media Days/Luncheon this week.

UI Director of Athletics Ron Guenther echoed Turner's comments.

"We obviously feel badly for Rantoul and all the people who put so much effort into making our stay there productive," Guenther said. "This is a one-year hiatus and we look forward to returning to Rantoul for many years in the future."

The first-year football players report to campus on Aug. 5. The annual Media Day/Fan Appreciation Night is Aug. 9 and the full team begins preseason camp on Aug. 10. Illinois opens the season Sept. 1 at California.

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