March 27, 2002

The University of Illinois Big Ten Champion football team opened spring practice on Wednesday with a two-hour, non contact session in the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility, which included live team work as well as individual position drills.

"Practice went well today," sixth-year head coach Ron Turner said. "We need to work out the kinks, but the guys are in the best shape since we have been here."

The replacement of senior quarterback Kurt Kittner was the hot topic during the first spring practice as media and fans alike gathered to watch the skills of juniors Dustin Ward and Jon Beutjer and sophomore Mark Kornfeld. After the practice ended, Turner as well as the competing QBs answered questions about the fate of the position.

"Our next quarterback will be decided on the field between these three guys," Turner said. "It will be about who is executing the best in practices. (The decision) may be during spring, after the spring game or even in Camp Rantoul."

SPECIAL VISITOR: Spring practices always draw a good crowd and among the watchers at Wednesday's session was former CNN president Rick Kaplan, an Illinois alum and football fan. Kaplan was in town to talk to students from the College of Communication and took in the practice to end his day. During Kaplan's 20-plus years at CNN and ABC, he was the executive producer for such programs as "Nightly News with Peter Jennings," "Nightline," and "Good Morning America." He won 34 Emmy Awards as well as many other broadcasting honors during his tenure. The Chicago-native graduated from Illinois in 1969.

NEW FACES: They aren't new to the Illinois roster, but for the first time these players are working the Illinois schemes instead of the opponents. Transfers Jon Beutjer (QB), Ryan Clifford (RB), Winston Taylor (LB) and Brett Boyter (TE) were ineligible to play in 2001 due to NCAA rules, but worked with the scout teams to give good looks to the starters. All are expected to make an impact at their positions.

UPCOMING DATES: The Illini will take to the field for the second spring session on Thursday, March 28 at 3:35 p.m. The first padded, contact practice will be on Saturday, March 30 at 10 a.m. Both sessions are expected to take place in the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility and are open to the public.