April 15, 2002

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The final week of spring practice kicked off this afternoon inside a windy Memorial Stadium with a spirited two-hour practice. Today's workout was the first of three scheduled practices this week for the Illini, with the week concluding with the Orange and Blue Spring Game, Saturday April 20th at noon.

The team opened the session with individual drills and concluded with a short scrimmage. While it took the passing game a little while to click because of the gusting winds, both the quarterbacks and receivers made some outstanding plays.

The first came when John Beutjer hit tight end Anthony McClellan on a slant for a long score. McClellan, who showed his athleticism last season, showed it again today, as he was able to outrun the linebacker to the sideline and turn up field for the score.

A second big play came via a Dustin Ward to Greg Lewis pass. Ward hit a diving Lewis three yards deep in the endzone for the score. Lewis laid out parallel to the turf to make the impressive grab.

While the quarterback had some trouble adjusting to the wind, kicker John Gockman looked right at home. The junior drilled a series of long field goals including one from 50+ yards that sailed over the north uprights by a good 10 yards.

St. Louis Ticket Sales: Advanced ticket sale orders for the Illinois vs. Missouri football game in St. Louis are now being taken at the Illinois Ticket Office. Orders will be taken until April 30. After April 30, tickets can be purchased again starting July 10 through the Edwards Jones Dome Ticket Office.

Student Ticket Lottery: The Illinois Student Lottery is now in effect. The lottery will run from Monday until Thursday April 18. Lottery results will be available via the web on Friday. Those getting tickets through the lottery can make their purchases on April 22-23, with general student sales starting on the 24th.