Aug. 6, 2002
Audio:
*
Video:
Video Highlights
The 2002 University of Illinois football season is officially underway as the Fighting Illini rookies began their Illinois careers with two-a-day practices today at the Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois.
The conditions were near perfect for the opening practices as a steady breeze kept temperatures hovering around the low 80s. The first practice of the day began at 9:30 a.m. with the final practice staring at 3:30 p.m. as the newcomers had the opportunity to get familiar with each other and coaches had a chance to work with their players for the first time.
Two more practices are scheduled for Wednesday, with the first practice being held back at the Chanute Air Force Base at 9:30 a.m. and the 3:30 p.m. practice being held at John Wright's house in St. Joseph's, Ill., about 10 miles east of Champaign. All Illinois football practices are opening to the public, so fans can catch an early glimpse of the defending Big Ten Champions.
Meet your 2002 Fighting Illini at Fan Appreciation/Media Day:
Clear your calendars on Friday Aug. 9 as the Fighting Illini return home to Champaign for the 2002 Fan Appreciation Day. Fans are encouraged to come out to Memorial Stadium at meet their favorite Fighting Illini players and coaches on the turf inside Memorial Stadium. Fan Appreciation Day begins at 6 p.m. and will last two hours. Parking is available in the Assembly Hall parking lot and fans are encouraged to enter the stadium through the horseshoe entrance.
Christofilakos named to the Lou Groza watch list:
All-Big Ten place kicker Peter Christofilakos has been named to the preseason Lou Groza watch list. The watch list is comprised of 30 preliminary candidates for the 11th annual award which is given to the nation's top collegiate place kicker. Last season, the Springfield, Ill., native was a semifinalist for the national award after connecting on 12-of-13 field goal attempts last season.
Scoreboard construction near completion:
While the replay board at Memorial Stadium has been up and running for over a week, the commemorative panels surrounding the screen are being put into place. Four panels will be placed around the replay board, with shots of former Illinois/Chicago Bear greats Dick Butkus, J.C. Caroline, Red Grange and George Halas donning the north end zone. Halas and Butkus were installed on Tuesday, while the Caroline and Grange panels are expected to be completed on Wednesday.
