April 14, 2003

CHAMPAIGN, ILL - Illinois men's basketball coach Bill Self has been honored by the Illinois Jaycees and Illinois JCI Senate as one of the 2003 Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois. This is the 32nd year that the Illinois Jaycees have selected and honored outstanding young people from throughout the state of Illinois.

"I'm honored and probably undeserving of this recognition," said Self. "I think this is more a reflection of how our players handle themselves on and off the floor. The Jaycees are known for their outstanding volunteer work in communities throughout the nation."

Each recipient, who must be between the ages of 21 and 40, has exemplified themselves in one or more fields of endeavor. Individuals are nominated for this honor by businesses, Jaycee organizations and other civil, fraternal and religious groups. A panel of distinguished judges then selects those individuals to be honored. Self was nominated by the Illinois Rebounders Club.

The award program will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Springfield, Ill., on May 31, 2003. Honorees will receive a medallion and special photo plaque recognizing their selection. Caterpillar, Inc. is serving as a Corporate Sponsor of this program for the sixth-consecutive year.

The Jaycees are a volunteer organization for men and women between the ages of 21 and 40 that promote individual development through community involvement.