Illini Gridders Report to Training Camp
August 5, 2003 | Football
Aug. 5, 2003
The University of Illinois welcomed rookie and veteran football players alike, as over 100 Illini gridders reported to preseason training camp, Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday's schedule included the filling out of necessary paperwork, getting physicals, equipment fitting and meeting with position coaches.
"This is always an exciting day," head coach Ron Turner said. "I look forward to seeing what this team has accomplished over the summer. I really liked what I saw in the spring and think this team has a lot of potential if we work hard in these upcoming weeks."
Due to new NCAA rules the entire team will begin on Wed., Aug. 6, replacing "rookie camp," which gave the incoming class four practice sessions before the veterans reported. The rules also call for other changes to insure the protection and safety of players. Teams can no longer conduct double-sessions on consecutive days and must participate in a five-day acclimatization period of single practices.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Illinois football team will conduct its first five practice sessions in Champaign at the football complex. (Please note some practice time changes from a previously released schedule). The Illini get started on Wed., Aug. 6 at 3:30 p.m. Here are the following practices times for the next five days: Wed., Aug. 6 3:30 p.m. Practice #1 (Champaign) Thurs., Aug. 7 3:30 p.m. Practice #2 (Champaign) Fri., Aug. 8 1:15 p.m. Practice #3 (Champaign) Wed., Aug. 6 3:30 p.m. Practice #1 (Champaign) Thurs., Aug. 7 3:30 p.m. Practice #2 (Champaign) Fri., Aug. 8 1:15 p.m. Practice #3 (Champaign) 6-8 p.m. Fan Appreciation Day (Memorial Stadium) Sat., Aug. 9 10 a.m. Practice #4 (Champaign) Sun., Aug. 10 9:45 a.m. Practice #5 (Champaign) 1-5 p.m. Players Report To Rantoul
FAN APPRECIATION DAY: Once again Illinois fans will have a chance to mingle with the players and coaches at the annual Fan Appreciation Day set for Friday, Aug. 8 from 6-8 at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking is located in the Northwest and Northeast lots of the Assembly Hall.
