Illini Sharp in Double Workout Session
Illinois gridders spend morning in pads, afternoon in shorts - 8/20/98

The Illini worked out for the second consecutive session in pads this morning, followed up by a practice in shorts this afternoon as the thermometer hit 90 degrees. Illinois Hall-of-Fame fullback and current Illini Sports Network color analyst Jim Grabowski took in last night's practice and today's morning session. Grabowski will begin his 22nd season on the Illini Sports Network broadcasts this fall, teaming up with play-by-play voice Jim Turpin. Following the afternoon practice, Rantoul mayor Joe Brown hosted a BBQ at the Fanmarker Restaurant pavilion for the Illinois coaching and support staff. Coach Ron Turner thanked Mayor Brown and the Rantoul community for its tremendous support, enthusiasm and warm welcome to the Illinois football program. The Illini football program has a five-year agreement with the City of Rantoul for training camp.

HERE'S STEVIE!:
Popular WDWS morning host and general manager Stevie Jay brings his morning show to Rantoul ''98 Friday morning, visiting with Illinois coaches and players, along with other personalities who have helped to make training camp a success. Jay has also welcomed an Illinois player every morning at 7:10 a.m., featuring defensive end Ryan Murphy, tight end Josh Whitman and safety Bobby Jackson.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF STEVE HAVARD:
For the upcoming "First of America Fighting Illini Kickoff Special," WCIA-TV videographer Gregg Henness and sportscaster Jason Overstreet spent an entire day following running back Steve Havard. The hour-long special, set to run Friday, August 28 at 7 p.m. on Channel 3 locally, features interviews with the entire coaching staff and more than a dozen players. Henness and Overstreet began their day with Havard at 6:45 a.m. and followed the junior running back from Wheaton through meals, training room and taping, preparing for practice, two practice sessions, position meetings and the most popular spot among players, the "Ice Tubs," the large bathtubs filled with ice water frequented by players immediately after practice. The "First of America Fighting Illini Kickoff Special" will wrap up filming at Friday morning's practice with hosts Chris Widlic, Mike Cleff and Overstreet taping the opening during the morning session.