Although the purpose of Camp Rantoul is to prepare for the season, Turner and his staff firmly believe in a positive team atmosphere. For both fun and competition, the team takes part in an annual Camp Rantoul bowling competition. Long snapper Pat Rouse was dethroned of his individual title in 1999 by redshirt-freshman defensive tackle Jeff Ruffin , however the specialists were able to defend the team title they also won in 1998. While the team and media descend on the area, Rantoul welcomes them all. The community adopts the football program.
Businesses bring out their orange and blue and hang signs to welcome all camp visitors.
Fans can even catch a glimpse the team before the season starts. The easiest way for the fans to watch the action is at the annual Orange and Blue scrimmage. Every year the skills of the squad are tested in a scrimmage at Rantoul High School. Last season, over 1000 fans came out to take a first look at what the 1999 Illini had to offer. Football Feedback Copyright 2001, Student Advantage, Inc. and the University of Illinois.