Fighting Illini Caravan continues Monday in Springfield

[May 19, 2012]  CHAMPAIGN -- The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics continues its nine-city tour on Monday with the Fighting Illini Springfield Caravan, sponsored by Selvaggio Steel. Illinois football coach Tim Beckman, men's basketball assistant coach Isaac Chew, women's basketball coach Matt Bollant, volleyball coach Kevin Hambly and Director of Athletics Mike Thomas will host a reception on Monday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Erin's Pavilion, 4965 S. Second St. in Springfield.

The evening will include substantial hors d'oeuvres, an autograph session and a chance to chat with the Illini coaches. Illinois fans can still register for the reception, which is $25 per person, online at www.fightingillini.com. Tickets also will be available for purchase at the door.

Illini coaches will be active throughout the day in Springfield. Coaches Beckman and Hambly will speak to students at Franklin Middle School while coaches Chew and Bollant speak to students at Capital College Preparatory Academy. Select Illini student-athletes also will be on-site during the school visits. All the coaches and Illini athletes will then head to St. John's Hospital to visit with patients in the children's wing. Prior to the evening reception, the coaches and AD Mike Thomas also will participate in a VIP event at Erin's Pavilion.

For a complete schedule and more information on the 2012 Fighting Illini Caravan Tour, click here:
http://www.athletics.illinois.edu/
development/caravan.htm

[Text from news release received from Derrick Burson, associate sports information director, University of Illinois]