Asmussen: Funfest, Wrigley and Ron Turner

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What I learned this week

Put the fans first

For nine consecutive years, Illinois held the Football Family Funfest each winter. It was a popular event, drawing young and old fans to Memorial Stadium for a chance to get autographs and take pictures. Citing scheduling conflicts, the event was called off by Illinois in 2008 and not reinstated last season. But, wisely, the event returns March 13 and is again being sponsored by The News-Gazette, WDWS and WHMS. Here's your chance to meet Mikel Leshoure, Martez Wilson, Terry Hawthorne and the rest of the Illini. Based on past experience, the players enjoy it, especially mingling with the kids. A suggestion to Illinois: find the time to continue the event in the future. Those 8-year-olds eventually become ticket buyers.

Field of dreams

Sounds like Illinois-Northwestern at Wrigley Field is moving closer to reality. We'd suggest lining up a parking spot now for the Nov. 20 game. But that's just a small inconvenience compared to the chance to see a game at one of the greatest venues in any sport. The good part for Illinois is that it will cut into Northwestern's home-field advantage without costing the Illini in the future. This isn't a two-year deal, with a future Illinois home game going to 1060 W. Addison. This is a one-time deal. There are issues that need to be worked out, including player safety at what will be a cramped field. But expect that to get worked out and start planning for a cold afternoon in a baseball park.

Quick stop

Many wondered if Ron Turner would like going back to college coaching after five years in the NFL. We'll never know. Turner spent about a week as a Stanford assistant before becoming receivers coach with the Indianapolis Colts. Maybe working under a guy he had coached, Jim Harbaugh, didn't feel right to Turner. Or maybe the idea of going back on the road to recruit wasn't something he wanted to do. We hope to get answers. The bottom line for Turner, who was made the scapegoat by the Bears, is that he lands with a winning program in a city that cares about the NFL. Turner will be an asset to the Colts.

Good call

Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill made a smart hire, landing former Illinois assistant Mike Schultz as his new offensive coordinator. The hire was made official earlier this week, pending the approval by the Tennessee Board of Regents (they take their football seriously in the Volunteer State). Schultz was in charge of talented offenses while at TCU. He didn't suddenly lose his ability to motivate his guys or call the right plays. For some reason, what had worked at TCU didn't work at Illinois. And Schultz paid the price. But he'll have a chance to get his career restarted at a school that just went to a bowl. You should see plenty of Schultz when the Blue Raiders open Sept. 2 against Minnesota.

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