Football moved its fourth practice of the spring a little earlier in the day Monday, to accommodate for the men’s basketball NCAA Championships.

Head coach Ron Zook, who attended the game, said he wanted the players to be able to go to St. Louis if they could, or at least to be able to enjoy watching their fellow Illini compete for the national title.

“I just thought it was something that’s big for the University, it’s big for the athletic department, it’s big for all the Illini and I want if they want to (go to the game) to be able to do it,” Zook said.

The basketball team sets a good example for the football players, Zook said, showing how working hard and team effort can pay off.

“Our basketball team’s done a great job and I think it’s important that our football team just sees what they’ve accomplished,” Zook said.

In terms of practice, the Illini are now in full pads. Zook said he is happy with the progress the team is making in learning his new system, and understands that it will take time to get things perfect.

“We added another dimension today with the heat, which is good,” Zook said. “You’ve got the pads, you’ve got a lot of learning, you’ve got a lot of football, you’ve got the heat now, it’s continuing to tax them, continuing to make them better.

“Their heads are still swimming a little bit, but for the most part they’re trying to give us effort, and they’re trying to get better.”

The next football practice is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. Practices are open to the public, and Zook encourages fans to come out and see the team.

Practices are also scheduled for April 8, April 9, April 11, April 13, April 15, April 16, April 18, April 20 and April 22.

“This is their team,” Zook said. “This is their opportunity for them to come and be around, to see them and watch them and be close to them.

“If they want to be here we definitely want to have them.”

The spring football scrimmage will be Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.