CHAMPAIGN — Sorry, Illinois football fans.
Lovie Smith won’t make an appearance Friday night at Memorial Stadium for the fifth annual Lift for Life event.
NCAA rules prohibit coaches from getting involved in the festivities, which will feature 92 Illinois players going through a series of weightlifting competitions starting at 6:30 p.m.
But Joe Spencer, the Illinois center who is spearheading this year’s event, believes Smith could surprise some with his strength.
“I think he would fare well in the event,” Spencer said. “He is a tough and determined coach, and I think this would carry over to effort in the events.