Banterra Student of the Month: Ty Wilzbacher
INA, Ill. (February 26, 2026) — Join Rend Lake College in celebrating one of its students each month, sponsored by Banterra Bank. These students are selected based on their GPA, as well as their campus and community involvement. The February Student of the Month is Ty Wilzbacher of Evansville, Ind.
Wilzbacher is a sophomore in the business program. He plans to graduate in May and continue his education in the medical or pharmaceutical sales field.
"In my course, Ty was able to balance the demands of a being a college athlete with the discipline required for the college classroom, and he did it while supporting his teammates in class who needed encouragement," said Biological Sciences Professor Carrie Ragan. "His influence in my classroom proved that true leadership shows both in how you compete and how you look out for the people around you.”
Along with being a full-time student, Wilzbacher enjoys staying active and being outdoors. One way he stays active is by pitching on the Warriors Baseball team, and he is determined to continue playing at a four-year university after RLC.
"Baseball has always been a big part of my life, and I’m excited to see how far I can take it," he said.
"Ty Wilzbacher is a great ambassador not just for our program, but the entire college," said Nate Glant, Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. "He encompasses all the qualities we as a college strive to put first. I couldn’t be more proud of him being named Student of the Month.”
RLC is delighted to see Wilzbacher recognized for his upstanding character – not only by faculty and staff, but also by members of the community, such as CEO of Banterra Bank Jeff May.
“Banterra was happy to partner with Rend Lake College for the naming rights of the renovated sports facility, the Banterra Sports Complex, because we are two organizations that are committed to supporting Southern Illinois and our youth,” said May. “As part of that partnership, we are honored to sponsor a Student of the Month program which recognizes an outstanding RLC student each month for their achievements.”
Banterra Bank's naming rights of the Banterra Sports Complex is the largest corporate naming rights agreement to date. Renovations are complete and a ribbon cutting was held February 11.
About the Banterra Sports Complex
The Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College includes the existing James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium as well as a new addition to the space. Waugh Gymnasium is one of the original buildings on the college’s campus and in 1995 was named after Waugh, a long-time coach and educator with nearly 50 combined athletic seasons to his credit when he retired. In addition to the gym, it includes athletic offices and locker rooms.
