INA, Ill (October 23, 2024) — Rend Lake College held a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking on the new Banterra Sports Complex.
Renovations of the complex will include approximately 5,688 square feet of additional space for a new entryway/lobby, concessions, training room and new restrooms. The existing 32,000 square feet will be renovated to include new digital scoreboards, scorers’ bench, locker rooms, office space and more. The cost of the renovations and additions totals to approximately $6.5 million.
“Everybody forgets how much time our student athletes spend in facilities like this,” says RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “The hours of practice and planning, and it just not just game time. And, so, I think that's important for our students to know that they're supported. And, if you elevate their environment, you elevate their expectations and they'll produce that.”
President and CEO of Banterra Bank, Jeff May, shares that the partnership between Rend Lake College and Banterra Bank for this facility is about serving, enhancing and growing the community.
Banterra Bank CEO & President, Jeff May
“If you look at the history of Rend Lake College and what it has done for our area, it is important to that we continue to make the college a bigger and more important part of our community,” says May. “We know Rend Lake College enrolls students in our [Banterra Bank] footprint and we want to support programs that recognize them and any enhancement to their campus experience.”
Jennifer Spence, Director of Marketing at Banterra Bank, shares that a facility like the Banterra Sports Complex shows students and student athletes how much RLC supports them.
"[The Banterra Sports Complex] raises the bar and makes them want to perform better, meet those expectations," says Spence. "Students walk on this campus and get to see the newly renovated Banterra Sports Complex, whether they're an athlete or not, that says Rend Lake College is top notch."
Deaconess Illinois President, William Davis
"This complex hasn't been updated for 50 plus years. By bringing in and doing this renovation, it's going to equip students with the tools and new equipment for them to reach their peak," says President of Deaconess Illinois, William Davis. I think that this is going to do nothing but add to the momentum of the college, and help as a recruitment tool to bring in more students across Southern Illinois."
The Banterra Sports Complex at Rend Lake College will include the existing James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium as well as new additions 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.
RLCF Major Gifts Officer, Dawn Johnson
"When our students come on campus, they're looking at academics, they're looking at the program and their teammates," says Dawn Johnson, RLC Foundation Major Gifts Officer. "But, the facilities absolutely make a difference. We're just excited to continue tradition and have it be a place that students can be proud of."
RLC Warrior basketball player Equinton Milsap and Lady Warrior basketball player Carly Foster share their excitement for the renovations.
"I'm excited that it's going to be a better facility around here, and a better locker room," says Milsap. "The training room will help a lot, because we need a bigger training room so more people can get help with what they need."
"I'm just excited for the big opening out front," says Foster. "It's going to look real fancy and nice."
RLC Executive Vice President, Lori Ragland, shares the expected completion goal for the Banterra Sports Complex will be August 2025.
"We're hoping to be done by the time the fall semester starts and our volleyball season begins," says Ragland. "So, if all goes well, we will be in this nice, new facility August of 2025."
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The Game Plan Major Donors:
Banterra Bank
Deaconess of Illinois
Dean* and Donna Merder
Warren* and Karen Stark
Trish Reed*
Eric Kern*
Tony and Julie* Wielt - State Farm Insurance
James* and Carole Mounier
Cindy Leeck
Pat Kern*
Dave and Penny* Severin - All Stars-N-Stitches
Barnard Familty*
John D. and Mary Ellen Aiken
Benton Lions Club
Eggemeyer Associates Architects
Henry "Buster" Leeck*
Kevi Karcher*
John* and Maria Kretz
James Wittenauer
Matt Burkett*
Robert* and Kendi* Kelley
Linda Smith*
Ron Smith*
Trudee Wynn - Country Financial
Crystal Hemby* - Crystal Clear Pools & Spas
Tim and Sherri* Millenbine - Wooly Wash Car Wash
Eric Gayer* - T-Street Rides
*Denotes RLC Alumni