INA, Ill. (March 20, 2023) — Rend Lake College is delighted to announce that Tim Wills, a distinguished coach, athletic director, and professor, has been selected for the March 2023 Employee Feature. Wills, a Benton native and graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, has an impressive legacy at Rend Lake College that spans over 30 years, where he has made a lasting impact as a prominent figure in shaping the college's culture and athletic programs. Wills' passion for education and sports has made him an invaluable member of the college's faculty and athletic department, and we are thrilled to recognize his accomplishments and contributions to the RLC community.
Wills began his career at Rend Lake College in 1982 as a two-year starter on the men's basketball team under the leadership of coach Mitch Haskins. During his time as a student, Wills excelled both on and off the court. He was the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership, and he and his teammates set 10 school records, achieving remarkable success. In recognition of their achievements, the 1983-84 team was inducted into the Rend Lake College Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2017. Wills was a standout player, earning All-GRAC (Great Rivers Athletic Conference), All-Region, and "Most Dedicated" honors for his contributions to the team's success.
As a Warrior, Wills left an impressive mark on the college's basketball program with the following achievements:
After graduating from Rend Lake College in 1984, Wills continued his athletic career by transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), following in the footsteps of several of his teammates. Wills became a key player for the SIUE Cougars, leading the team in assists during the 1987-88 season with an impressive total of 127, averaging 4.5 assists per game. His performance ranks 10th in the school's record books for single-season total assists. In addition to this achievement, Wills established himself as one of the school's top assist leaders, ranking 19th on the list with a total of 190 over his two seasons at SIUE.
After gaining initial coaching experience at SIU-E, Wills served as an assistant coach at both Edwardsville and Carbondale, working alongside his two previous mentors. However, in 1992, Wills returned to his alma mater, Rend Lake College, to assume head coaching responsibilities for the Warrior basketball team. He also embarked on a teaching career in Health and Physical Education, bringing his passion for sports and education full circle. In addition to his coaching and teaching duties, Wills began his first tenure as the college's athletic director, further solidifying his commitment to the development of student-athletes at RLC.
During his 18-year tenure as the men's head basketball coach from 1992 to 2010, Wills achieved numerous coaching highlights that left a lasting impact on Rend Lake College's athletic programs. One such accomplishment was leading the 1995-96 team to a record of 20 wins and its highest national ranking of No. 5 in Division II. The team's remarkable success was evident in the fact that it produced the college's first-ever First-Team All-America designee, 22-year-old sophomore Bryant Lowe from Cairo. Wills' 06-07 squad had an equally impressive record of 21-10, achieving an 8-8 standing in a conference monopolized by Division I opponents. In addition, the team had three players on the All-Region XXIV D-II list, further showcasing Wills' ability to develop successful student-athletes.
Throughout his time at RLC, Wills has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible experience for student-athletes. He has worked tirelessly to manage the athletic programs and make them highly competitive while ensuring that the college's core values are upheld. Moreover, Wills has been a passionate advocate for the college in the community, playing an active role in building partnerships and promoting the institution's brand. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Wills was awarded the prestigious Rend Lake College Foundation Alumnus of the Year award in 1996, a testament to his dedication and hard work.
According to Wills, "Our institution is well-equipped with the resources necessary to provide students with the opportunities they need to succeed. What sets us apart from other community colleges in the area is our unwavering commitment to being student-centered and prioritizing the needs of our students. Our leadership consistently listens to and values input from faculty members who work closely with students, and it's often through these collaborations that we generate innovative ideas for new programs and initiatives."
Despite facing various challenges throughout his time, Wills acknowledges that the hardworking and dedicated people around him have enabled him to overcome them. In his opinion, the coaches at the college are not solely motivated by their paychecks but by their genuine love for coaching, and this is what makes them powerful in shaping the future of student-athletes.
When asked about staying motivated, Wills emphasized the importance of evolving and adapting to the changing times. Despite the significant technological advancements that have occurred since he first started, being around young people has kept him motivated to stay current. He believes that showing an interest in what students are doing and being supportive is how we demonstrate our care for them. Wills recognizes that in order to succeed and remain competitive, it's essential to evolve with the times while staying true to our core values.
While winning games was undoubtedly an excellent achievement, the most cherished takeaway from his time at RLC is the relationships and connections that he has forged over the past four decades. He considers the enduring friendships he has made to be the true trophies of his career. Wills remains in touch with friends he made 40 years ago and even plays golf with them. Recently, he met up with a former player who is now an assistant coach of women's Indiana basketball in Bloomington, Indiana, a testament to the strong relationships he has built. According to Wills, "Teaching and working here for 30 years is fantastic, but the friendships are the true treasure."
During his free time, Tim indulges in his love for crime thriller novels and spends quality time with his wife, Kelly, and their children, Jordan and Mason.