INA, Ill. (November 5, 2026) — Prior to tip-off at the Rend Lake College Men’s Basketball home-opener on November 4, the RLC community gathered to celebrate two extraordinary supporters whose ongoing dedication to the college continues to shape the future of Warrior Athletics.
RLC alumnus Warren Stark and his wife, Karen Stark, were honored court-side for their monumental $100,000 commitment over the next 10 years in direct support of the RLC Men’s Basketball program.
RLC alumnus Warren Stark and his wife, Karen Stark, present a ceremonial $100,000 check to Rend Lake College leadership, Foundation and RLC board members, coaches, and the Men’s Basketball team on Nov. 4. Their generous 10-year gift will directly support team-building, player development, and growth opportunities for RLC Warriors Basketball athletes.
Accompanied by RLC President Dr. Lori Ragland, Head Coach Tim Wills, Assistant Coaches Nick Boone and Brad Wills, the 2026-27 Warriors basketball team and members of the RLC Foundation Board of Directors and RLC Board of Trustees — including Board of Directors Chair and Board of Trustees Secretary Tony Wielt, Board of Directors Vice Chair Mary Ellen Aiken, Board of Directors member Trish Reed, and Board of Trustees member John Aiken — Warren and Karen were presented with a ceremonial giant check supplied by the RLCF to mark the occasion.
This latest contribution builds upon the Starks' history of visionary support for Rend Lake College. Previously, Warren and Karen made a major investment in The Game Plan capital campaign, acquiring naming rights for the men's locker rooms at the new Banterra Sports Complex.
For Warren, who played basketball for the Warriors from 1992 to 1994 while working full-time on the college’s maintenance staff, giving back to these spaces is deeply personal. Remembering the long days spent attending classes, practicing, cleaning the gym, and even sleeping in the men's locker rooms after midnight shifts, Warren's connection to the campus runs deep.
Now, their newest $100,000 gift will further strengthen team-building, elevate player development resources, and provide opportunities for growth both on and off the court for future student-athletes.
The impact of this transformational gift will resonate across the RLC Men's Basketball program for years to come. Rend Lake College extends its deepest thanks to Warren and Karen for remembering where their journey began and for continuously carrying the Warrior tradition forward.
