INA (RLC NEWS) – In a landmark event showcasing the completion of The Game Plan capital campaign, Rend Lake College celebrated the opening of the Banterra Sports Complex on the Ina campus on February 11, 2026. Included were a ribbon cutting ceremony, tours of the new renovations and free entry to the Warriors and Lady Warriors home games.
The Game Plan is a capital campaign launched in December 2022 to renovate and expand the facilities at Waugh Gymnasium on the Ina campus. Renovations of the complex included 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 has been renovated to include new digital scoreboards, scorers’ bench, locker rooms, office space and more.
Lori Ragland, RLC President, remarked on this new chapter for RLC’s campus and athletics.
“This complex represents much more than a building. It’s a shared space — one that belongs not only to our student athletes, but to the entire Rend Lake College community,” said Ragland. “It’s a place for competition, training, learning, and gathering. A place where students grow, teams are built, and community connections are strengthened.”
Ragland emphasized what this project means for current and future students at RLC.
“Facilities like this also play an important role in recruitment — both for our athletic programs and for the college as a whole,” she remarked. “When prospective students visit our campus, what they see matters. The Banterra Sports Complex sends a clear message: Rend Lake College is invested in excellence, opportunity, and student success. It reflects the pride we have in our campus and the confidence we have in our future.”
The campaign has officially raised a total of $2.28 million, exceeding the ambitious goal of $2 million. This victory was made possible by incredible lead gifts, including Banterra Bank with their lead gift of $1 million to name the Banterra Sports Complex and Deaconess Illinois with their $250,000 gift towards a new athletic training room.
Cathy DeJarnette, Executive Director of Administrative Services and The Game Plan Co-Chair, presented three individuals and families with awards for their recent dedication to the capital campaign.
“Throughout The Game Plan campaign, we have recognized new major donors at our annual Foundation Dinner with a small token of our appreciation — our way of officially welcoming them into The Game Plan and celebrating their commitment to Rend Lake College,” said DeJarnette. “Since December, three more individuals and families have stepped forward to join The Game Plan, each of which have a deep, personal connection to this gym, to our students, and to the legacy we’re celebrating today.”
The first honoree was Professor Tim Wills, who also serves as Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Wills has been involved in RLC athletics for more than 45 years and is the only individual in RLC history to serve as a student, athlete, coach, professor, and athletic director. Wills continues to impact the college through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to student and athletic success.
The second honoree, Julie Oxford, has been a steady, essential presence in Warrior athletics for four decades. Throughout her entire career, Oxford has been dedicated to the athletics department as its administrative assistant. She has supported coaches, student athletes, and programs through every season, challenge, and victory.
The final honorees were Cathy and Bryan Sponsler — James “Hummer” Waugh’s daughter and son-in-law. Their support has continued the legacy that Waugh built over his 29 years at RLC — 17 years as Athletic Director and 47 combined seasons of coaching various sports.
“These honorees represent exactly what The Game Plan has always been about,” said DeJarnette. “People who believe in Rend Lake College. People who invest in our students. People who help build the future.”
Pat Kern, RLCF Board of Directors member and The Game Plan Co-Chair, continued the celebration and recognition of The Game Plan donors and contributors.
“The Game Plan reached and exceeded the goal because of the generosity of everyone who gave to the campaign,” said Kern. “One word has been prevalent [throughout all the donations], and that word is ‘team.’ Thank you to everyone who gave to make this project a success, even the smallest gift adds to another to make a difference. This campaign was definitely a team effort.”
“Throughout the campaign, we’ve heard it again and again — ‘Welcome to The Game Plan’ and ‘I’m a part of The Game Plan.’ Those weren’t just taglines,” said DeJarnette. “They were commitments. They were declarations that this region believes in Rend Lake College and believes in the students who walk through our doors. And it’s the reason we’re standing in this transformed space today. Thank you for investing in our students and in the future of this college.”
