Willmore Center
Willmore Center is the main health and wellness facility on campus and houses the athletics and exercise science departments. Named for alumna and Honorary Life Trustee Dena G. Willmore, the center opened in August 2017 after a $22 million renovation and expansion.
Located on the corner of Union and Thorne streets, Willmore Center houses the Kermit “Doc” Weiske ’50 Gymnasium and the John M. Kohler Swimming Pool. Weiske was Ripon’s first All-Conference basketball player, earning First Team honors three times from 1948-50. He went on to become Ripon’s head men’s basketball coach for 16 years, winning five Midwest Conference championships and compiling a career record of 203-148. Kohler had been a trustee and benefactor of the College. He was active in the Forward Thrust Campaign, which provided funds to build the athletics structure that later was expanded into Willmore Center.
Also within Willmore Center are three fitness studios, a weight room and a cardio balcony.
The new field house is home to Ripon’s indoor track and field teams. The 65,000-square-foot area features the Doug and Audrey Lyke Memorial Track, an NCAA-regulation track for pit and field events, and four multipurpose performance courts named for Ron ’70 and Loretta Law Peterson. The courts include netting for competition basketball, volleyball and tennis. The straightaway on the track is named for former coach and standout track star Daniel R. Sutter ’01.