Rick Penner grew up in Fresno, California, and enrolled at Fresno Pacific College in the fall of 1969. He was a three-time NAIA District Three champion, winning the intermediate hurdles in 1970 and 1972 and anchored FPC’s 1970 mile relay team. He earned NAIA All-America honors with a third-place finish in the 400 meter hurdles at the 1972 NAIA National Outdoor Championship in Billings, Montana.
He majored in biology, graduated in 1973, then served three years on the staff of Athletes In Action. He capped his athletic career by winning the 800 meters at the 1977 Southern Pacific AAU Championship. He settled in Shafter, California, and embarked on a career as a chemist. He has served in various capacities as a church and community leader, and is a devoted husband and father.
* FPU record holder: 440 yard intermediate hurdles (51.2) 5/13/72
* FPU record holder: 400 meter intermediate hurdles (51.7) 6/1/72
* 1970 NAIA District Three champion - 440 yard intermediate hurdles, mile relay
* 1972 NAIA District Three champion - 400 meter intermediate hurdles
* 1972 NAIA All-America - 400 meter intermediate hurdles (3rd place)
* 1977 Southern Pacific AAU Championship - 800 meters, champion
* 1974-77 Athletes in Action
* Chemist, BC Laboratories, Bakersfield, California
* Awana director, Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church
* Chairman, Kern Crest Manor
