Born in Elkhart, Indiana, Rick Surls grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and enrolled in Los Angeles Baptist College in the fall of 1974. Over the next four years, he developed into one of the finest all-around athletes in the history of the college, starring in soccer and baseball. Known for his aggressive style of play in goal and at the plate, Surls became one of the most feared players in the NAIA District III. He is one of only two male athletes in school annals to win the President's Cup for Athlete of the Year twice, going back-to-back in 1977 and 1978.

After graduating from LABC in 1978 with a degree in physical education, he married his college sweetheart, Becky, and moved to Woodland, California, where he began a teaching career that is still flourishing at Woodland Christian School. Rick has coached baseball at WCS for 25 years and in 2001 was named Central Valley Christian League Coach of the Year.    

Rick and Becky have three children: Sarah, Austin (a freshman at TMC), and Tyson. He attends First Baptist Church of Woodland where he teaches Sunday School, works with the youth, and serves on the church board. In his spare time, Rick plays men's senior baseball, earning several all-star appearances since 1986.