Pannier preparing for next chapter

State Fair Community College (SFCC) Athletic Director Darren Pannier is stepping away after more than 25 years in his current position. Pannier has been instrumental in the continued expansion of the SFCC Athletic Department.

Pannier has led the effort to construct the outdoor athletic complex at SFCC. The complex saw its first competition in the spring of 2026 with the addition of the Ron Ditzfeld Field and the Charlie Marshall Field.

He was instrumental in adding four additional sports to the athletic department. Women's soccer, softball, and the reinstatement of men's soccer and baseball which began competition during the 2016–2017 school year.

Pannier later added men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, clay target shooting, esports, and men and women's golf, all of which began competition during the 2021–2022 school year.

"I believe the biggest accomplishment during my tenure was adding additional sports as well as the addition of the outdoor complex," said SFCC Athletic Director Darren Pannier. "We added sports prior to the pandemic. Junior colleges were struggling to get students to their campus, adding extracurricular activities draws students to institutions. We were able to add sports with the support of Dr. (Brent) Bates when he was serving as vice president of State Fair Community College. Our vision was always to have athletic facilities on campus, because it is a great recruiting tool for our coaches. The park department was very gracious for allowing us to use their facilities for 9 ½ years. However, it is very nice for coaches to be able to just walk out of their office and be at the field. You also don't have to worry about student-athletes driving to another location for practices and competitions. It also adds to the environment on campus. I see intramurals expanding on campus for general students. It also makes it easier for students and employees to attend athletic events on campus."

In 2017, Pannier received the George E. Killian Award of Excellence from the NJCAA National Office Staff. The award recognizes individuals dedicated to the organization's ideals of volunteerism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence.

He also started the W-K Holiday Shootout which brings hundreds of prospective students to campus every year during the holiday season.

Pannier concluded his five-year tenure as head basketball coach of the Lady Roadrunners in the 2009–2010 season with a career record of 108–48. During his time as head coach, he coached many student-athletes who earned All-American honors both academically and athletically. His teams were ranked in the NJCAA poll in four of his five seasons.

He also spent seven years as an assistant coach for the Lady Roadrunners and served as the first head coach for the volleyball program at SFCC.

Pannier is heavily involved with the National Junior College Athletic Association at both the regional and national levels. He is a member of the NJCAA Board of Regents, representing Region 16. He has served  on various NJCAA committees. He was the chair of the Division I Women's Basketball Committee.

Pannier is also active in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the West Central Missouri Boys and Girls Club and is a past president of the Board of Directors for the Sedalia Country Club. He participates in several committees for the Sedalia School District Foundation and currently serves as President of the Sedalia District 200 All-Activities Booster Club.

Each year, Pannier presents the Darla Pannier Most Valuable Player Award for the women's contest at the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game.

"I have enjoyed working with the NJCAA on many different levels," said Pannier. "My favorite memories are watching our student-athletes walk across the stage and receive their diploma or certificate. The George E. Killian Award of Excellence was also a big surprise and a tremendous honor for me."

Pannier will continue to work for Region 16 and the NJCAA after he steps away from his current position.

"I didn't expect to be here for 28 years, but it all worked out," said Pannier. "I've had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people throughout my career. I tried to look out for what was best for State Fair Community College, what was the best for the student-athletes and then what was best for the athletic department.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics