Rick was an outstanding four sport high school athlete playing football, basketball, baseball and running track. He played for Sheffield High School from 1971 through 1973 before transferring to Rogers High School in 1974. He was outstanding as an end on the 1973 Bulldog football team that finished 8-3 and was rewarded for his performance by being named Honorable Mention All-State by the Birmingham News. In basketball he was an outstanding offensive performer that was known for his shooting ability and quickness in penetrating to the basket which would lead to him being named to the Colbert County All-Tournament Team in 1973. He also lettered his senior year for the Rogers Pirates in both sports. In baseball he was valuable member of the Bulldog baseball team that reached the final four in 1973. Rick also played in the East-West All-Star Game. During the spring of 1974 Rick was the first member of the Rogers High School Track Team to ever qualify to attend the State Track Meet. Following high school he received a baseball scholarship to Jacksonville State University here he became a starter in center field as a freshman.