John Vining was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma but raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is currently a member of the University of South Dakota golf team and is involved in several Christian organizations on campus including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Campus Crusade for Christ. John went on a mission trip to Ethiopia in 2010 that changed his outlook and goals - he now wants to work with non-profits helping HIV/AIDS orphans. His professional goals are to become a physical education teacher and golf or basketball coach in Sioux Falls while continuing involvement with Christian athletics organizations.