He ran collegiately at Grand Valley State University where he won an NCAA Division II Cross Country championship in 2018.
[8] Panning originally committed to Temple University, but the school cut their track program shortly after.
Instead, Panning attended Grand Valley State University where he ran Cross Country and Track.
In the championship race Panning placed second overall, despite falling in the first 30 meters, finishing the 10k course in 31:53.6 as the first scoring member on his team and second overall.
[13][16] During the 2024 Olympic trials Panning made an early move and upped the pace on the sixth mile.