Topsail Middle School football coach Ryan Riggs promoted to head coach
HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Ryan Riggs has always loved football and was a player until a knee injury sidelined him in high school. He told us, “My love for the game never went away, so I always followed it intensely and have volunteered to coach every chance I get. I have been an assistant coach at Topsail Middle School (TMS) for the past 3 seasons. This will be my 4th season, but my first as the head coach. Coaching alongside me are Justin Holland and Brian Robles. We are all returning coaching staff from previous seasons and are looking forward to a great season of football!”
Riggs has been coaching for 10 years. He has attended several coaches’ clinics, such as the Glazier Clinic and the USA Football Clinic, to further his education and certifications. He coached for Topsail Jr. Pirates for 8 years and added, “This is our local Pop Warner organization, and I highly recommend this program to any upcoming football players or cheerleaders. Both of my boys have played since they were 5 years old. Wonderful program! I have also coached for Poseidon Elite travel football for one season. It is a great opportunity for any player who wants to go to the next level.”
When we asked what makes a successful team, the coach explained, “There are several moving parts to football to make it a success. But if I had to trim it down to the fundamentals, the obvious would be the drills and copious amounts of training the kids put in every single day. However, the real challenge is the competition, the ability to compete at every snap of every practice and every game. This competitive nature gives them the edge to succeed and excel, not just on the field, but off the field, too.”
Riggs shared, “One of my most memorable seasons was season 2021 when our TMS boys went 6-0 undefeated, brought the infamous rival helmet back to its home (We love you Surf City!), and won the conference championship! They put in the work, and it showed. Most of all, they built trust for one another which makes all the difference in how a team performs. Both of my boys were on the team that year; one was the quarterback, and one was a linebacker. I could not have been prouder that year… a proud coach and a proud dad!”
Coach Riggs knows that coaching is more than teaching a sport. “Many times, we find ourselves as mentors, counselors, and male role models. The lessons taught and received go far beyond the football field. Losses will happen, and we try to express to the team that it’s not wins and losses… it wins and learns. Never miss an opportunity to grow, no matter how that lesson is received.”
Riggs concluded, “When my coaching days are done, I hope I am remembered as the coach they could always count on. To think that I have had a small part in the molding of these young athletes into dedicated, passionate, and honest young men and women with a love for the game, that is all the legacy I need. Football has been one of the greatest loves of my life, and it has truly been an honor to be afforded the opportunities to share my passion and knowledge for this sport with so many kids in our community.”
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