1993 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | JAMES RIGGS
James Riggs was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He attended both grade and high school at East Stone Gap, graduating in 1935. In high school, he lettered in football and basketball all four years. He was captain of the basketball team and football team during his senior year. The football team was coached by Lawrence Fleenor, a graduate of Milligan College.
After finishing high school, Riggs worked for two years and then came to Milligan in 1937. He played football under Coach Lacy all four years, lettering every year. He was captain of the football team during his senior year. Riggs was named to the All-Conference team two years and was selected as Little All-American his senior year. Riggs was also captain of the undefeated, untied, 1940 team.
After graduation, Riggs coached for several years in Wise, Virginia. From 1952-1959, he worked for Clinchfield Coal Company.
In 1959, Riggs resumed his coaching career as coach of the Appalachia Bulldogs. His teams were regional and district champions several times. In 1968, the new stadium at Appalachia was dedicated and named in his honor. In 1971, the Bulldogs won the Group A State Football title. The sports headlines in the local paper the next day read "Big day for Riggs: State Title; 97th victory; New Car."
Riggs was coach of the West All-Star game the summer of 1972. He retired from coaching in 1973 but continued as assistant principal until 1978.
Riggs is married to the former Frances Harris, a Milligan graduate. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 1991. They are the parents of a son, James S. Riggs, and a daughter Lynda Riggs Poston. They have seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Riggs’ major subject was biology, and he minored in chemistry and mathematics. His hobbies are playing golf, hunting and watching all sports.