WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point senior Cole Riggs will be going into his third and final year on the Warriors’ varsity squad and talked about the amazing experience he’s had so far.
“Well, my first year was a difficult challenge with my role on the team as a guy. I had a lot to learn, because most of the girls have been cheering for years. We got a new coach in that year too. My second year wasn’t as big a challenge as my first, because I knew my role on the team. This year has been the best one for me. I inspired other guys to join the team, and I have helped them to find their role. I have learned that cheer isn’t just for girls; people are going to hate on you, but that doesn’t mean that you should give up. You have to do what makes you happy, no matter what.” Riggs said. “Stepping on the field or a basketball court has felt like home to me. Everything goes away. I always feel like myself when I’m cheering. I want to thank all of the coaches who have pushed me to be the best that I can be.”
Cole has been learning as much as he can from some amazing cheerleaders and coaches.
“It’s been challenging. They always push me to do better, but they also encourage me when I’m struggling. They’ve helped me grow into not only the cheerleader, but the person that I am today. Other than learning all the basics of cheer, they’ve taught me that a smile can help any bad day, and a little bit of effort goes a long way. They’ve taught me that family isn’t just blood; it’s the ones who are there for you and pushing you to be your best, but also giving you a hand when you’re struggling,” Riggs said. “My first-year cheering was also my coach’s first year, and we may have had our differences, but we learned a lot together and I know she’s a person I can call at any time. My cheer coach now is really good, and she always helps us get better when we need her. Both of my coaches have taught me how to be a great teammate and do good in the classroom, to be there for each other all the time, and be on there.
Cole’s performance over the years has greatly improved. He talked about what he will continue to work on to get ready for next season, the goals for this upcoming season, and what will make this team special to watch.
“I would say my overall performance has improved, from my motions and techniques to tumbling,” he said. “We are always motivating each other, from stunting, tumbling, or even hitting the right motion. My individual goals are to improve in tumbling and get an offer from a college. My team goals are to be able to perform the best we can and win Regionals or state. What will make us special to watch is the spirit that we bring to the mat; that makes it easy for the crowd to get involved. Also, the bond that we’ve made together. You can really see that we’re all connected together, and you see a family, not just a cheer team.”
Cole saw a lot of friends that were on the cheer team and knew he wanted to do that one day. He talked about the best advice that someone ever gave him.
“I had many friends who were a part of the cheer team and I saw how much fun they were having. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always been very big in school spirit, even before I was a cheerleader,” he said. “The best advice I’ve ever received from someone is to be who you are. Everyone has different characteristics. Be happy and content with the way you see yourself.”
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