Riggins Receives Scholarship, Headed to NAIA
Riggins will be playing for Avila’s secondary this coming fall after playing under Coach Mike Muehling for two seasons.
“Playing football at HVCC was great and an excellent experience, I had the opportunity to meet a great group of guys and build lifelong friendships as well as bonds and have a brotherhood,” said Riggins.
“Travis was a player who was very eager to learn. He was a great student of both the game and on campus. He did everything that was asked of him. He was constantly striving to get better. He took criticism well, which was something I was always happy to give him. He brought up the team spirit,” said Muehling.
Riggins had never played football before coming to Hudson Valley last season, but did participate in other sporting activities.
“I only played basketball and I played with a lot of great athletes. Most of those guys went on to play Division 1 basketball,” said Riggins.
“My dad was an All-American track runner. He went on to run at Iona College on a full athletic scholarship. My dad always told me to give other sports a try, such as track, and football,” he said.
Muehling was not sure how Riggins would be as a football player and had to work with him to make him the player he is now.
“I didn’t expect much from Travis. Knowing he had not played football, I knew it was going to be a struggle for him. He and I had different opinions on what position was best suited for him. I think once he got settled in the proper position, I think he started to open better,” said Muehling.
He said, “Once he got used to football and the different uncomfortable body positions it can put you in, that made a huge difference for him. Once he was able to understand the game, he became a much better player. His comfort level this year was much different than last year in terms of on the field.”
Riggins, like many other students, has goals.
“My main goal was to just improve, being that I never played football before, [and] I just wanted to learn the game, learn the techniques, and eventually master them,” said Riggins.
He said, “Thanks to tough coaching and the competition from my peers…for the first time I actually feel ready to play at a high level and contribute.”
Muehling emphasized how much Travis was committed to the team, which made him a better player.
“He brought a sense of commitment, a lot of character. He was definitely one of those guys who showed up every day to work hard. It was tougher for Travis because he wasn’t always getting as much time as everyone else…there’s a lot to be said for…his perseverance,” said Muehling.
Riggins also emphasized how good Muehling was as a coach during his two years at HVCC.
“Coach Muehling is such a passionate coach. He expects nothing but the best out of you and he does not accept any excuses. That attitude not only made me a stronger athlete mentally and physically, but it was a lesson learned in life and I really appreciate him for the lessons taught,” said Riggins.
Riggins originally chose Hudson Valley for basketball, but later picked a different route.
“I played basketball my whole life and I worked really hard training with various trainers in the Albany area. I had a lot of support in my pursuit of playing basketball. I was at a standstill with basketball. I came to the tryouts out of shape and my work that I put in over the summer was not enough,” he said.
“I consulted with people close to me about possibly giving football a chance. The next day I contacted Coach Muehling and later on in that day I met with him in his office to get more information about playing football for the first time in my life,” said Riggins.
Riggins was determined to go to Avila University. They had football, as well as the academics that he needed for his major.
“I loved what Avila represented as an institution, as well as their academic background. Football was just a plus and the opportunity to play a high level of football was something that interested me a lot,” said Riggins.