Role models can play a big role in the lives of high school student athletes. Whether the athlete looks up to another athlete, celebrity, or someone that they know, the impact that those people can have can be immeasurable. Jalen Riggs has a few people that have made a big influence on his life.

“The biggest role models in my life are my family and coach Hudson,” Riggs said. “They all push me to do my best, no matter what it is I am working on. They always support me and are there for me. Also, coach Billie Ellick has always believed in me and pushed me to do better all the time. I would not be the person or athlete that I am today without them.”

In his senior year at Fairland High School, Jalen plays football, basketball, and runs track for the Owls.

Competing alongside his teammates is something that Riggs enjoys, and he adds that they all enjoy beating the same opponent.

“Afton is our rival, so we definitely enjoy beating them whenever we play them,” Riggs said. “That has probably been the highlight moments of my career is the times we have beat them. I really have some solid teammates. Witton Amos is a freshman and he is going to be a beast when he matures. Also, Garren Jackson has an infinite drive and works the hardest out of anyone I have hever met.”

While his family, coaches, and teammates have helped him along the way, Riggs has had to devote a lot of time and effort to grow into the athlete that he is today.

“I spend time in the weight room working to get stronger,” Jalen said. “It takes a lot of hard work but you have to be willing to do that in order to be the best you can be.”

Whenever he has downtime, one thing that Jalen likes to do is catch up on his social media and he has one person in particular that he enjoys following.

“My favorite follow is Snoop Dogg,” Riggs said. “He post really funny videos.”