On August 17, Georgia Southern University announced the hiring of James Riggs as the new Women’s Rifle Coach. Riggs spent 16 years working as a veteran law enforcement officer is currently an investigator with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s office.

“I’m looking forward to getting into the competition part of things, mentoring the girls, and increasing the popularity of shooting sports,” Riggs said.

Senior child and family development major Emmy Johnson is looking forward to competing under the leadership of Coach Riggs, and believes that the team can go far this season.

“We have a lot of great girls joining the team this year,” she said. “Between the returning girls and the new members, I think we have the potential to be a very good team.”

The women’s rifle team is about to start its third year of competition. Last season, they competed in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference Competition. There were several competitions that spanned throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Going up against various schools each competition, the Eagles highest ranking was when they placed 3rd in the sixth event this past February.

At the seventh event, rifle member Tori Lewis set program records and has the highest score in Air Rifle and Overall Composite Score. Lewis also led the team in total score at the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference Championship.

While the Eagles are ready for this year’s competition, they are currently waiting to practice inside the new Shooting Sports Education Center, which is set to open this September.