Berea College

Isaiah Riggs enters his third year as an Assistant Coach, specializing in distance and cross country.
“Isaiah has shown a relentless drive and passion for the sport that you don’t find often,” said Coach Michael Thomas. “He has constantly learned more each day to be the best he can for the program. I am truly excited for the team to continue striving for success in the distance and middle-distance events, with him helping guide them.”
Riggs began his coaching career in 2023, working with both the men’s and women’s cross country teams. That year, the women’s cross country team featured four All-Conference members, including Runner of the Year Madison Stonestreet and Rookie of the Year Muhorakeye Joyeuse. He also assisted the men’s team, which finished 3rd at conference, with two All-Conference athletes—including individual Runner of the Year Robert Immell.
In the 2024 indoor and outdoor track & field seasons, Riggs assisted with the throws program, coaching two women’s and one men’s athlete to CCS conference scoring, including an All-Conference athlete in the javelin.
In fall 2024, Riggs continued to make an immediate impact in his second year, helping Madison Stonestreet win the 2024 HCAC women’s cross country individual championship and contributing to the women’s team finishing 2nd overall with three All-Conference and one Honorable Mention honoree. On the men’s side, he helped guide one All-Conference performer and the team to a 7th-place overall finish.
Building on that momentum in the 2025 track & field season, Riggs played a pivotal role in the program’s transition into the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). During the indoor season, he helped lead the women’s team to their first-ever HCAC Indoor Championship title. His distance and middle-distance athletes contributed vital points, including a strong performance by Madison Stonestreet in the 5,000m and 3,000m and Muhorakeye Joyeuse in the 800m and 3,000m. Austin Gatewood in the 800m. He also oversaw continued all-conference performances from Austin Gatewood in the 800m.
In the fall 2025 cross country season, Riggs continued to develop a competitive distance culture. He helped guide the women’s team to a 5th-place finish at the HCAC Championships, where Madison Stonestreet and Muhorakeye Joyeuse once again earned All-Conference honors and E Chambers earned honorable mention. On the men's side, he helped the team navigate a competitive field at the conference meet and the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, ensuring the Mountaineers remained a presence on the regional stage.
 
Personal & Educational Background:
Hailing from Maysville, Kentucky, Riggs graduated from Mason County High School in 2020. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Fitness and Wellness Management from Eastern Kentucky University in 2024.
Certifications:

• USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist Certification
• USATF Level I Certification
• ALTIS – Coaching the Javelin & Hammer Certification
• ALTIS – Coaching the Shot Put & Discus Certification