Pope High School senior Joshua Riggins has gained national attention in the sport of fencing, a discipline not yet sanctioned by the Georgia High School Association, according to an April 14 announcement. Riggins began fencing as a freshman after being recruited at an open house and has since dedicated himself to excelling in épée, the only style used by high school leagues in Georgia.
Fencing remains relatively unknown in Cobb County, but for Riggins it became a central focus. He described his introduction to the sport: “I was just a skinny freshman, about 120 pounds,” he said. “I didn’t know a lick about fencing. I was at Open House, and I went into a room full of all the clubs where they’re recruiting kids to join. The fencing coach convinced me to sign up, and that’s how I got into it.”
Riggins’ commitment is reflected in his training routine. Coach David Eichler said, “He’s up at 4:30 am and works out every day on his own…then back to the fencing club for the afternoon to take lessons, and then more fencing the rest of the evening.” Private coach John Terris compared his regimen to “watch every Rocky training montage on a continuous loop for four years.”
Competitive opportunities are limited due to lack of official recognition by GHSA; most events are through high school leagues or regional competitions. Nevertheless, Riggins has participated in over 60 national and regional events with top-10 finishes in more than half. He has won 16 gold medals outside high school leagues and earned silver or bronze eleven times. As a junior he was named First-Team High School All-American and placed third at the 2025 National Championships for Men’s Junior Épée.
Team success followed individual achievements as Pope’s club secured consecutive state titles under Riggins’ captaincy. Reflecting on one championship win he said: “That was the best experience…We put our minds together…and we fought really hard to get that finish.”
Riggins will continue his athletic career next fall with a scholarship at Ohio State University while aiming higher: “My shorter-term goal is to be an NCAA champion,” he said. “My dream and my long-term goal is to be an Olympic and world champion.”
