From hoops to harbor: Riggs finds calling at sea
Michael Riggs never expected to trade shooting hoops for throwing line. But when professional mariners spoke at his high school, he discovered a path that would change his future.
Growing up in Houston’s south side, Riggs entered Jack Yates High School with his sights on basketball. That changed after meeting industry representatives who spoke about job security, competitive pay, and the variety of careers at sea.
“I knew people worked on boats, but I didn’t know the variety of jobs,” he said. “You can make a great living out of it. There are so many opportunities available.”
After graduating in 2022, he briefly tried another field before returning to the Maritime
Campus in 2024. Touring the simulators and meeting Coast Guard-approved instructors
confirmed his decision. The promise of immediate job placement after graduation sealed
the deal.
“That drew my attention,” he said. “I can start working now and worry about other stuff later.”
Pursuing the right field was one thing. Relearning how to study was another. When Riggs passed all but two of his first five Coast Guard certification tests, he considered giving up.
“You’ve come too far,” he reminded himself. “You can’t quit.”
I don’t see myself doing anything else, to be honest. You can make it out here. You just have to put the time in and be dedicated.
On his second try, Riggs succeeded. He now holds multiple Coast Guard certifications along with his merchant mariner credential. This past summer, he interned with G&H Towing on a harbor tug, where he learned the value of asking questions, paying attention to details, and staying busy.
“Is there anything else I can do to help?” he often asked the captain.
Now on track to graduate in summer 2026 with his maritime transportation Associate of Applied Science, Riggs sees his future on the water — whether aboard tanker ships, harbor tugs, or eventually the U.S. Coast Guard.
His story reflects what the Maritime Campus does best: helping students find purpose and leave ready to excel.
“I don’t see myself doing anything else, to be honest,” he said. “You can make it out here. You just have to put the time in and be dedicated.”
Learn more about San Jac's maritime program
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
