As the Katy Ruff Riders begin to make plans for season No. 2, a familiar face will no longer patrol their sidelines. Former NFL player and Rice standout Donald Hollas resigned last week to pursue other career opportunities.
Hollas led the team to a 7-7 record during its inaugural campaign.
"Donald did an exceptional job with our team last year and provided us with a solid platform to build on going into the future," Ruff Riders Managing Partner David Iglinsky said. "The Ruff Riders organization will always be grateful of his efforts and wish him nothing but success in his new endeavors."
Iglinsky also announced that the team has promoted Stephen Wiggins to head coach for the upcoming season. Wiggins served as a special assistant/administrative coordinator for the club last season, and is excited about his new duties.
"Things have sort of moved rather quickly, but I feel extremely prepared to help this organization get to the next level," Wiggins said. "Having been around from the beginning will definitely make this process a lot easier."
Wiggins also has deep area roots and hopes to use his influence to capitalize on the hotbed of area football talent in effort to mold the Ruff Riders into title contenders.
"I have played and coached at just about every level in the (Houston) area," Wiggins said. "So I expect to reach out to the myriad of people that I have established trusted relationships with throughout the years."
Wiggins played college football at Prairie View A&M University and attended training camp with the Cleveland Browns in 1987 before sustaining an injury which precipitated his eventual release.
Not to be denied the opportunity to play at the professional ranks, he then packed his bags and went north of the border and landed a roster spot with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
Those Roughriders captured the Grey Cup in 1989.
Wiggins eventually returned back to the Houston area to begin his coaching journey, which includes stints at Texas Southern, Prairie View, the Spring Football League and several area high schools. He is also currently a defensive coordinator at South Houston High School.
First order of business for Wiggins in his new role, will be to oversee the Ruff Riders' open tryout scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15, at Rhodes Stadium in Katy.
Though the team expects to re-sign several keys players from last season's 7-7 campaign, Wiggins assures that everyone wearing the Ruff Riders regalia this season will have to earn it.
"As far as I'm concerned, all positions are up for grabs at this point." Wiggins said. "People become complacent when things are given to them; that's not going to happen with this team."
Those planning to participate in the tryout must arrive by 8 a.m. at Rhodes Stadium to register. There is also a $50 registration fee.
For more information, go to www.katyruffriders.com or call 281-492-1045.
