Missouri State names Corey Riggs as next radio voice following Art Hains' retirement

Missouri State is turning to a familiar voice in its impossible mission to replace Art Hains as the next "Voice of the Bears."

Corey Riggs was officially announced as Missouri State's Director of Broadcasting on Monday and will become the full-time Missouri State play-by-play man for football, men's basketball and baseball in 2025-26.

Hains, who has been with the Missouri State for the better part of the last 47 years, announced earlier this month that he would retire after a full 2024-25 season with his final game being Bears football's home opener against Southern Methodist, his alma mater, on Sept. 13, 2025.

"Corey has earned this role," Hains said in a release. "He started as one of our studio hosts (for the radio network) and stepped in when I became ill in 2022. He is always well-prepared and takes time to get to know the players and coaches, which is so valuable to our listeners. I am happy to pass the baton to him."

Riggs has served as Hains' backup for the last several years. He took on an expanded role when Hains was diagnosed and hospitalized with West Nile virus throughout most of the 2022-23 athletics calendar. When Hains returned to the booth for the 2023 football season, Riggs handled the road contests for football, men's basketball and baseball.

Riggs will continue to be the voice you hear when Missouri State is on the road in 2024-25. He will also serve in a color commentary role for Bears football games this season with Hains calling the action. Former Missouri State football player Clay Harbor is expected to call color commentary for a few of the Bears' road games.

Previously, Riggs served as the senior production manager at Mediacom and had been with it for 20 years while also serving in various broadcasting roles for Missouri State on ESPN+ or with high school games for MSHSAA. The Webb City grad also earned his diploma from Missouri State.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State names Corey Riggs as next radio voice following Art Hains' retirement