JACKSON TWP — Kevin Trost likes a good challenge.

He should get one now that he is coaching in the WPIAL's Section 1-6A.

Trost was approved as Seneca Valley's varsity boys basketball coach at Monday's school board meeting.

The position became open in June when veteran SV coach Victor Giannotta resigned after compiling a 163-167 record and seven trips to the WPIAL playoffs in 14 seasons.

Trost takes over a team that counts Fox Chapel, Pine-Richland and Butler as section foes. Last year those teams combined for a record of 58-19. Pine-Richland reached the WPIAL final and the PIAA semifinals.

“Coaching in the biggest class against some of the best coaches and players in the WPIAL, I have tons of respect for them,” he said. “I'm a pretty competitive person and am super-excited about this opportunity.”

Trost previously was head coach at Carlynton (2010-12) and Bishop Canevin (2014-2018). His head coaching record stands at 78-69, but he had three straight standout seasons at Canevin. Beginning in 2014, he led the Crusaders to records of 17-8, 20-7 and 22-6, reaching the state playoffs every year, including the semifinals in 2016-17.

Canevin, a Class 2A program, fielded a roster with inexperience last season and the team struggled to a record of 5-17.

“The success I had at a small school with limited resources, I think that, along with my work ethic, helped me in the interview process,” said Trost, 44.

While the number of applicants for the Seneca Valley job was not disclosed, athletic director Heather Lewis said in a text, 'Kevin came out of a deep and competitive applicant pool.'”

Trost, a 1992 graduate of North Allegheny High School who played as a point guard at Juniata College, also had two separate stints totaling 14 seasons as an assistant coach at North Hills.

“I'm old-school,” he said. “I believe in fundamentals at all levels. If you can master the fundamentals, you can dictate play.”

SV reached the district playoffs last season for the first time in four years. The Raiders finished with a record of 14-9.

“My first open gym here will be (Tuesday) at 8 a.m.,” he added. “I need to get to know the kids and see what we have. It's going to be a lot of fun.”

Trost lives in Moon Township and is employed by PNC Bank.