Jennings

FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. — It’s been a pretty hectic month for Justin Jennings, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

A 2002 Seneca Valley High graduate, Jennings was named the head men’s basketball coach at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School earlier this month.

He was a point guard at Penn State Behrend from 2002 to 2006 and spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach for the men’s team at Carnegie Mellon University, helping the Tartans to a 20-7 overall record in 2008-09. That season, the Tartans reached the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament.

“I loved my time at CMU, the people there are great,” said Jennings. “I always said it would take a great opportunity for me to leave.

“The chance to work for the United States Military Academy is a great honor,” he added. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

CMU head coach Tony Wingen believes West Point made the right choice.

“Justin has earned this opportunity and he is ready to coach his own team,” Wingen said in a press release. “I have no doubt that this will be the start of a long and successful head coaching career for him.”

Since the Army’s standards are so high, most recruits spend a year at the prep school, which is currently located in Monmouth County, N.J., but is preparing for a move to West Point in July.

Jennings has not simply taken another coaching job, he has walked into a different culture.

“Seeing what these young men go through to be part of this institution, it has really opened my eyes,” he said. “I’m dealing with special people.”

In 2010-11, West Point Prep went 9-14 overall. Its schedule traditionally includes prep teams from the Naval and Air Force academies as well as Notre Dame Prep.

Jennings is eager to hit the recruiting trail.

“A lot of prospects aren’t familiar with the Army lifestyle,” added Jennings. “I will be actively recruiting players, introducing them to what West Point has to offer.”

“I learned a lot about recruiting at CMU,” he said. “We had high academic standards there as well and had to recruit players on a national level — from California, Texas, the state of Washington. I developed a lot of connections because of that and it should help me in the future.”

Jennings has lofty goals when it comes to coaching, including leading a Division I program one day.

“Mike Krzyzewski got his first head coaching job at West Point,” said Jennings, 27. “I have big shoes to fill.

“For someone my age to have a job like this, I’m very fortunate. I am grateful to all of the people who have helped me get here.”