Colgate University assistant coach Justin Jennings has died after complications from cancer.
Jennings served as Colgate’s assistant coach for 3 seasons. Prior to joining Colgate’s staff in 2014, he spent 8 seasons as the head men’s and women’s coach at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Jennings also served as head coach of DePauw University for two years and was also formerly an assistant at Carthage College.
“I never had any reservations about sending athletes out to consider Coe College under Jennings,” said Iowa City Eels Swim Club head coach Donald Spellman. “We were all really glad for him when he made the jump to D1 at Colgate.”
Coe College head coach Brian Ruffles served as Jennings’ assistant coach before he made the move to Colgate. “From the time I met Justin, he served as a mentor and a friend to me. He was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever had the privilege to work with and know,” said Ruffles. “Not only to just me, but the number of other coaches and athletes he has touched throughout his career is incredible. He will be greatly missed.”
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our assistant coach Justin Jennings. #restinpeace pic.twitter.com/Xqn5hD1NoC
— Colgate Swim & Dive (@ColgateSwimDive) June 18, 2017
This has been a tough year in the swimming community….
Justin was one of my all time favorite people and swimmers at Edgewood HS in Ellettsville,IN. Stunned at the news.
My condolences to the Jennings family. I hope he passed with as much dignity and peace as is possible.
Bill Ramos- Coach/Friend
I had the pleasure of meeting Justin at Y Nationals in Indiana last summer and was so impressed with his caring and kind attitude towards the swimmers. Prayers for him
and his loved ones.
Huge loss for the swimming community. I will remember his passion and kindness coaching at UT Camp for many years and with his college teams.
One of the most caring people I have had the privilege to know and have coach me.
Worked with Justin at the Longhorn Swim Camp in 2013 and he was a great mentor and advocate for the sport. Shocked to hear of his passing and prayers for his family and loved ones.