Coe College Director of Athletics John Chandler announced the resignation of Kohawk swimming and diving head coach Justin Jennings Wednesday.

Assistant coach Brian Ruffles has been named the new head coach of the program.

Jennings departs to take a position as assistant coach at NCAA Division I Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. Ruffles has spent the last six years as an assistant to Jennings at Coe.

“It was a very tough decision to leave Coe College. There are so many great things happening here that will continue to make Coe one of the best colleges in the country," Jennings said.

Taking the assistant coaching position at Colgate was an opportunity that I felt possessed a new set of challenges that I am ready to take on at this point in my career."

The past two seasons, the Kohawk women’s swimming and diving teams placed sixth at the Liberal Arts Championships. During Jennings' time at Coe, 34 men and 19 women earned All-Iowa Conference honors. The two teams combined to set nine school records and had 48 top-five finishes in school history.

“We appreciate the time that Coach Jennings invested into Coe College and the Kohawk swimming and diving programs,” Chandler said.

“I want to thank John Chandler for the opportunity that he gave me to become the head swimming and diving coach at Coe College," Jennings said. "I have enjoyed every minute of my time here.

"He took a chance on a first-time head coach and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. He has been a great mentor and friend through the years and I couldn't have asked for a better person to work for."

A 2008 graduate of SUNY-Fredonia, Ruffles has also spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach with the Cedar Rapids Aquatics Association. Ruffles earned a Masters of Education from Coe in 2011.

During the past six years, Ruffles has coached 13 individuals to age-group state records along with eight sectional qualifiers and 16 central zone qualifiers.

“I’ve enjoyed my time as an assistant the past six years and am excited for the challenges ahead in leading the Kohawk swimming and diving programs,” Ruffles said.

The 2014-15 campaign begins Oct. 31 when the Kohawks travel to Loras.