VYPE Magazine editor Brad Heath and Ada High School Athletic Director Christie Jennings sat down to discuss the upcoming school year, what the challenges are during a pandemic and what are some of her favorite things outside of school.
VYPE: Where did you get your start coaching and where did you originally graduate?
Jennings: Graduate of Byng High school, bachelors from Oklahoma State University, and a master’s from East Central University. My first job was an assistant at Byng High School followed by the head coaching job at Stonewall High School then on to Ada High School as head coach.
VYPE: This is a different time dealing with unusual circumstances, how do you feel the covid response by your coaches and staff has been and how ready is everyone to get back into a more normal routine?
Jennings: Our administration, coaches and teachers did everything possible to keep our athletes as safe as possible. There was no perfect plan, but we tried very hard to take every precaution possible. I think everyone is ready for some normalcy. I’m afraid we will have a new normal with COVID sticking around.
VYPE: What is the message to the athletes at Ada under your guidance and leadership?
Jennings: We are about relationships here. We want our athletes to know we care about them, and we want them to work hard. We want to teach our student athletes about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.
VYPE: Do you have a coaching/teaching mentor? Someone you have looked up to or call on for advice? Maybe it’s someone who has influenced you in the past.
Jennings: I have so many mentors. They range in age from 90-years old to 25. I’m still learning and will always be. I think you have to be comfortable and confident enough to ask for help. There isn’t a successful person who does it all by themselves. We all need people in our lives who are completely honest.
VYPE: Let’s have a few fun questions in this article so people can get to know you a little better. What is your favorite place for lunch or dinner if you’re eating out?
Jennings: Ada – Pigskins BBQ Norman – Tarahumaras OKC – Cattlemen’s
VYPE: Do you have any hobbies?
Jennings: I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do I like to hang out with family and friends.
VYPE: Favorite sports team?
Jennings: L.A. Lakers, Atlanta Braves, Denver Broncos and OSU.
VYPE: Your favorite sports movie?
Jennings: Hoosiers.
VYPE: First concert you attended?
Jennings: Yikes! Probably the Judds. I’ve probably seen Blake Shelton the most followed by Aerosmith.
VYPE: Have you ever visited another country? If so, where?
Jennings: Mexico.
VYPE: Tell me what you have come to love most about Ada, your athletes and where is the future of the program headed?
Jennings: We have great leadership at Ada. There is a sense of professionalism that is unmatched. If you want to be successful, it starts at the top, and we are blessed with an amazing administration. We also have a core group of boosters that help us be successful. Our program is a family. Our culture creates a bond that will last a lifetime. We have former players in the gym with us all the time. They love pouring into and giving back to our current players. It is really special, and immeasurable. We pride ourselves in turning out good human beings who will be world changers. When that is your ultimate goal, the wins take care of themselves.
