Even with Muri gone, her shadow is still present with the newest class of recruited rowers. Many had spoken with the now-Dartmouth coach at some point during the recruiting process. For some recruits, Muri had been the initial reason they came to Harvard.

Among her many roles, Muri served as the recruiting point person for the team, reaching out to potential candidates such as current-freshmen James Dupuis and Bridgewater long before they ever stepped on campus.

“[Muri] was really the coach that I was recruited [by],” Bridgewater said. “I started talking with her about two years ago, sent emails, and then I had my official visits in 2013.”

As the newest additions to the Harvard rowing family unpacked their bags and completed their training regimens upon arriving on campus, there lingered an air of uncertainty. It was August, the trademark Head of the Charles event was only two months away, and there was no freshman coach.

Not to mention that dozens of potential walk-ons, many of whom had never pulled an oar before, needed to be tutored before the season picked up.

Needless to say, there was some urgency surrounding the freshmen that hadn’t been seen in years after over a decade of stability under Muri.

CALMER WATERS

With the sudden coaching changes at the top, there existed an inevitable apprehension regarding the start of the season. But those fears were also balanced by limited optimism and trust in the system.

“At first, I was a little anxious because for about three weeks we didn’t know who our coach was,” Dupuis said. “But I took comfort in that the Harvard athletic department would pick a very qualified coach who could fill the position.”

Though the first few weeks of the season saw Bartman delegate some of the freshman-related responsibilities to Accomando, the head coach delayed officially naming someone to the position for a short time as Accomando learned the ropes of the job. However, the former Dartmouth standout had established himself as a worthy assistant coach through his two years of volunteering and had also met some of the recruited freshmen previously.

“I actually knew [Accomando] before from when I visited the campus during my official visit and unofficial visits as well,” Dupuis said. “From first impression, he seemed like a young, relatable guy and as it turns out, he really does know his stuff.”

Since his appointment to the post, Accomando has done little but impress his freshmen rowers and instill in them the knowledge that he had gained through his own collegiate experience.

Though the newly-appointed Accomando may not have the coaching pedigree yet, he’s displayed the confidence necessary for the job.

“Rowing is rowing, and so I feel like I know what I’m talking about,” Accomando said. “I don’t have the gravitas that Linda had, but I think I can connect with the guys pretty well. It’s been a good transition—[the freshmen] are good learners, and they’ve made it easier for me by just showing up with the right mentality every day.”

Looking back less than a month and a half ago, the coaching situation seems considerably more secure now than before, with Accomando taking the opportunity in stride and with confidence.