“The reality has really exceeded expectations,” Dupuis said. “At first, I didn’t really know what they were...if anything, I didn’t know what to expect. But then the first day, Accomando grabbed hold of the reins and drove us into the right direction.”
STUDENT-TEACHER ASSISTANCE
Part of Accomando’s appeal has been his relative youth. Just a few years before, the assistant coach could be seen wearing Dartmouth green on the water, competing and even beating the team he has now embraced as his own.
As opposed to letting his lack of coaching experience define his performance, Accomando has made a point of leveraging his relatively recent competition experience to his advantage.
“I think [my recent Dartmouth rowing career] helps me connect with the crew, and not just the freshmen, but all the underclassmen on the team,” Accomando said. “But it works both ways—I know when they’re trying to sneak one by, and I know when I need to back off and give them a little space.”
Though Accomando discussed the major improvements his Dartmouth squad made in his four years on the team, he stayed away from highlighting individual performances, which included two second-team All-Ivy accolades and a silver medal at the 2012 IRA National Championships.As a result, the newest permanent member of the Crimson coaching staff is just a few years removed from having competed in many of the same events in which his athletes will row in just a few weeks.
And while personability and poise under the watchful gaze of the newest Harvard students has been key in the first month and a half of the season, Accomando’s recent experiences rowing in big races has given him instant credibility.
“A lot of the workouts that he plans, he’s also pulled before,” Dupuis said. “He really knows all the events [and] how the competition works—he’s done all these races before and done extremely well at them...as captain of Dartmouth crew.”
Thus far, the success of the hire has been seen through the positive affirmation from the rowers, many of whom originally pledged to join the team because of Muri’s work but now find themselves in a transition period of sorts. And though their expectations may have changed upon their initial arrival at Harvard, the new reality has shown itself to be good in its own fashion as well.
“I couldn’t be happier [where I am],” Dupuis said. “Accomando really excited me for the entire rowing scene and has such an ability to make things relatable. He makes practices fun to go to and makes us always excited to row under his wing.”
As the the season inches closer to the major competitions of the fall, supporters of Harvard crew can be assured that the tutelage of the freshmen rowers is in able hands for the near future.
Looking ahead, Accomando also expressed the desire to remain with Harvard, stating that he “wanted to earn his position” at the school.
Bartman also voiced his support for his assistant, commending Accomando for his work thus far this season.
“Everything is going well and the transition of Ian Accomando into the assistant position has been very smooth,” said Bartman in an emailed statement earlier in the month. “He was already the volunteer coach for the past two years, so he is very familiar with the program.”
—Staff writer Caleb Y. Lee can be reached at caleb.lee@thecrimson.com.