PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Head coach Jaclyn Smith has a pair of deputies helping fuel the early success of the first-year LIU rowing program.

Julien Blythe and Aaron Bosgang recently joined Smith's staff as assistant coaches.

Blythe has served as the assistant coach with the Port Rowing Association since the spring of 2021. His boys U17 quad team finished 10th at Youth Nationals this year. He also has served as head program coach and regatta director with Sagamore Rowing.

Blythe has a Level 2 US Rowing coaching certification and attended Florida State University. He competed with Sarasota Crew and Philadelphia Sculling Club.

Bosgang has served as an assistant coach with Friends of Port Rowing since the summer of 2021. He studied film and media studies at Yale University and was a member of the Ivy League school's lightweight crew team.

"I'm very excited to have Aaron and Julien join our team," Smith said. "Each of them brings different expertise to the table that I believe is going to strengthen and fuel our program for years to come. Aside from them both having a great eye for the sport and impressive backgrounds in coaching, they will each be getting involved in a lot of our behind-the-scenes work as we begin to build this new program into a powerhouse."

Bosgang will handle recruiting, fundraising and alumni relations.

"He has been part of Yale's Y150 team that is a leader in our sport when it comes to competition and traditions," Smith said. "Aaron is extremely personable, and I'm excited for our recruits and alumni to get to know him both on the road and here on campus."

Blythe will be LIU's boatman and equipment manager.

"We look forward to him taking his experience and putting it toward making our new fleet the fastest it can possibly be," Smith said.

The Sharks, in the first year of the program's existence, have produced impressive showings this month at the Head of the Passaic and Overpack Fall Classic in New Jersey. They return to action Nov. 6 at the Snowflake Regatta in Riverhead.