Charleston, S.C. - The Citadel Director of Athletics Larry Leckonby has named Rob Acunto as the new Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and Academic Services.
Acunto comes to The Citadel with 14 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics. His most recent campus experience was at American University in Washington, D.C. where served as the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Internal Operations. He supervised all aspects of compliance with NCAA, conference and University rules and regulations for 16 sport programs. In addition, he oversaw the athletic department, Facilities and Operations, Equipment Room and Strength and Conditioning. He also served as the athletic department's liaison with Admissions, Financial Aid, Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel. In the 2006-07 academic year, Acunto served as the Co-Interim Director of Athletics & Recreation while the University searched for a full-time Athletic Director.
"I am excited to welcome someone with Rob's overall experience to our staff at The Citadel," said Leckonby.
Before American, Acunto worked at Cornell University from 2001-2004, where he served as an Athletics Liaison for the athletic department with undergraduate admissions and the seven decentralized undergraduate colleges and admission committees. He was solely responsible for the successful management and coordination of all student-athlete recruitment priorities for Cornell's 36 sports. Acunto was responsible for reporting all athletic recruitment data and analysis to the Ivy League, University administration, the athletic department and the seven undergraduate colleges. He also assisted with official visit presentations and administration of coaching orientation/development programs.
Acunto spent four years as the assistant men's soccer coach at Vanderbilt University before heading to Cornell. He provided direct assistance in all aspects of a highly respected NCAA Division I program including team training, recruiting, travel, scheduling, scouting, NCAA compliance, fundraising and summer camps. While at Vanderbilt he initiated several important administrative programs. He developed and implemented the first-ever contest management meetings and procedures for men's and women's soccer teams. He developed and produced the first-ever visiting team informational booklets as well as the first-ever comprehensive facility usage/practice schedule for five varsity sports at three venues. At one time Acunto served as the Olympic Development Program State Head Coach and Administrator for the Tennessee Olympic Development Program. Formerly, Acunto held a USSF "A" Coaching License.
Before Vanderbilt, Acunto was the head men's soccer coach at Bard College. He also served as a graduate assistant in men's soccer at Springfield College where he earned his master's in Sports Management in 1996.
A 1992 graduate of Bryant College, Acunto majored in finance and graduated with cum laude honors. He also played soccer at Bryant, and was a two-year captain and a All-New England Regional selection as a senior. He is originally from Ballston Lake, N.Y.
For more information on Bulldog athletics, go to the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.CitadelSports.com.
