Ronn Tomassoni: "My time at Harvard as been more rewarding than anything I could have imagined when I first arrived in 1982." Photo by Jet Commercial Photographers.

Ronn Tomassoni, whose association with Harvard men's hockey has spanned 17 years, including the last nine as the Crimson's head coach, has announced he is stepping down from his post. Previously, he had spent eight years as assistant, and, later, associate coach under his mentor, Bill Cleary. Tomassoni had been Coach Cleary's chief recruiter and defense coach during Harvard's most successful period on ice, a period that brought the NCAA championship to the Crimson in 1989. He compiled a 140-115-26 overall head coaching record and 106-70- 22 in ECAC play.

The 41-year-old Eveleth, Minnesota, native and Rensselaer graduate took over the head coaching reins in 1990 when Cleary became athletic director. Tomassoni's teams won three consecutive ECAC titles ('92, '93 and '94), an ECAC tournament title ('94), and a Beanpot championship ('93). His '93 and '94 teams reached the NCAA tournament. The last five seasons saw nonwinning records and a 65-85-10 posting. The Crimson was 14-16-2 (8-12-2 ECAC) this past season, but finished strong after a rocky, injury-ridden initial eight games.

"We are incredibly grateful for all Ronn has done for the Harvard hockey program," said Cleary, "As an assistant, he was the big reason we recruited so many skilled players and won the NCAA Tournament in 1989. And as our head coach, Ronn brought us many more great moments, and his squads always represented Harvard in a positive manner on and off the ice.

"Ronn possesses the qualities we value most in our coaches," added Cleary. "Aside from being a great competitor and having outstanding knowledge of the game, he is respected by those who know him for his integrity, honesty, and commitment to sportsmanship."

There was no press conference, but the coach met with his players briefly before the public announcement was made. Tomassoni said his future plans were undecided at this point. "My time at Harvard has been more rewarding than anything I could have imagined when I first arrived in 1982," he said. "I've had the wonderful fortune to work at a world-class institution and to coach many gifted young men, and the memories and friendships that have grown during this time will always be cherished. I wouldn't trade these past 17 years for anything, but there are many challenges and opportunities still out there for me and I believe the time is right in my life to pursue them."

Tomassoni was lauded by current and past players as a "class act," especially for his concern for his players as people.

The resignation came as a surprise to the team. No search for a successor has begun, but many former Harvard players are currently in college coaching ranks or associated with the professional game.