CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — MIT men's heavyweight crew senior Sam Dowd was named to the 2026 Empacher-Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) All-American team following the 2025-26 season. Dowd earned his first career All-American honor with a Division I/II Second Team selection.

Dowd was a crucial member of the varsity eight throughout his MIT career and this season was no different as he appeared in eight different regattas this spring. Dowd closed out his career by helping the MIT varsity eight place 23rd overall at the IRA National Championship. He also helped the varsity eight advance to the grand finals at both the Dad Vail Regatta and the New England Rowing Championships. The Engineers also earned victories over Bates and Williams, as well as a Donahue Cup win over WPI. Dowd's final appearance at the Head Of The Charles Regatta in the fall included a 21st-place finish in the collegiate eights where the senior rowed in the stroke seat.

To be named an All-American, rowers and coxswains must meet all eligibility rules defined by their institution, have raced in their team's varsity boat for the current spring racing season, be nominated by their institution, and have a head coach in good standing with the IRCA. Student-athletes are selected by the IRCA Board of Directors to "1st team", "2nd team", or "Honorable Mention" based on strength of finish of the institution's varsity boat, nomination rank within institution, coach's comments, individual achievements, and erg score.

There were 106 rowers and coxswains who met the criteria to be named a first-team, second-team, or honorable mention All-American, representing 38 teams (25 heavyweight, 12 Division 3, and 8 lightweight) in 2026.

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