Arrigoni Hall of Fame
The first athletic department administrator in Iona College history, Brother Arthur A. Loftus was very instrumental in the development of the athletic department.
A member of the first faculty of Iona College in 1940, Brother Loftus virtually directed the athletic program by himself, serving as Athletic Director, head baseball coach and head basketball coach. He handled all these duties while also serving as Chairman of the Philosophy Department.
In their initial season of basketball competition in 1940-41, the Gaels posted a 14-9 record. The following year, Brother Loftus guided his troops to an impressive 19-4 slate. After a three year interruption of athletic activities at Iona because of World War II, he closed out his coaching career during the 1945-46 campaign with a 17-5 record. His three year record at Iona was 50-18, a solid .735 winning percentage. Brother Loftus became the second President of Iona College in 1946 and held that post until 1953. He later served as Provincial of the North American Province of the Congregation for six years and as the Superior General of the Christian Brothers of Ireland from 1966-72.
