Arrigoni Hall of Fame
C. Ronald Pascale attended Iona College from 1967-71 as a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field programs and was regarded as one of the best middle distance runners in the country during his tenure. Ron captained both the Cross Country and Track & Field programs during his senior campaign in 1971, a year highlighted by being named the Joseph O'Connell award recipient, given annually to Iona's most outstanding student-athlete.
Beginning his freshman year Ron singlehandedly established Iona Track & Field as an elite program, personally tying previous school records in the Metropolitan 440 yard run and breaking the school record in the 880 yard event. An accident in the summer of 1969 nearly ended his running career at Iona, but his legacy was already established. The varsity records he broke included the mile relay anchor leg outdoors in the Metropolitan Mile Relay on Franklin Field at the Penn relays (47.4) - the relay team of Bode, Farrell, Jackomitz and Pascale was victorious that day; 600 yard indoors at the Yale Invitational (1:11.2 - still held to this day); and the 880 yard outdoors at the 1970 Quantico, VA Relays. (1:50.2) Ronald scored in the International AAU 600 yard run, and was the first Iona runner to score in an ICAAAA meet. He also earned AAU All American honors for the 600 yard run.
The announcer at Madison Square Garden during The Knights of Columbus Meet in 1971 summed up the climax of Iona's Thinclads, proclaiming "Winner of the Downing Half-Mile in 1:57.-Ron Pascale of Iona". For Ron Pascale, this announcement marked the beginning of the end of four years, of hard work, and dedication, culminating in less than two minutes.
In addition, Ron was a member of the Spiked Shoe Club throughout each of his four years as a Gael, being named president of the club in his junior and senior campaigns. Ron was named the winner of the Spiked Shoe Club award during his freshman year, given to the most outstanding runner. During his time at Iona Ron was a member of the Sigma Delta Phi fraternity, named secretary his junior year and court justice his senior year. Ron was also a member of the Club Activities Board throughout his junior year.
Graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, during an era where there were many political upheavals distracting Iona College students from athletics, Ron paced forward with the legacy and history that is, Iona College Cross Country / Track & Field. Since his graduation, Ron has served as an outstanding husband to his wife Dorothy, father, and an all around excellent role model for today's, as well as tomorrow's student-athletes. Ron's accomplishments during his time at Iona merely enhance his qualifications to become a member of the Iona College Goal Club Hall of Fame. Ron and his wife Dorothy currently reside in North Salem, NY.
