Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Charlie McCabe enters the Iona College Sports Hall of Fame without ever scoring a point for any team. However, his involvement has been felt by many of the school’s players and their particular sport.
It all started back in the early 1970’s when Charlie was sold on the idea of having Manufacturers Hanover support the Special Olympics project at Iona College. He did, the bank did and the Iona Special Olympics turned out to be the model for New York State. It’s success was evidenced by Roy Campanella’s attendance giving out the first awards. In addition, Charlie’s daughter, Susan, and Olympian, carried the first torch to open the ceremonies.
This was Charlie’s first interaction with Iona. From there he eventually became an Iona Trustee and during his tenure on the board forged a close working relationship with Iona Athletics and Manufacturers Hanover.
Some will remember, a day when St. John’s played Iona, that it was Charlie who arranged for the first televised Iona basketball game to be broadcast via tape delay on Channel 5 to the New York City area. It was before the days of satellite, so, a motorcycle courier had to leave at half-time to ensure the first half play-by-play.
For years Manufacturers Hanover has sponsored many athletic events such as the Manufacturers Hanover Westchester Golf Classic. Manufacturers Hanover sponsored the first Westchester Half Marathon which was won by Bill Rogers, who crossed the finish-line at Iona College.
He also initiated Manufacturers Hanovers sponsorship of the New York City Marathon, enabling the race to become one of the nation’s largest spectator events. After his success, he founded Manufacturers Hanovers Corporate Challenge Race, held in cities across the nation and around the world. The Corporate Challenge is now this country’s largest participatory event.
Dr. McCabe, who obtained the honorary degree in 1989, claims that since being named “Doctor” his golf game has improved. He received a B.S. from Holy Cross and a M.B.A. from Iona Graduate School. His wife, Lynn, is a graduate of Iona and his daughters also attend the college. Charlie also continues his affiliation with Iona College as a member of its legal board.
