Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Matthew T. Judge was a standout performer as a dual-sport athlete during his time at Iona College. He starred both as a swimmer and water polo player. Born and raised in New Rochelle, Matt is one of six siblings to have represented the Gaels in the pool.
Matt was a two-time captain of the men’s water polo team, named to the Division I All-Mid-Atlantic Conference team in 1984 and 1986 and named to the Division I All-East team in 1985.
Matt currently ranks in the top ten in almost every statistical category associated with the Iona College men’s water polo program. He is currently ranked first all-time in career assists with 266, second in career points with 534, and sixth in career goals with 268.
Matt led the water polo team to a stellar 80-39 overall record from 1983-86, 1983 being the program’s inaugural varsity season. During his tenure the Gaels accomplished an undefeated 20-0 record at home, a program best #12 Division I national ranking in mid-1985, and a pair of 4th place finishes at the 1985 & 1986 Division I Eastern Championships. The Gaels concluded the 1985 & 1986 seasons with a #18 Division I national ranking.
Matt was named the Most Valuable Swimmer in three straight years from 1983 through 1985. During his senior season, Matt led the men’s swim program to a 12-3 record and graduated with school records in three individual events (50-free, 100-free and 100-back) and three relays (400-free, 400-medley and 800-free). Matt ranked in Iona’s All-Time Top 10 in eight additional events.
Since his competing days at Iona College, Matt has continued to play water polo at its highest level. While teaching English in Hokkaido Japan, Matt played right wing on the Niikappu Town Ice Hockey Team from 2003-2006. In 2005, Matt finished in 597th place out of 2,000 at the USA Ironman Triathlon held in Lake Placid. Matt is also a member of the Iona College Karate Club.
