Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Tony DeMeo, a standout football player and coach, enters the Hall of Fame this year. DeMeo, a 1971 graduate of Iona, was a star defensive back and tailback for the Gaels. He was a member of Iona’s 1967 undefeated (9-0) team that surrendered just 21 points the entire season.
After achieving much success as a player, DeMeo returned to the gridiron as head coach at Iona for the 1975 season. From 1975 through 1978 DeMeo compiled a 22-10-2 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark during the 1977 campaign. His 66.8% winning percentage ranks second all-time amongst Iona football coaches.
DeMeo holds the distinction of being involved with Iona’s only two undefeated football seasons and was a major factor in Iona’s quick rise through the Division III ranks. He is a two-time winner of the Metropolitan area Coach of the Year, capturing the award during the 1976 and 1977 seasons. At the time of his induction, DeMeo was the head football coach at Washburn University in Topeka, KS.
