Spring 2006
Greetings from the Hynes Athletics Center!
We are in the midst of one of the most exciting times in recent memory at Iona College. Our athletes are achieving at an astounding rate, both on the playing field and in the classroom, and our campus continues to grow into an elite setting. Please take a moment to reflect on these impressive accomplishments with me.
Athletic Achievements
The winter season has been a memorable one. The men's basketball team coasted through the MAAC Championship, defeating Saint Peter's 80-61 in the nationally televised final on ESPN2. Head coach Jeff Ruland's squad made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2001, taking on No. 4 seed LSU in Jacksonville, FL. The Gaels led by five at halftime over the nationally ranked Tigers but were unable to pull out the victory. However, it was a thrilling experience and certainly a proud moment for our school.
The women's basketball team also enjoyed a phenomenal season. Head coach Anthony Bozzella's group won a Division I school record 17 games and advanced to the MAAC Championship semifinals for the first time since 1982. It was the best finish in nearly 25 years. The indoor track season was a resounding success on both the men's and women's sides under legendary head coach Mick Byrne. Richard Kiplagat, Tim Bayley, and Salome Kosgei each competed for National Championships, and McKayla Plank qualified to run for the USA Junior Team Fukuoka, Japan. Head swimming and diving coach Nick Cavataro guided the Gaels to a fourth place finish in the MAAC Championship on the men's side and fifth place on the women's.
New Facility Openings
The openings of the new Athletics Academic Center and the Hynes Athletics Center have been met with excitement and delight by the entire Iona community. The Athletics Academic Center is equipped with computers, a study area, an academic staff office, and tutorial space specifically for the use of student-athletes. It has quickly become one of the most important resources on campus. Click here for a closer look.
The Hynes Athletics Center has immediately turned into one of the centers of campus life. The multi-purpose courts, aerobics studio, core studio, free-weight center, and cardiovascular center are constantly buzzing with activity, and the coaches are thrilled with their new offices. As seen here, the Hynes Center is a truly beautiful building that will be cherished for years to come. Thank you to all of those who joined us at the official opening ceremony on February 25.
The Spring Season
With the close of the winter athletic season comes the beginning of spring sports. The baseball team will rely on a mixture of youth and experience to make its mark in the MAAC standings, while the softball team will look to repeat last year's 30-plus win season. The men's golf team will be traveling the up and down the East Coast this spring for several competitions. The women's lacrosse team has already shown marked improvement in its second year of competition, and the women's water polo team is on pace to challenge for an NCAA Tournament berth. The men's and women's rowing squads should reap the benefits of the indoor tank in the Hynes Center, and the men's and women's outdoor track and field teams show wonderful promise for the spring season.
Additionally, please remember that on June 5, 2006, we will be holding the Hall of Fame Golf Outing at Wykagyl Country Club. For more information, please contact Corey Aronstam, Assistant Athletic Director, at caronstam@iona.edu or 914-633-2071.
In closing, I would like to once again thank all of those who have made these tremendous improvements possible. With your support and the dedication of the Iona Athletic Staff, our student-athletes will continue to make us proud both on and off the playing field.
Go Gaels!
If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please click here to e-mail Athletics Director Patrick Lyons
