New Rochelle, NY – On Saturday, Mar. 9, the men's and women's rowing programs hosted their annual winter banquet. Among those in attendance were the current athletes, coaches, family, and alumni.  Introduced to this year's program were 12 new awards in order to recognize the many achievements of the team and its supporters. The highlight of the evening, as it has been since 1979, was the awarding of the Challenge Cup. It was revealed that the team has renamed the Challenge Cup in honor of long time team moderator Brother Robert Novak '72.
 
Novice Golden Oar Award
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to rowing and/or to an outstanding first-year athlete.
Selectors:  Head Coaches
2019 Winners:
Francis Acolitse and Jasmin Schons
 
Vincent J. Ventura '69 Varsity Golden Oar Award (Man of the Year)
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to rowing and/or to an outstanding upperclassmen in rowing.
Selectors:  Men's Team
2019 Winner:  Barry James
 
Eileen M. O'Rourke '79 Varsity Golden Oar Award (Woman of the Year)
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to rowing and/or outstanding upperclassmen in rowing.
Selectors:  Women's Team
2019 Winner:  Ally Arluna

Hammer Award
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of the strongest athlete/boat mover.
Selectors:  Head Coaches
2019 Winners:
Men's Team – Barry James
Women's Team – Samantha Zurbriggen
 
Most Improved Award
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of the most improved athlete during the year.
Selectors:  Head Coaches
2019 Winners:
Men's Team – Killian Kane
Women's Team – Ahoua Koulibali
 
Spirit Bowl
Criteria: Awarded in recognition of dedication, friendship, sportsmanship, cooperative spirit and by examination the one who has done the most to inspire and enliven the rowing experience at Iona. 
Selectors:  Peers
2019 Winners:
Men's Team – Killian Kane
Women's Team – Willow Held-Pistone
 
Erin V. Whalen '99 Trophy
Criteria:  Awarded in recognition of an individual who has achieved measurable success by exemplifying the ideals of Erin V. Whalen through significant and outstanding commitments to academics and athletic excellence.
Selectors:  Head Coaches

2019 Winners:
Men's Team – Killian Kane
Women's Team – Willow Held-Pistone
 
Br. Robert Novak '72 Challenge Cup
Criteria:  Awarded to honor the individual who emulates Brother Novak's 39-year stewardship of Iona Rowing as faculty moderator.  This person will have uncommon dedication and has rendered conspicuous service to, or accomplished extraordinary feats, in support of Iona  Rowing.
Selectors:  Head Coaches
2019 Winner: Barry James

Previous Challenge Cup Winners

1979	Mary McCarrick
1980	Jean Porricolo
1981	James Barrett
1982	Steve Lynch
1983	Ted Van Der Zalm
1984	Kevin Murphy
1985	Kerry Moore
1986	Sean Davey
1987	Patricia Barrett
1988	James Henry
1989	Kerri Padilla
1990	Margaret Boegel
1991	Barbara Angiolelli
1992	Shawn May
1993	Terrence Fitzgerald
1994	Brian Caputo
1995	Not Awarded
1996	Not Awarded
1997	Dawn Forgione
1998	Not Awarded
1999	Jeff DeMedeiros
2000	Andrea Barone
2001	Jen Dufek
2002	Adam Travan
2003	Dennis Wyss
2004	Nick Barnett
2005	Jamie Hafer
2006	Melissa Van Gelder
2007	Ashley Bigwood
2008	Ryan Tune
2009	Colleen Ryan
2010	Kenneth Baldwin
2011	Bryan McKeon
2012	Kyle Daly
2013	Jennifer Kearns
2014	Rich Buccheit
2015	Ashley Franko
2016	Ryan Dronzek
2017	Vito Roca
2018	Alexandra Arluna