NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University men's and women's swimming and diving head coach Nick Cavataro announced the 1985-95 All-Decade Team as part of the program's season-long celebration of 50 years of Iona swimming and diving during the 2026-27 season.
 
The recognition of standout student-athletes from each decade is part of a year-long celebration honoring the history, accomplishments and individuals who have helped shape the program since its varsity debut in 1975. Five All-Decade Teams will be announced throughout the season, culminating with a 50th Anniversary Banquet on April 3 in Burke Lounge.
 
"One of the most rewarding parts of this celebration is the opportunity to recognize the outstanding student-athletes who helped build Iona swimming and diving into the program it is today," said Cavataro. "Each decade has its own stories, accomplishments and special individuals, and we're proud to celebrate their contributions while bringing generations of Gaels together to honor 50 years of tradition."
 
The 1985-95 All-Decade Team features 12 former Gaels who made their mark on the program: Maureen Burns '89, Nicole Mayer '93, Jeanne Moore '93, Paulette McCready '94, Colleen O'Connor '86, Michael Wilson '88, Kevin Deyo '89, Mark DeSautelle '89, Karl Schwab '90, Robert McNulty '91, Thomas Dolan '91 and Erik Gerken '94.
 
The announcement follows the introduction of the program's inaugural All-Decade Team, representing 1975-85, which recognized 12 individuals from Iona swimming and diving's formative years: Maureen Arnold '83, Ed Burstell '80, John Coleman '78, Mike Davis '85, Carle Fierro '81, Steve Foristel '78, Greg Judge '85, Mary Ellen Maloney '78, Bob McKeon '81, Bob O'Neill '81, John Santacroce '81 and Rachel Schwab '80.
 
The first decade included five seasons of co-ed competition before the addition of a women's team. Peter Schwenker served as the program's first head coach from 1975-79 before Cavataro assumed the role in 1980.
 
The 50th Anniversary celebration will continue throughout the 2026-27 season with the announcement of three additional All-Decade Teams recognizing the periods of 1995-2005, 2005-15 and 2015-25. The season-long initiative will conclude with the April 3 banquet, bringing together former and current student-athletes, coaches and members of the Iona swimming and diving community to celebrate five decades of achievement and tradition.

The Maroon & Gold will host both Wagner & Sacred Heart during homecoming weekend this Friday and Saturday. The diving portion of the meet will be conducted on Friday Oct. 16 at 6:15 pm in the Hynes Center Gym. The swim portion will start at 11:30 am on Saturday Oct. 17.