NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona University men's rowing team competed at the Novak Memorial Metropolitan Championships on Saturday, May 2 at Glen Island Lagoon, turning in a strong showing highlighted by a gold medal performance in the Varsity 8+ and a podium finish in the Varsity 4+.
 
The Novak Memorial Metropolitan Championships are named in honor of Br. Robert E. Novak, CFC, Ph.D. '72, a longtime faculty member and dedicated supporter of Iona rowing. A member of the Iona community for more than four decades, Br. Novak served as a professor of physics beginning in 1976 and later as department chair, while also acting as the rowing program's faculty moderator starting in 1980.
 
Established in 2012, the Br. Robert E. Novak Endowed Rowing Scholarship continues to support members of Iona's men's and women's rowing teams. A distinguished scientist, Br. Novak conducted extensive research with NASA, including more than 20 trips to the Mauna Kea Observatory, and played a key role in the discovery of methane in Mars' atmosphere. His impact on generations of Iona students and student-athletes remains central to the tradition of this longstanding regatta hosted annually at Glen Island.
 

MEN'S VARSITY 4+

Iona advanced to the grand final after placing second in its heat with a time of 8:07.60. In the final, the Gaels secured a third-place finish in a tightly contested race, crossing the line in 8:11.80, just fractions behind second-place Manhattan (8:11.31). Binghamton claimed the event title in 7:46.00.
 
The Varsity 4+ lineup featured junior coxswain Nick Pagliuca, freshman Andrew Yates, freshman Bogdan Gelevan, junior William Bogenrief, and sophomore Jonah Cone.
 

MEN'S VARSITY 8+

The Gaels delivered a dominant performance in the Varsity 8+ final, capturing first place with a time of 6:28.20, more than four seconds ahead of Union (6:32.64). The victory marked Iona's top finish of the regatta and showcased a strong collective effort across the boat.
 
The Varsity 8+ lineup included freshman coxswain Hayden Cohen, senior Abraham Ocampo, senior Jack Allen, freshman Tristan Hargrove, freshman Roman Hescock, senior Andrew Catinella, sophomore John Karounos, freshman Ethan Pond, and freshman Hayden Cohen.
 

UP NEXT

Iona is back in action next weekend at the 2026 Dad Vail Regatta in Pennsauken, NJ on the Cooper River this Thursday through Saturday.

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