NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Iona College Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons will step down to accept a similar position at Seton Hall University, it was announced today. Lyons takes over at Seton Hall on March 28.
“I cannot thank Br. Liguori, my athletics staff, coaches, student athletes and our alumni and supporters enough for the support they have provided me during my time at Iona,” Lyons said. “I’ve had an incredible experience in New Rochelle since I arrived as a freshman and I’m truly grateful for everyone I have encountered along the way.”
Lyons served as athletics director for the last seven years and as an athletics administrator in the department for the last 15. During his tenure, he helped establish the Iona College athletics department as one of the top programs in the MAAC. Among the accomplishments on the fields of competition during Lyons tenure include:
Eight straight Top 10 NCAA Finishes for Men’s Cross Country while extending the nation’s second longest conference championship streak to 20 straight years
Five straight MAAC Championships for the Women’s Cross Country program and its first ever team appearance at the NCAA Championship.
The best five-year stretch in school history for the Women’s Basketball program including its first-ever appearances in the post season with three WNIT berths.
An MAAC Championship and NCAA appearance for Volleyball in 2004 and a return to the MAAC final in 2010.
A MAAC Regular Season Championship for Men’s Soccer in 2009 and a berth in the MAAC final in 2010.
The Women’s Water Polo team earned a MAAC Championship in 2004 and has reach the championship game in each of the last three seasons.
The inaugural campaign for Women’s Lacrosse and its first ever MAAC Championship appearance in 2008. Iona has hosted the championship tournament in four of the last five seasons.
In addition, the Iona Athletic Department has seen tremendous growth in the area of facility improvements and fund-raising. Some of the dramatic changes during Lyons’ time in New Rochelle include:
The opening of the Hynes Athletics Center, a recreation facility that serves the entire College community
The Judge Student-Athlete Academic Center
Rice Oval Softball Field, the first on-campus home for Iona’s softball program
The complete renovation of the varsity locker rooms and weight room
The resurfacing of both the Hynes Center basketball/volleyball arena and Mazzella Field, home to Iona soccer and lacrosse.
A redesign of the Sports Medicine facility and office spaces for men’s and women’s basketball in Hynes East.
A video screening room for student-athletes
The creation of the Iona Gaels Capital Improvements Funds, the first capital fundraising effort in the department’s history
“Patrick has been a tremendous administrator and has moved the Iona College athletic department to unprecedented success in academics, competition, fund-raising and facility improvements” said Br. James A. Liguori, President of Iona College. “It has been a pleasure to work with him and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. We will certainly miss his leadership.”
A national search for his replacement will begin immediately.
Football
What about the programs he lost. No football anymore yes he did some good but what about things lost?