Photo Courtesy of ionagaels.com

 Iona’s track and field team has carried a reputation for being a Northeast juggernaut for the past few decades. Every year, the Gaels recruit top runners from all over the country and all over the world to wear maroon and gold. Sophie Murphy and Ehab El-Sandali are two international runners that are among the most accomplished in Iona history.           Hailing from Ireland, Murphy is a graduate student and is coming off a season that saw her add to her already impressive resume. Last year, Murphy took home a MAAC Student Athlete of the Year Award. Murphy’s performance last season granted her an invitation to the NCAA XC Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.           In the past, Murphy has been named to several MAAC All-Academic Teams. She has placed high in several events throughout her college career, including a victory in the 10,000-meter at the 2019 MAAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships.           Although she does not have cross country eligibility this upcoming season, Murphy will still be training for the track season in hopes of retaining her indoor 5k MAAC title. She is optimistic for herself and her team this season.           “I’m excited to see what my team can do this year,” Murphy said. “We have a great group of girls who are training well, and I’m sure they’ll have an amazing season.”           Even though Murphy’s Iona career will soon end, she feels good knowing she is making a lasting impact.           “It’s an honor to know that I could have that sort of impact on such a successful program,” Murphy said. “I am really grateful to have had coaches help me accomplish everything I have here at Iona.”           El-Sandali, a graduate student representing Canada, had similar success to Murphy last season. Like Murphy, El-Sandali was a MAAC Student Athlete of the Year while also competing at the NCAA XC Championships. El-Sandali was named an All-American after finishing 25th at the event and set numerous Iona top-10 times last season. El-Sandali has won several events in the past including the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter at last year’s MAAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. El-Sandali’s record-breaking year led him to being named a recipient of the Joseph O’Connell Award, which goes out to outstanding Iona athletes, and being named MAAC’s Most Outstanding Track Performer.           El-Sandali has no plans of ending his dominance any time soon. One of his main motivations is the thought of how successful he can truly become.           “What motivates me is finding out how far I can go in the sport, and leave no stone unturned,” El-Sandali said. “I enjoy getting the best out of myself and seeing my progress throughout the years, but I never feel like I’m at my best.”           Running will continue to be a major part of El-Sandali’s life post-Iona, and he plans to run professionally after graduation.           “My short-term plan consists of joining a professional running team based in the United States,” El-Sandali said. “My long-term plans consist of making Olympics/IAAF World Championship teams and representing Canada to the best of my ability.” Last year was the first year the men’s xc team failed to qualify for NCAA Nationals since 2001.