The Iona College men’s and women’s cross country teams have been at the top of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for the last few seasons. The men’s team are winners of 27 straight conference championships and will compete in the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championships after placing second in the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship on Nov. 10.

 The women’s team have won back-to-back conference championships and will have freshman Egle Morenaite represent them in the NCAA Championship.

 The orchestrator behind Iona’s accomplishments and national recognition is head coach Ricardo Santos.

 When Santos stepped in and took over the program nine years ago, the Gaels continued their winning traditions as well as being one of the most successful track and field programs in the country.  

 “I think the biggest part of it is we get a group of guys and girls that buy into our training and are very committed and dedicated and want to be successful,” Santos said. “In order to have as much success that we have had you have to have a group of people who want to work hard and are willing to put in the work.”

 Santos gives credit to his players; he said they are a huge reason why the Gaels are successful this season.

 “We have seen a lot of success from our guys and girls especially with the girls like Egle, Sophie [Murphy] and Emma [O’Brien] coming in a having success early on they have been playing really well this year,” Santos said. “What I like to see is have to seniors sprinkle some leadership and I think that’s what really helps these young guys.”

 Santos has become one of the top coaches in the MAAC and he believes one reason for his success thus far is the help from his staff.

 “I think my career coaching here has been success so far,” Santos said. “We – as in my assistant coaches [and I] – have helped and done so much for this program. I have had so much help over the years from them and our roster.”

 The men’s team and Morenaite will compete in the NCAA Championship in Louisville on Nov. 18.