When Tim Cluess came to Iona College in the spring of 2010, no one could have foreseen the events that would happen at the college during the next two seasons.

Cluess was the former coach of St Mary’s High School, Suffolk Community College and C.W. Post University, all of which are located in Long Island. With each of those schools, Cluess was able to lead them to some of the best seasons in their history. Yet Cluess had never coached at a Division I school.

But in a time span of just under two years, Cluess has taken the Gaels to the MAAC Championship game and the CBI final. This year’s roster was projected to win the MAAC and at the time of the publication of this article, the Gaels are looking like a favorite to at least win the regular season title.

Due to the great work that Cluess has done, it should be no surprise that the Long Island native would get rewarded.

Last week, Iona decided to give Coach Cluess a contract extension that would last until 2017. When discussing the contract extension, Iona College President Joseph E. Nyre said, “Coach Cluess not only has a proven track record of success throughout his 21-year coaching career but, more importantly, he is also a man of the highest character and integrity consistent with the vision of Iona College.”

The Gaels currently sit on top of the MAAC with an 11-2 record in league play.