After seven years as Iona College’s athletic director, Patrick Lyons is moving on from the legacy he left.  Seton Hall University recently hired Lyons as its new athletic director, where he is expected to join the Pirates full time on March 28. 

“It was an extremely difficult decision to leave because I have been on this campus since 1992,” Lyons said.  “At the same time I felt that we have had tremendous success in all areas of the department and that now would be a good time to move on.  The department is in perfect position for the future.”

Under Lyons, Iona’s athletic department has thrived. The men’s cross-country team finished national runner-up at the NCAA Championship in November 2008 for the second consecutive time.  The program has consistently finished in the Top 10 for the past nine years.  In 2006, under Lyons and then-coach Jeff Ruland, the Gaels won the MAAC and advanced to the NCAA tournament.  They were defeated by LSU, 80-64, in the first round.

Even with all his accomplishments, Lyons states that his aim was making sure the athletes had fun. “I feel like I accomplished my number one goal: give our student athletes the best possible experience and opportunity for success,” he said.

When asked what his favorite and least favorite parts of the job were, Lyons said, “My favorite part was sitting with outgoing seniors and hearing how much they enjoyed their experience at Iona.  That was the true measure of our success. I considered myself to have one of the best jobs in the world and at an extremely special place. There was no bad part!”

Lyons is looking forward to his move to Seton Hall for two reasons. “First, I feel I am leaving Iona in a real good position for the future.  Secondly, the position at Seton Hall gives me another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of student athletes,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of furthering the department and helping to establish it as one of the most respected programs both in the Big East and at a national level. I also look forward to building on the legacy and tradition of Seton Hall athletics,” Lyons said.

The faculty and students of Seton Hall are looking forward to Lyons’ arrival. “Seton Hall has found an athletic director dedicated to the University’s Catholic mission and to the development of our student athletes as servant leaders of the future,” Seton Hall President Gabriel Esteban said.

Lyons replaces Dean of Seton Hall Law School Patrick Hobbs who was in charge of the Big East Conference program temporarily after Joe Quinlan resigned last year.

This is not the first time that a member of Iona’s athletic department was hired by Seton Hall. Last year, Iona basketball coach Kevin Willard was hired by the university to replace Bobby Gonzalez. Willard worked with Lyons for three years at Iona before making the move.  Both will once again be working together at Seton Hall.

Patrick Lyons leaves a legacy at Iona and his accomplishments will forever be remembered by athletes past and present.