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The Student News Site of Iona University

The Ionian
The Student News Site of Iona University

The Ionian

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer

All content by Jason Piccolomini
The men’s team are going for their 32nd MAAC title in a row this year, while the women are hoping to win their 6th in a row and 16th out of the last 17.  

Cross-country off to hot start

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
October 9, 2022
 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.

Murphy and El-Sandali named MAAC student-athletes of year

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 8, 2022
Pie an e-board member fostered fun for a good cause.

American Cancer Society raises over $100 in ‘Pie an E-Board Member’

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
February 24, 2022
Freshman goalie Sophia Viotto notched her first career win, only allowing six goals.  

Lacrosse shows early improvement as season gets underway

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
February 24, 2022
The Gaels have five more meets before MAAC Championships begin in late February.    

Indoor track and field team begins spring season at the Armory

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
January 27, 2022
Hawkeye brings Christmas cheer with a festive themed miniseries set during the holiday season.

Disney rings in holidays with Marvel’s “Hawkeye”

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
December 9, 2021
The fourth-place finish marked only the fourth time the team has finished in the top half in a match this season.

Golf concludes season after weather cuts Nassau Invitational short

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Peter Godwin examines the important of the free press in the modern age.

Foreign correspondent Peter Godwin discusses democracy and freedom of press

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Banned from all social media? No problem! Create your own.

Students interested in new social media platform from Donald Trump

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Yous third season features twists, turns and several betrayals in the name of love.

Netflix’s “You” thrills with third season filled with betrayal

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
November 4, 2021
Senior Cassandra Patsos had back-to-back kills in the fifth set to seal Iona’s win versus Niagara.

Volleyball hopes that five-set win helps end slump

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
October 7, 2021
Six Flags hosts an annual “Fright Fest” that is sure to make your Halloween thrilling.

Fall activities to enjoy this season

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
October 7, 2021
“Ted Lasso” had a strong night, taking home four major comedy awards.

Emmy Awards highlight best television talent

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
October 7, 2021
The ASL Club plans to participate in many activities such as Walk4Hearing.

ASL Club participates in Walk4Hearing, plans events for upcoming year

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 23, 2021
Freshman Luksa Vlasic earned Northeast Water Polo Player of the Week recognition for his 14-goal performance at the invitational.

Water polo grabs triple overtime win over John Hopkins

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 23, 2021
Nothing says America more than a thirty thousand dollar per ticket costume party.

Met Gala showcases fashion, sparks controversy

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 23, 2021
Kanye Wests Donda finally releases despite troubled development.

“Donda”: One of Kanye West’s Most Creative Albums Despite Troubled Production History

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 9, 2021
Iona showed improvement in the invitational compared to 2019 when they lost all three of their games.

Iona Volleyball starts season with win at Army Invitational 

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 9, 2021
Iona College returns to being a hot spot for classes rather than a hot spot for COVID.

Bye-Bye Zoom! 

Jason Piccolomini, Staff Writer
September 9, 2021
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference confirmed their revised basketball schedule on Sept. 17. // Photo courtesy of icgaels.com

MAAC announces basketball schedules

Jason Piccolomini, Contributing Writer
October 1, 2020
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