Iona Preparatory School
Encyclopedia
Iona Preparatory School (also known as Iona Prep) is an all-boys National School of Excellence Catholic high school located in New Rochelle, NY in suburban Westchester County
. Named for the Scottish island of Iona
, the school was founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers
in 1916. Current enrollment is approximately 750 students in grades 9 through 12.
The school has also earned a blue ribbon award
.
Iona Prep is a brother school to the local The Ursuline School
.
To gain admission, students are required to complete the ISEE, SSAT, or TACHS.
During the 2008 summer vacation Iona Prep upgraded Parents Hall with central air conditioning.
, the creator of the Flash Gordon
comic strip. Raymond won an athletic scholarship to the Prep and was a fullback on coach "Turk" Smith's 1926 team that compiled a 5-2-1 record. The "Maroon Marauders" first undefeated, untied season occurred in 1931, when Buck Freeman directed the Gaels to an 8-0 record. The Prep's star player that year was Joe Hoctor, who was nicknamed "The Haunt from Haag." During the 1932 season, the Gaels had a 17 game winning streak snapped by New Rochelle High School on Thanksgiving Day, as the Huguenots prevailed, 14-0. Joe Hoctor had an 82-yard scoring dash voided on the game's opening play (the referee said that he didn't blow his whistle to start play). Iona Prep had the best football teams in the school's history between 1943 and 1948, when the Gaels lost only two games in six seasons. At the start of the 1944 campaign, Iona Prep defeated the Army Plebes by a score of 7-0 (this was the same year that West Point won the national championship at the varsity level with Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard). Ken Germann was Westchester County's first "Coach of the Year" in 1946 as the Gaels went 8-0 and defeated Georgetown Prep 66-18 at the end of the season. Iona Prep's star player during the undefeated 1947 season was Bob Sexton, who returned to the Prep in 1958 as a teacher and coach. Sexton died at age 33 in December, 1962, during open heart surgery. The "Most Typical Ionian" award, named in honor of Bob Sexton, has been an annual presentation since 1963. Following the undefeated "Eight and Oh!" seasons of 1946 and 1947, Iona Prep had a 22 game winning streak (the longest in the school's history) snapped by Stamford (Conn.) High School in October, 1948, when the Gaels fell to their out-of-state rivals at Boyle Stadium in Stamford by a score of 20-0. One of the most historic games in the history of Iona Prep football took place during the 1951 season, when Blessed Sacrament upended the Gaels for the only time in a 13-7 thriller that was played at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. When the Catholic High School Football League was organized in 1954, Iona Prep was the first recipient of the championship as they went undefeated in the league behind the talented play of scatback Lew Leone and lineman Bill Draddy, before losing a 20-14 heartbreaker to NRHS on Thanksgiving Day. Noted golf instructor Butch Harmon
played on Iona Prep's JV team in 1958 before he transferred to New Rochelle High School the following year. Harmon was also named MVP of the 1961 Turkey Bowl when he scored both TDs for NRHS as the Huguenots prevailed, 14-0. Fullback Dick Licini starred on the Gaels' 1963 team that went 5-2-1 and upended NRHS 19-7 on Thanksgiving morning. The Prep had an undefeated, untied championship season in 1967, when the squad was directed by ace quarterback Howie Burke, who was rated the best signal-caller in the metropolitan area that year. Iona coach Renzie Lamb was honored as "Coach of the Year" for 1967. Iona Prep also won the Catholic High School Football League (CHSFL) title in 1971 with a 7-1 record under the tutelage of Rudy Augustin.
Iona Prep formerly played New Rochelle High School
annually on Thanksgiving Day in a rivalry game called the "Turkey Bowl." This tradition ended with the advent of postseason play and the New York State Championships that are held in the Carrier Dome
, in Syracuse
.
On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Iona Prep won its ninth consecutive game of the year when the Gaels upended Saint Francis Prep 47-7 at Iona field. Alumnus Bob Cesa of the unbeaten 1967 squad was on hand to witness the action, and he gave the players a great "Knute Rockne" speech at mid-field after the game. The Prep was then cast as the number one seed in the upcoming CHSFL playoffs.
On Saturday, November 22, 2008, Iona Prep took its fourth CHSFL title and first AAA championship in school history when the Gaels outlasted Saint Anthony's 48-35 in arctic conditions at Mitchel Field in Uniondale, Nassau County. Junior Jeff Mack put on one of the greatest shows in the history of Iona Prep football when he ran for 393 yards and seven touchdowns on 24 carries. The win capped the first undefeated season for Iona Prep in 41 years and snapped Saint Anthony's streak of seven consecutive CHSFL titles. Junior quarterback Tyrae Woodson-Samuels was named The Journal News Westchester/Putnam football player of the year, as he completed 72% of his passes, finishing with 2,272 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 2008 season was indeed a great year for the Gaels, who finished at "12 and Oh!"
Undefeated and One-Loss Seasons
CHSFL Championships
The 1966 season was a disappointing one for the Gaels. They finished at 1-7, and lost games by scores like 61-6, 40-0, 40-14, and 25-0. In September, 1967, the school moved from the Iona College campus at 715 North Avenue in New Rochelle to a new layout at 255 Wilmot Road at the north end of the city. This move would prove to be prophetic. The 1967 squad was composed mostly of returnees from the previous year's team and had a new school and a new practice field. Nobody paid much attention to Iona Prep and coach Renzie Lamb when the players took to the field against Cardinal Spellman in the season's opener at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Iona won that game 20-14 in a mild upset and the season was underway. Cardinal Hayes was the next victim at Downing Stadium on Randall's Island, and this win setup up an early season showdown with an away game at Archbishop Stepinac. Anybody who was there will never forget the game. Quarterback Howie Burke connected with Mike Spata on a 35-yard aerial in the last twenty seconds to pull it out 22-15, and the Prep took undisputed possession of first place in the CHSFL. Iona then blanked Chaminade and Mount Saint Michael to setup a title game against Holy Cross under the lights at Memorial Field. Howie Burke was brilliant in the contest when he threw five touchdown passes in the first half and the Prep prevailed, 46-0, to take their first CHSFL title in thirteen years. After the game, a Holy Cross player said, "We knew you guys were good, but we didn't think you were THAT good." The following quotation appeared in The Standard-Star: "In some quarters in the Met area, some scholastic coaches and writers both are saying that the Irish are the best team in the Metropolitan area this fall and are probably the best team in said area, since New Rochelle High's great undefeated and untied unit of 1960, which won county, Section I Met area, state and national honors." After several years in the doldrums, Iona Prep football was back on the map in one of the most amazing turnarounds ever. The Gaels did not rest on their laurels and closed out the season with wins over Saint Francis Prep and New Rochelle High School to complete their first undefeated season in 20 years.
Defense was the hallmark of the 1967 team. They allowed a total of 7 points in their last five games. The club was also great under pressure. In addition to the last-second win over Stepinac, they avenged a 61-6 1966 loss to Saint Francis Prep by beating the Terriers in the last 20 seconds when Howie Burke scampered 6 yards for the score. Burke then ran across the goal line for the two-point conversion to pull it out 8-7. The finale against NRHS on Thanksgiving morning was played in a pouring rain and mud-soaked field, which hampered the Gaels' passing and running game. The 1967 squad was not a big team, but the players were a group of rugged opportunists whose talents meshed like the gears of a Ferrari. The team also employed a wholesale switch on offense and defense, and nobody played both ways.
Much of the credit for the success of the 1967 team had to go to Coach Renzie Lamb, who was selected "Coach of the Year" by the Westchester/Putnam Coaches and Sportswriters Association. Lamb was quoted as saying: "Good hard-nose football, with emphasis on speed, did the trick. This was a wonderful, small, dedicated team. We didn't have the size, but we had many intangibles going for us. The Iona boys were great because they wanted to be great. They simply kept the spirit of revenge alive all season long. They wanted to beat every team that had beaten us the year before...and they did just that."
Iona Prep's 8-0 1967 record follows:
Now it is time to take a look at the 2008 team. Tyrae Woodson-Samuels and Jeff Mack spearheaded one of the most prolific offenses in the history of the CHSFL as Iona Prep steamrollered undefeated through 12 consecutive games. Forty-one years is a long time to go between undefeated seasons, but the 2008 team made it look easy. There can be no question that this juggernaut won its games with offensive firepower. The defense was a little spotty, but the passing ability of quarterback Woodson-Samuels (Westchester/Putnam player of the year) and running talent of Mack (7 touchdowns in AAA title game) propelled the team to the CHSFL Championship. The following quotation appeared in The Journal News: Tyree Woodson-Samuels proved to be the ideal quarterback for Iona Prep's spread offense......He revolutionized the position at Iona Prep, a school that's produced numerous college quarterbacks, and elevated the Gaels from CHSFL contenders to arguably the best team in the state." The squad had big players on each side of the line, and coach Vic Quirolo was very pleased with the team's performance in capturing the CHSFL title, as Iona Prep dethroned seven-time defending champion Saint Anthony's 48-35 in the AAA title game at Mitchel Field, Uniondale, Nassau County, to bring home the Prep's first CHSFL trophy in 37 years.
Iona Prep's 12-0 2008 record follows:
The 1967 and 2008 teams were many years apart, but it is interesting to look at each team in its own light. The two squads had a different makeup, but each team was unique in its own way in their quest for an undefeated season.
The fall of 1954 was more than half a century ago, and this was the first year of the existence of the CHSFL. The Prep had a great quarterback in Jerry Finneran, and Bill Draddy was one of the best linemen in the metropolitan area. Halfback Lew Leone was 140 pounds of sheer speed who was always a break-away threat. Coach Ken Germann had done a remarkable job since taking over the program during the 1946 season, and the Gaels were a pre-season favorite to compete for the championship when the season got underway. To make a long story short, the Gaels steamrollered unbeaten through their first seven games to take home the CHSFL's first trophy. On Thanksgiving morning, Iona Prep concluded its season with a non league contest against traditional rival New Rochelle High School. Lew Leone took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, but New Rochelle rallied for a 20-14 upset win to spoil the Prep's bid for an undefeated season.
Iona Prep's 7-1 1954 record follows:
The 1971 team was unheralded in that was not expected to contend for the CHSFL championship. Halfback Ed Keyes was referred to as "The TD King" as the Prep made its surprising run to the CHSFL title. Iona won the Metropolitan Championship by beating Saint Francis Prep in an 8-7 thriller at Memorial Field. The Gaels were then slated to play Chaminade, the Long Island Champion, in the CHSFL title game at Columbia University's Baker Field. Unfortunately, this game conflicted with the annual Turkey Bowl with New Rochelle High School, and the Prep opted to play NRHS and cancel the CHSFL title contest with Chaminade. This decision resulted in one of the biggest administrative mistakes in the history of Iona Prep football, because the CHSFL then decided to award the overall championship to Chaminade based upon a points system for wins, losses, and ties. The Prep went on to beat NRHS 25-0 on a rainy Thanksgiving morning at Memorial Field. In 1971, Iona Prep finished at 7-1, and New Rochelle High School finished at 1-7. The Prep definitely should have bumped the Turkey Bowl in favor of the CHSFL championship game with Chaminade.
Iona Prep's 7-1 1971 record follows:
The 1931 season is believed to be Iona Prep's first unblemished campaign on the gridiron. The team was coached by James "Buck" Freeman and the record follows.
In 1943, the Gaels were coached by Len Younce and Dave Brown. Iona Prep allowed a single touchdown in seven games.
In 1944, Lee Patton coached the Gaels to a 6-0-2 record. Iona Prep was referred to as "The Power of the County" as the Gaels completed their first back-to-back undefeated seasons.
In 1946, Ken Germann took over as head coach of Iona Prep. He guided the Gaels to a perfect 8-0 year and was honored as Westchester County's first "Coach of the Year."
The year 1947 resulted in the second and last back-to-back undefeated seasons in Iona Prep history. This would also be Iona's last unbeaten squad until the 1967 juggernaut 20 years later. Bob Sexton starred on both the 1946 and 1947 teams.
Sports offered include:
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. Westchester covers an area of and has a population of 949,113 according to the 2010 Census, residing in 45 municipalities...
. Named for the Scottish island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
, the school was founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers
Congregation of Christian Brothers
The Congregation of Christian Brothers is a worldwide religious community within the Catholic Church, founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The Christian Brothers, as they are commonly known, chiefly work for the evangelisation and education of youth, but are involved in many ministries, especially with...
in 1916. Current enrollment is approximately 750 students in grades 9 through 12.
The school has also earned a blue ribbon award
Blue Ribbon Award
Blue Ribbon Award can refer to:* Blue Ribbon Award , an annual award presented by the Japan Railfan Club* Blue Ribbon Awards, annual Japanese film awards* Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence in Education, awarded by the Blue Ribbon Schools Program...
.
Iona Prep is a brother school to the local The Ursuline School
The Ursuline School
The Ursuline School is an all-girls, independent, private, Roman Catholic middle and high school located on a campus in New Rochelle, New York in Westchester County. The school was founded in 1897 by the Order of St...
.
To gain admission, students are required to complete the ISEE, SSAT, or TACHS.
Academics
Iona Prep's curriculum is largely based on the humanities. It is required that each student takes four years of math, science, religion, and history. Students must also take three years of a foreign language, and a year of humanities (art and music). Seniors have a choice with electives in selecting many of their classes, and have the option of taking honors or AP classes if they qualify academically. Also, in order to graduate, each student in grade 9-11 must spend a day of community service. Seniors must assist their communities for a much longer period of time.Edline
The Iona Preparatory School Edline site went live in 2007. The addition of Edline has been well received by parents because it gives parents a twice monthly update on a students grades and important news from Iona Prep.Classrooms
Over the past two years Iona Prep has reconstructed the Chemistry, Biology, and Physics laboratories, equipping them with new instruments and smart-board technology. Other classrooms throughout the building have also received smart-boards.During the 2008 summer vacation Iona Prep upgraded Parents Hall with central air conditioning.
Service
The Christian Service Program at Iona Prep stems from the Gospel command to serve others. All Iona Preparatory students perform volunteer service in a context in which the recipients of their service are people whose lifestyle indicates a genuine need for their time and talents. Iona Prep requires Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors to complete a minimum amount of community service. Freshmen are required to do a day of service, Sophomores 10 hours outside of school, Juniors 15 hours outside of school, and seniors 50 hours outside of school respectively.Extracurricular activities
Iona Preparatory has a wide range of afterschool activities for its students including clubs for those interested in sci-fi movies, video games, anime, and many others. Iona is also known for its excellent speech and debate (forensics) team. In 1999, Iona Prep was the National Forensics League Champion, and had multiple national champions in multiple events. There are also heritage societies along with acting and stage crew and film club. There are a number of service clubs as well.Clubs and Groups
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Football history
One of Iona Prep's most famous alumni is Alex RaymondAlex Raymond
Alexander Gillespie "Alex" Raymond was an American cartoonist, best known for creating Flash Gordon for King Features in 1934...
, the creator of the Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon
Flash Gordon is the hero of a science fiction adventure comic strip originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by and created to compete with the already established Buck Rogers adventure strip. Also inspired by these series were comics such as Dash...
comic strip. Raymond won an athletic scholarship to the Prep and was a fullback on coach "Turk" Smith's 1926 team that compiled a 5-2-1 record. The "Maroon Marauders" first undefeated, untied season occurred in 1931, when Buck Freeman directed the Gaels to an 8-0 record. The Prep's star player that year was Joe Hoctor, who was nicknamed "The Haunt from Haag." During the 1932 season, the Gaels had a 17 game winning streak snapped by New Rochelle High School on Thanksgiving Day, as the Huguenots prevailed, 14-0. Joe Hoctor had an 82-yard scoring dash voided on the game's opening play (the referee said that he didn't blow his whistle to start play). Iona Prep had the best football teams in the school's history between 1943 and 1948, when the Gaels lost only two games in six seasons. At the start of the 1944 campaign, Iona Prep defeated the Army Plebes by a score of 7-0 (this was the same year that West Point won the national championship at the varsity level with Glenn Davis and Doc Blanchard). Ken Germann was Westchester County's first "Coach of the Year" in 1946 as the Gaels went 8-0 and defeated Georgetown Prep 66-18 at the end of the season. Iona Prep's star player during the undefeated 1947 season was Bob Sexton, who returned to the Prep in 1958 as a teacher and coach. Sexton died at age 33 in December, 1962, during open heart surgery. The "Most Typical Ionian" award, named in honor of Bob Sexton, has been an annual presentation since 1963. Following the undefeated "Eight and Oh!" seasons of 1946 and 1947, Iona Prep had a 22 game winning streak (the longest in the school's history) snapped by Stamford (Conn.) High School in October, 1948, when the Gaels fell to their out-of-state rivals at Boyle Stadium in Stamford by a score of 20-0. One of the most historic games in the history of Iona Prep football took place during the 1951 season, when Blessed Sacrament upended the Gaels for the only time in a 13-7 thriller that was played at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. When the Catholic High School Football League was organized in 1954, Iona Prep was the first recipient of the championship as they went undefeated in the league behind the talented play of scatback Lew Leone and lineman Bill Draddy, before losing a 20-14 heartbreaker to NRHS on Thanksgiving Day. Noted golf instructor Butch Harmon
Butch Harmon
Claude "Butch" Harmon, Jr. is an American golf instructor and former professional player. He is the son of 1948 Masters Tournament champion Claude Harmon, Sr. and has been in the golf industry since 1965.-Early life:...
played on Iona Prep's JV team in 1958 before he transferred to New Rochelle High School the following year. Harmon was also named MVP of the 1961 Turkey Bowl when he scored both TDs for NRHS as the Huguenots prevailed, 14-0. Fullback Dick Licini starred on the Gaels' 1963 team that went 5-2-1 and upended NRHS 19-7 on Thanksgiving morning. The Prep had an undefeated, untied championship season in 1967, when the squad was directed by ace quarterback Howie Burke, who was rated the best signal-caller in the metropolitan area that year. Iona coach Renzie Lamb was honored as "Coach of the Year" for 1967. Iona Prep also won the Catholic High School Football League (CHSFL) title in 1971 with a 7-1 record under the tutelage of Rudy Augustin.
Iona Prep formerly played New Rochelle High School
New Rochelle High School
New Rochelle High School is a public high school, comprising grades 9 through 12, in New Rochelle, New York, operated by the City School District of New Rochelle. NRHS serves over 3,300 students; offering more than 240 courses, including honors, research and advanced placement courses.NRHS...
annually on Thanksgiving Day in a rivalry game called the "Turkey Bowl." This tradition ended with the advent of postseason play and the New York State Championships that are held in the Carrier Dome
Carrier Dome
The Carrier Dome is a 49,250-seat domed sports stadium located on the campus of Syracuse University in the University Hill neighborhood of Syracuse, New York, USA. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. High school football championships are also held in "The...
, in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
.
On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Iona Prep won its ninth consecutive game of the year when the Gaels upended Saint Francis Prep 47-7 at Iona field. Alumnus Bob Cesa of the unbeaten 1967 squad was on hand to witness the action, and he gave the players a great "Knute Rockne" speech at mid-field after the game. The Prep was then cast as the number one seed in the upcoming CHSFL playoffs.
On Saturday, November 22, 2008, Iona Prep took its fourth CHSFL title and first AAA championship in school history when the Gaels outlasted Saint Anthony's 48-35 in arctic conditions at Mitchel Field in Uniondale, Nassau County. Junior Jeff Mack put on one of the greatest shows in the history of Iona Prep football when he ran for 393 yards and seven touchdowns on 24 carries. The win capped the first undefeated season for Iona Prep in 41 years and snapped Saint Anthony's streak of seven consecutive CHSFL titles. Junior quarterback Tyrae Woodson-Samuels was named The Journal News Westchester/Putnam football player of the year, as he completed 72% of his passes, finishing with 2,272 yards and 19 touchdowns. The 2008 season was indeed a great year for the Gaels, who finished at "12 and Oh!"
Undefeated and One-Loss Seasons
- 1931: 8-0
- 1932: 9-1
- 1943: 5-0-2
- 1944: 6-0-2
- 1945: 7-1
- 1946: 8-0
- 1947: 8-0
- 1948: 6-1-1
- 1953: 6-1-1
- 1954: 7-1
- 1967: 8-0
- 1971: 7-1
- 2008: 12-0
CHSFL Championships
- 1954: 7-1
- 1967: 8-0
- 1971: 7-1 (Metropolitan Champion)
- 2008: 12-0 (AAA Champion)
A Tribute To Iona Prep's Two Undefeated, Untied Championship CHSFL Teams
It is appropriate to look back at Iona Prep's two undefeated CHSFL championship teams. The 1967 and 2008 squads were forty-one years apart into time; that's a span of two generations. The two teams were quite different in terms of size, speed, offensive strategy, and defensive makeup.The 1966 season was a disappointing one for the Gaels. They finished at 1-7, and lost games by scores like 61-6, 40-0, 40-14, and 25-0. In September, 1967, the school moved from the Iona College campus at 715 North Avenue in New Rochelle to a new layout at 255 Wilmot Road at the north end of the city. This move would prove to be prophetic. The 1967 squad was composed mostly of returnees from the previous year's team and had a new school and a new practice field. Nobody paid much attention to Iona Prep and coach Renzie Lamb when the players took to the field against Cardinal Spellman in the season's opener at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Iona won that game 20-14 in a mild upset and the season was underway. Cardinal Hayes was the next victim at Downing Stadium on Randall's Island, and this win setup up an early season showdown with an away game at Archbishop Stepinac. Anybody who was there will never forget the game. Quarterback Howie Burke connected with Mike Spata on a 35-yard aerial in the last twenty seconds to pull it out 22-15, and the Prep took undisputed possession of first place in the CHSFL. Iona then blanked Chaminade and Mount Saint Michael to setup a title game against Holy Cross under the lights at Memorial Field. Howie Burke was brilliant in the contest when he threw five touchdown passes in the first half and the Prep prevailed, 46-0, to take their first CHSFL title in thirteen years. After the game, a Holy Cross player said, "We knew you guys were good, but we didn't think you were THAT good." The following quotation appeared in The Standard-Star: "In some quarters in the Met area, some scholastic coaches and writers both are saying that the Irish are the best team in the Metropolitan area this fall and are probably the best team in said area, since New Rochelle High's great undefeated and untied unit of 1960, which won county, Section I Met area, state and national honors." After several years in the doldrums, Iona Prep football was back on the map in one of the most amazing turnarounds ever. The Gaels did not rest on their laurels and closed out the season with wins over Saint Francis Prep and New Rochelle High School to complete their first undefeated season in 20 years.
Defense was the hallmark of the 1967 team. They allowed a total of 7 points in their last five games. The club was also great under pressure. In addition to the last-second win over Stepinac, they avenged a 61-6 1966 loss to Saint Francis Prep by beating the Terriers in the last 20 seconds when Howie Burke scampered 6 yards for the score. Burke then ran across the goal line for the two-point conversion to pull it out 8-7. The finale against NRHS on Thanksgiving morning was played in a pouring rain and mud-soaked field, which hampered the Gaels' passing and running game. The 1967 squad was not a big team, but the players were a group of rugged opportunists whose talents meshed like the gears of a Ferrari. The team also employed a wholesale switch on offense and defense, and nobody played both ways.
Much of the credit for the success of the 1967 team had to go to Coach Renzie Lamb, who was selected "Coach of the Year" by the Westchester/Putnam Coaches and Sportswriters Association. Lamb was quoted as saying: "Good hard-nose football, with emphasis on speed, did the trick. This was a wonderful, small, dedicated team. We didn't have the size, but we had many intangibles going for us. The Iona boys were great because they wanted to be great. They simply kept the spirit of revenge alive all season long. They wanted to beat every team that had beaten us the year before...and they did just that."
Iona Prep's 8-0 1967 record follows:
- Iona Prep 20................Cardinal Spellman 14
- Iona Prep 28................Cardinal Hayes 14
- Iona Prep 22................Archbishop Stepinac 15
- Iona Prep 14................Chaminade 0
- Iona Prep 34................Mount Saint Michael 0
- Iona Prep 46................Holy Cross 0
- Iona Prep 8.................Saint Francis Prep 7
- Iona Prep 13................New Rochelle 0
Now it is time to take a look at the 2008 team. Tyrae Woodson-Samuels and Jeff Mack spearheaded one of the most prolific offenses in the history of the CHSFL as Iona Prep steamrollered undefeated through 12 consecutive games. Forty-one years is a long time to go between undefeated seasons, but the 2008 team made it look easy. There can be no question that this juggernaut won its games with offensive firepower. The defense was a little spotty, but the passing ability of quarterback Woodson-Samuels (Westchester/Putnam player of the year) and running talent of Mack (7 touchdowns in AAA title game) propelled the team to the CHSFL Championship. The following quotation appeared in The Journal News: Tyree Woodson-Samuels proved to be the ideal quarterback for Iona Prep's spread offense......He revolutionized the position at Iona Prep, a school that's produced numerous college quarterbacks, and elevated the Gaels from CHSFL contenders to arguably the best team in the state." The squad had big players on each side of the line, and coach Vic Quirolo was very pleased with the team's performance in capturing the CHSFL title, as Iona Prep dethroned seven-time defending champion Saint Anthony's 48-35 in the AAA title game at Mitchel Field, Uniondale, Nassau County, to bring home the Prep's first CHSFL trophy in 37 years.
Iona Prep's 12-0 2008 record follows:
- Iona Prep 34................New Canaan (CT) 10
- Iona Prep 35................Archbishop Stepinac 20
- Iona Prep 41................Chaminade 28
- Iona Prep 38................Holy Cross 35
- Iona Prep 35................Xaverian 21
- Iona Prep 10................Monsignor Farrell 0
- Iona Prep 27................Holy Trinity 12
- Iona Prep 41................Saint Anthony's 21
- Iona Prep 47................Saint Francis Prep 7
- Iona Prep 21................Mount Saint Michael 12
- Iona Prep 42................Xaverian 27
- Iona Prep 48................Saint Anthony's 35
The 1967 and 2008 teams were many years apart, but it is interesting to look at each team in its own light. The two squads had a different makeup, but each team was unique in its own way in their quest for an undefeated season.
A Look Back At Iona Prep's Two Other CHSFL Championship Teams
Everybody likes to reminisce and talk about championship teams, and it is for this reason that mention should be made of Iona Prep's two other squads that took home CHSFL titles.The fall of 1954 was more than half a century ago, and this was the first year of the existence of the CHSFL. The Prep had a great quarterback in Jerry Finneran, and Bill Draddy was one of the best linemen in the metropolitan area. Halfback Lew Leone was 140 pounds of sheer speed who was always a break-away threat. Coach Ken Germann had done a remarkable job since taking over the program during the 1946 season, and the Gaels were a pre-season favorite to compete for the championship when the season got underway. To make a long story short, the Gaels steamrollered unbeaten through their first seven games to take home the CHSFL's first trophy. On Thanksgiving morning, Iona Prep concluded its season with a non league contest against traditional rival New Rochelle High School. Lew Leone took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, but New Rochelle rallied for a 20-14 upset win to spoil the Prep's bid for an undefeated season.
Iona Prep's 7-1 1954 record follows:
- Iona Prep 26...............Saint Francis Prep 0
- Iona Prep 13...............Mount Saint Michael 0
- Iona Prep 34...............All Hallows 20
- Iona Prep 27...............Cardinal Hayes 0
- Iona Prep 20...............Archbishop Stepinac 6
- Iona Prep 37...............Xavier 20
- Iona Prep 34...............Blessed Sacrament 6
- Iona Prep 14...............New Rochelle 20
The 1971 team was unheralded in that was not expected to contend for the CHSFL championship. Halfback Ed Keyes was referred to as "The TD King" as the Prep made its surprising run to the CHSFL title. Iona won the Metropolitan Championship by beating Saint Francis Prep in an 8-7 thriller at Memorial Field. The Gaels were then slated to play Chaminade, the Long Island Champion, in the CHSFL title game at Columbia University's Baker Field. Unfortunately, this game conflicted with the annual Turkey Bowl with New Rochelle High School, and the Prep opted to play NRHS and cancel the CHSFL title contest with Chaminade. This decision resulted in one of the biggest administrative mistakes in the history of Iona Prep football, because the CHSFL then decided to award the overall championship to Chaminade based upon a points system for wins, losses, and ties. The Prep went on to beat NRHS 25-0 on a rainy Thanksgiving morning at Memorial Field. In 1971, Iona Prep finished at 7-1, and New Rochelle High School finished at 1-7. The Prep definitely should have bumped the Turkey Bowl in favor of the CHSFL championship game with Chaminade.
Iona Prep's 7-1 1971 record follows:
- Iona Prep 22................Holy Trinity 10
- Iona Prep 6.................Cardinal Hayes 37
- Iona Prep 18................Holy Cross 16
- Iona Prep 26................Cardinal Spellman 0
- Iona Prep 28................Archbishop Stepinac 14
- Iona Prep 18................Mount Saint Michael 7
- Iona Prep 8.................Saint Francis Prep 7
- Iona Prep 25................New Rochelle 0
A Look At Iona Prep's Additional Undefeated Football Teams
The history of Iona Prep football dates back to 1916; that's more than 90 years ago. The Gaels had several undefeated teams prior to the formation of the Catholic High School Football League in 1954, and it is noteworthy to honor these squads on a web site that is available for the entire world to see. Nothing is sweeter for a football team than an undefeated season; there's no exhilaration more satisfying than concluding a season without a loss. The following chronology documents the early campaigns of Iona Prep football in which the Gaels were undefeated.The 1931 season is believed to be Iona Prep's first unblemished campaign on the gridiron. The team was coached by James "Buck" Freeman and the record follows.
- Iona Prep 13...............Riverdale Country School 7
- Iona Prep 18...............Augustinian Academy 0
- Iona Prep 7................Irving (Tarrytown) 0
- Iona Prep 26...............Fordham Prep 0
- Iona Prep 44...............Saint Joseph's 6
- Iona Prep 13...............Newman (NJ) 0
- Iona Prep 25...............Saint Francis Prep 7
- Iona Prep 26...............Georgetown Prep 0
In 1943, the Gaels were coached by Len Younce and Dave Brown. Iona Prep allowed a single touchdown in seven games.
- Iona Prep 0................Port Chester 0
- Iona Prep 0................All Hallows 0
- Iona Prep 26...............Isaac Young 0
- Iona Prep 12...............Albert Leonard 0
- Iona Prep 12...............Cardinal Hayes 0
- Iona Prep 67...............Blessed Sacrament 6
- Iona Prep 12...............Georgetown Prep 0
In 1944, Lee Patton coached the Gaels to a 6-0-2 record. Iona Prep was referred to as "The Power of the County" as the Gaels completed their first back-to-back undefeated seasons.
- Iona Prep 7................Army Plebes 0
- Iona Prep 31...............Blessed Sacrament 6
- Iona Prep 19...............Port Chester 6
- Iona Prep 31...............Mamaroneck 13
- Iona Prep 13...............Mount Saint Michael 13
- Iona Prep 0................All Hallows 0
- Iona Prep 26...............Albert Leonard 0
- Iona Prep 32...............Georgetown Prep 0
In 1946, Ken Germann took over as head coach of Iona Prep. He guided the Gaels to a perfect 8-0 year and was honored as Westchester County's first "Coach of the Year."
- Iona Prep 39...............Blessed Sacrament 0
- Iona Prep 14...............Port Chester 13
- Iona Prep 14...............All Hallows 6
- Iona Prep 19...............Cardinal Hayes 0
- Iona Prep 33...............Mount Saint Michael 6
- Iona Prep 26...............Power Memorial 0
- Iona Prep 22...............Cardinal Farley 0
- Iona Prep 66...............Georgetown Prep 18
The year 1947 resulted in the second and last back-to-back undefeated seasons in Iona Prep history. This would also be Iona's last unbeaten squad until the 1967 juggernaut 20 years later. Bob Sexton starred on both the 1946 and 1947 teams.
- Iona Prep 40...............Seton Hall 0
- Iona Prep 33...............Port Chester 6
- Iona Prep 34...............Stuyvesant 0
- Iona Prep 14...............Cardinal Hayes 6
- Iona Prep 14...............Mount Saint Michael 6
- Iona Prep 34...............Power Memorial 0
- Iona Prep 33...............Blessed Sacrament 0
- Iona Prep 34...............Cardinal Farley 18
Other sports
The school has won numerous golfing championships. The school has been dominant in the CHSAA hockey league, only losing two league games, and consistently being ranked on the Journal News' Top 5 teams. They team had a very successful campaign in the 2007-08 season, winning the regular season championship, as well as the CHSHL championship 3-2 in OT in a best-of-three series over arch-rival Archbishop Stepinac High School. The basketball team has begun resurging this year, now atop the league standings. Its baseball team is consistently one of the best in the N.Y Metro area with more bright young stars coming up,and both the varsity and junior varsity lacrosse teams are one of the best in Westchester county. The school has also recently added rowing and wrestling, with great success in both. Both teams have experienced victories over rival Fordham Prep. The wrestling team has numerous young stars and the rowing team is very promising. In 2009, the rowing team fielded three Division I college recruits, and placed 2nd in the State in the Sr. 4+ to go along with a State Championship in the Jr. 4+.Sports offered include:
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Notable alumni (by year of graduation)
- Alex RaymondAlex RaymondAlexander Gillespie "Alex" Raymond was an American cartoonist, best known for creating Flash Gordon for King Features in 1934...
1927, creator of Flash GordonFlash GordonFlash Gordon is the hero of a science fiction adventure comic strip originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by and created to compete with the already established Buck Rogers adventure strip. Also inspired by these series were comics such as Dash...
comic strip - John P. DonohueJohn P. DonohueJohn P. Donohue, M.D. was the Chairman of the Urology Department and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine. He pioneered treatments for testicular cancer, including the nerve-sparing technique. His work with Dr. Lawrence Einhorn led to an increase in cure...
, M.D. 1950, pioneered the development of chemotherapy and nerve sparing surgical techniques for testicular cancerTesticular cancerTesticular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.In the United States, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. In the UK, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of... - Bill ReillyBill ReillyWilliam Francis Reilly was an American publishing and media executive who was the founder and former chairman of Primedia...
, c. 1956, founder and chairman of PrimediaPrimediaPRIMEDIA Inc. is privately held American media company fully owned by TPG Capital.Consumer Source Inc. is the sole operating division of PRIMEDIA and helps millions of consumers find apartments, houses for rent, and new homes for sale through its Internet, mobile, and print products...
. - Donald SpotoDonald SpotoDonald Spoto is an American celebrity biographer, Catholic theologian, and former monk. He is best known for his best-selling biographies of film and theatre celebrities such as Alfred Hitchcock, Laurence Olivier, Tennessee Williams, Ingrid Bergman, James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly,...
1959, biographer and historian - Don McLeanDon McLeanDonald "Don" McLean is an American singer-songwriter. He is most famous for the 1971 album American Pie, containing the renowned songs "American Pie" and "Vincent".-Musical roots:...
1963, musician, best known for the 1971 song, "American Pie" - Frank AbagnaleFrank AbagnaleFrank William Abagnale, Jr. is an American security consultant known for his history as a former confidence trickster, check forger, impostor, and escape artist...
1966, perpetrator of bank fraud in the late 1960s, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioLeonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio is an American actor and film producer. He has received many awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Aviator , and has been nominated by the Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television...
in the movie Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can is a 2002 American biographical comedy-drama film based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., who, before his 19th birthday, successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor, and a Louisiana parish prosecutor...
. - Bud CortBud CortBud Cort is an American film and stage actor, writer, and director. He is best known for his portrayals of Harold in Hal Ashby's 1971 film Harold and Maude and the titular hero in Robert Altman's 1970 film Brewster McCloud...
1966, actor, best known for Harold and MaudeHarold and MaudeHarold and Maude is a 1971 American dark comedy film directed by Hal Ashby and released by Paramount Pictures. It incorporates elements of dark humor and existentialist drama, with a plot that revolves around the exploits of a young man intrigued with death, Harold... - Tommy MottolaTommy MottolaThomas Daniel "Tommy" Mottola is an American music executive, co-owner of Casablanca Records in a joint venture with the Universal Music Group. He is the ex-husband of Mariah Carey and is married to Mexican singer Thalía...
1966, Sony executive, ex-husband of Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993... - Louis R. CappelliLouis R. CappelliLouis R. Cappelli is a real estate developer most active in Westchester County, New York. Cappelli has constructed, designed and developed more than twenty million square feet of mixed use, retail, residential, office, medical and parking facilities throughout the northeast, with a portfolio value...
1969, real estate developer - Dick AmbroseDick AmbroseDick Ambrose is a former American football linebacker who played nine seasons in the National Football League with the Cleveland Browns, from 1975 to 1983...
1971, NFL Player, Cleveland BrownsCleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - John MaraJohn MaraJohn Kevin Mara is the president, CEO, and co-owner of the New York Giants.Mara was born in New York City and grew up in White Plains, New York. He is the oldest son of Ann and former Giants owner Wellington Mara. He attended Iona Preparatory School in nearby New Rochelle, graduating in 1972. He...
1972, co-owner of NFL's New York Giants - Nick GregoryNick GregoryNicholas John "Nick" Gregory is a meteorologist for WNYW in New York City. Gregory brings viewers the weather on FOX 5 News at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. Gregory has been working for WNYW for over two decades...
1978, television weatherman on Fox 5 NewsWNYWWNYW, virtual channel 5 , is the flagship television station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company, located in New York City. The station's transmitter is atop the Empire State Building and its studio facilities are located in the Yorkville section of Manhattan...
in New York - Rob Spence (American football) 1978, former head football coach at Iona Prep, former offensive coordinator for Clemson UniversityClemson UniversityClemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
football team, and former offensive coordinator for Syracuse UniversitySyracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
football team - Tommy DreamerTommy DreamerThomas James "Tom" Laughlin is an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name Tommy Dreamer. He is currently working for various promotions on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time spent with Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment...
1988, WWE & ECW pro wrestler - Brian SlocumBrian SlocumBrian John Slocum is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. After high school, he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 14th round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to attend Villanova University...
1999, major league baseball player, pitches for the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...