NEW ROCHELLE, NY - A pair of standout student-athletes have been awarded the 2010 Joseph O'Connell Award, presented annually to Iona College's most outstanding male and female senior sportsmen. This year's male recipient was men's water polo player Joe Przekota (Park Ridge, IL). Joining Przekota was this year's female selection, cross country/track standout Ashling Baker (Sandymount, Ireland).

In his time in the water for Iona, Przekota recorded 298 career goals, the second highest total in school history. His 91 goals as a senior in 2009 and 88 goals as a junior in 2008, the fourth and sixth highest single season total at Iona.  

In 2009, Przekota earned numerous postseason awards, including an ACWPC Men's Water Polo All-American Team honorable mention, an All-CWPA Northern Division First Team selection and All-East Second Team selection. On Sep. 6, 2009, tied the single-game goal scoring record with 10 in a win over Gannon at the Navy Labor Day Open. Przekota's junior year performance of 88 goals ranked No. 2 in the nation.  

As a sophomore, Przekota posted 94 points, the 17th best total in the nation.  Przekota had 50 goals as a freshman, leading the team in scoring in all four years at Iona.  As a swimmer, Przekota holds two Top 10 swim times in school history. For Iona, Przekota swam the fifth fastest time in the 100-yard backstroke and the ninth fastest time in the 200-yard backstroke.  

Off the field, Przekota served the Iona community as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Baker leaves Iona as one of the most decorated champions in the history of the women's cross country and track programs.  She has earned six individual MAAC Championships including the indoor 3k in 2008, the indoor 5k and DMR in 2009, the outdoor 5k in both 2008 and 2009 and the outdoor 10k in 2008.  

Baker has also earned 11 All-MAAC honors for finishing in the Top 15 at the Cross Country Championship or in the Top 3 in an individual event at the Indoor or Outdoor Championships.  While being a two-time All-Northeast Region honoree after finishing 23rd in 2008 and 15th in 2009.  Baker qualified for seven ECAC Championship events including four indoor and three outdoor over her four year career. and competed in the 5k at the NCAA East Regional Championships in 2008 and 2009.  

Serving as a team captain Helped lead the Gaels to four straight MAAC Cross Country Team Championships including All-MAAC performances in her last three years.

Baker's achievements on the track are almost as extraordinart as her academic achievements.  Baker was a nine-time MAAC All-Academic Selection a USTFCCCA All-Academic selection in 2009, and member of Iona's Dean's List.

Br. Kevin Devlin was awarded the Br. John G. Driscoll Appreciation Award for his contributions to the men's basketball program.

The 21 seniors given the Merit Award for maintaining a 3.5 or above cumulative grade point average were: