Three more Iona Preparatory School scholar-athletes committed to playing collegiate football as part of the school year’s third National Signing Day ceremony on Feb. 2, the opening day of the regular period for football. This brings the total to 8 DI signings 3 DII, 5 DII, with 16 overall commitments from the Class of 2022.
Nationally, about one in 13 high school athletes go on to play a collegiate sport; only 2 percent for Division I schools. With its latest round of commitments, Iona Preparatory’s Athletic Department continues a now seven-year trend of besting the national average and doubling up the average number of Division I signings.
Moreover, the most recent commits had an average GPA over 90, with two topping the mark individually. That’s right in line with the varsity football team as a whole under alumnus and coach Joseph Spagnolo ’98, which proved itself to be championship-caliber in the classroom, as well, being one of five fall teams (out of nine) with an average GPA over 90. In fact, those nine fall teams—some 267 scholar-athletes—posted a collective average of 90.11, and none lower than an 85.
The ESPN- style event included remarks by Athletic Director Ryan Mahoney, Coach Spagnolo, and other school dignitaries, with proud parents, teachers, and fellow students watching remotely on LocalLive. The following Gaels committed on February 2, 2022:
JAYSON VAVRICA, 17, Yonkers, NY
Football | Pace University – DII – NE10
Jayson is a four-year member of the football program and a two-year Varsity starter as a defensive end. He also played one season of varsity basketball. Jayson was a member of the undefeated 2021 Spring 2 football team and a key member of the 2021 CHSFL and NYS Catholic Championship football teams. Jayson had other offers and interests from Ithaca, Union, Culber Stockton and AIC. He is a member of the Film Club, Latinos Unidos, and participates in our Backyard Sport after-school service program. Jayson currently has a 3.7 overall GPA, and will continue his academic and football career at Pace University.
KALONI MCINTYRE, 18, Bronx, NY
Football | Stony Brook University – DI – CAA
Kaloni is a four-year member of the football program, two-year varsity starter as an outside linebacker. He was also a member of the track and field program for three years during the indoor and outdoor seasons. He was a key member of the undefeated 2021 Spring 2 football team and the 2021 New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) and New York State (NYS) Catholic Championship football team. Kaloni was named All-League by the NYCHSFL, Second-Team All-County by The Journal News, and was an Honorable Mention for the All-State team. He had other offers and interests from Bryant, American International College (AIC), Husson University, Brockport, and Ithaca. Kaloni is a member of the African American Society, Human Rights Club, Mental Health Club and Latinos Unidos. Kaloni currently has a 3.3 overall GPA and will continue his academic and football career at Stony Brook University.
JOSE RUIZ, 17, BRONX, NY
Football | Trinity College – DIII – NESCAC
Jose is a four-year member of the football program and a two-year varsity starter. He was named to the Second-Team LoHud All-Stars after the 2021 Spring 2 season. Jose was a team captain in 2022 and was the starting middle linebacker on opening day against Don Bosco Prep. Unfortunately, Jose was injured during that first game and missed the remainder of the season but was a true captain and helped mentor and coach his teammates, for which he received the 2022 CHSFL Injured Player award. His contributions helped lead the football team to a CHSFL and New York State Catholic Championship. He was also a member of the track and field program for two years, participating in the shot put and discus. Jose had other interests and offers from Hamilton, Amherst, Pace, Bryant, Sacred Heart and Assumption. He is a captain for St. Michael House, a member of the Mental Health Club, Nutrition for Fruition Club, Peer Ministry and received Second Honors. Jose currently has a 93.72 overall GPA will continue his academic and football career at Trinity College.
To learn more about Iona Preparatory, please visit www.IonaPrep.org.
