Facilities: A 1969 graduate of Iona College has pledged a $10 million gift to Iona's current capital campaign. The gift from James P. Hynes is the largest in school history. The donation will allow for the beginning of construction of the Hynes Athletics Center, a multipurpose recreational facility complete with new athletics department offices for coaches and administrators, two multipurpose gymnasiums, rowing tank for the rowing team, aerobics loft, state-of-the-art free weight and exercise machines and an expanded lobby and Hall of Fame area. "This gift will truly transform our athletics department," said Rich Petriccione, Iona's director of athletics. "What Jim and his family have done will help elevate all aspects of all our athletics programs, as well as dramatically impact the recreational and intramural programs and student life for all."

Conferences: The Pioneer Football League will expand to nine institutions for the 2001 season according to league Commissioner Patty Viverito. Austin Peay State University, Davidson College, Jacksonville University and Morehead State University will join current PFL members Butler University, University of Dayton, Drake University, University of San Diego and Valparaiso University to complete the nine-member league, which has been in existence since 1991. Membership, including conference scheduling, will be effective for the 2001 season. The league will be composed of two divisions, with Butler, Dayton, Drake, Valparaiso and San Diego in the Northern Division, and Austin Peay, Davidson, Jacksonville and Morehead State in the Southern Division. Each division will conduct round-robin competition that will solely determine the division champion. Selected cross-division games will be scheduled, but will not count in division standings. The PFL will establish a championship game featuring the champions of each division. The first title game will be played November 17, 2001, at the site of the Northern division champion. "The additions bring to fruition our intended desire to expand the league with like-minded nonscholarship institutions," said Viverito. "It expands our conference schedule in a meaningful way and offers a great postseason opportunity for our student-athletes."

Milestones: Fran Kalafer became just the 15th active head volleyball coach to win 500 career matches when her Hofstra University team defeated St. Peter's College September 19. Kalafer, now in her 20th season at Hofstra and 22nd season of collegiate coaching, has a career record of 500-277.

-- Compiled by Gary T. Brown