Here's a statement from Jim Calhoun on the passing of John Toner:

“John Toner’s decision in May of 1979 to leave his New England neighbors and move Connecticut into what would become the Big East Conference changed UConn Athletics forever. John’s vision 35 years ago paved the path for the University of Connecticut to win 18 NCAA Championships in four sports during the past four decades.

John Toner was a transformational figure on the national collegiate stage, including being a driving force in the late 1970s and early 1980s to add women’s athletics under the NCAA umbrella.

Personally, John gave me a great start as head basketball coach at Connecticut and through the years he was always available to me for wise counsel and friendship.”