"It is with sadness we announce the passing of former @UConnMSOC coach and legend Joe Morrone"

[huskymedic]

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-soccer/spec-rel/091715aaa.html

>>STORRS, Conn. - Joseph J. Morrone, nationally-known Hall of Fame soccer coach, who led UConn to the NCAA Men's Soccer National Championship in 1981, passed away on Wednesday night, September 16th, just shy of 80 years old.

Morrone was an athletic and academic leader within the University of Connecticut community for 45 years, starting his UConn tenure in July of 1969 when he was named head coach of UConn men's soccer. Morrone remained in that role for 28 years (1969-1996) and established a nationally-elite collegiate program.<<

Rest in Peace Coach.

 

[BugsyCT]

RIP Coach Morrone. I still remember the front page of the Courant from '81 when the soccer team won the national title.

 

[UConn98]

So glad he was able to make one last soccer game, and he got to see a win.

 

[huskymedic]

http://www.thehour.com/sports/forme...5-94f4-2367c5b037e6.html#.VfrEFZDubD0.twitter

 

[2Infinity]

Billy Morrone was on WTIC during the last hour with Joe D & Gresh and shared some great stories and memories about his dad! Nice to hear it all directly from Billy including how attached Joe still felt to UConn and the program, even after his coaching years were over. He mentioned that Coach Reid had made a point of keeping Joe relevant to the program, right up until the end, last Sunday's great win in the pouring rain. If you can find a recording of the interview, it's worth a listen! All the best to Joe and the Morrone Family!

 

[huskypantz]

RIP coach. A UConn icon.

 

[CL82]

RIP coach. I loved going to the games while I was at UConn.

 

[ct06111]

 

[HuskyDogArt]

RIP Joe Morrone, I'm not sure, but he might have gave UConn the first National Championship they had...

 

[dbmill]

RIP Joe Morrone, I'm not sure, but he might have gave UConn the first National Championship they had...

Field hockey also won the NCAA tournament in 1981, which I believe was the first year the NCAA started holding championship tournaments for women's sports. I believe it was a week or two before Morrone's team became national champions. If you think about the backward state of UConn athletics in 1981, winning two NCAA championships of any kind back in those days was really an amazing feat.