Central's C.J. Jones set to retire

New Britain (AP) - A Central Connecticut State University fixture is set to retire. Athletic Directo C.J. Jones will say goodbye effective July 1st, the day his retirement takes effect. Jones has been part of the Blue Devil family for-44 years.

Jones spent the last 14-years serving as the school's A.D. He is a 1969 graduate of Central, he majored in English and minored in physical education. In 1972 he earned a master's degree in educational foundations from the school. Jones played basketball and baseball as an undergraduate at Central.

"I make this announcement with a heavy heart, but by no means is this the end of my time with the Blue Devils. Central Connecticut has been, and always will be, home for me," Jones said following his announcement. "I may be retiring but that doesn't mean the affiliation will end. My wife Linda and I will always bleed blue. You're not going to get rid of us that easily."

C.J. and Linda met as undergraduates at CCSU and have been mainstays at the University ever since.

A former standout guard for legendary Coach Bill Detrick, Jones stepped in as a graduate assistant for the team in 1969 and later became an assistant and interim head coach for the Blue Devils.

“C.J. Jones put Central Connecticut on the map in Division I Athletics,”  Detrick said. “He was successful because he had a vision for Central Connecticut athletics that was developed and cultivated through his many roles, including student-athlete, coach, teacher, author and administrator. As athletics director he was able to bring talented individuals together to join him on the journey to realize his vision. C.J. exemplifies all that is good about Central Connecticut and will surely be missed.”

He also served as the University’s Director of Educational Support Services (1987-95), where he directed the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), the Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program (CONNCAP), and the Student Services Program. Additionally, Jones served in roles as the school’s Coordinator of Minority Student Services (1985-1987) and Director of Educational Opportunity Programs (1970-1985).

"When you think of Central Connecticut and Blue Devil athletics, you think of C.J. Jones," Head Men's Basketball Coach Howie Dickenman said. “He has been the face of Central Connecticut for many years, a true pillar to the CCSU community. My respect for C.J., and all he has accomplished at CCSU, is tremendous. There aren’t words strong enough to convey what he has meant to the University, and to me as a friend for over 40-years. "

Combining regular season and tournaments crowns, Central Connecticut has won 47 conference championships during Jones’ tenure. Blue Devil teams have reached 16 NCAA Tournaments and won five New England Championships during the same period. In 2003, the CCSU women’s soccer team recorded the school’s first NCAA Division I Tournament win. The men’s soccer program notched the first NCAA Division I Tournament win for a men’s team four years later. That squad reached the Sweet Sixteen. Five Central Connecticut golfers have won individual conference titles, as well.