Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association
JOE TOONE
OFFICIAL
2019 GCBLA inductee
JOE TOONE
2019 GCBLA INDUCTEE
MARION, OHIO
Category: OFFICIAL
Recognition
Having graduated from Marion Franklin HS in 1966, the path to this Hall of Fame Induction for Joe Toone was not navigated by way of the normal route. Joe’s journey began on the hardwood courts of Army Bases at Fort Benjamin Harrison of Indianapolis, Indiana and at Fort Campbell of southwestern Kentucky. While in the military, Joe was a shooting guard. A Vietnam War Veteran, Joe didn’t believe in doing anything half way and the attitude carried over into all of his endeavors on the court or off. Joe has participated on a number of industrial league teams in basketball and softball. His Gold Circle Distribution Center basketball team captured city and league championships and the Frebis Avenue Church of God team won city championships and a state title. He has played on softball teams that have won numerous championships. Toone served 23 years as basketball referee for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and because of his exemplary knowledge of the rules of the game and his on the floor accuracy, the animated Joe Toone regularly drew assignments for top games. He has officiated 13 state tournaments, 13 regional tournaments, 13 City League championships and 13 district tournament championships. Number 13 has been pretty lucky for Joe thus far.