Towson University Athletics: A Legacy of Tradition and Triumph

Towson University (TU), a public institution in Towson, Maryland, boasts a rich history that extends beyond academics into the realm of athletics. From its humble beginnings as a teacher training school to its current status as a comprehensive university, Towson has cultivated a vibrant athletic tradition marked by pioneering individuals, significant milestones, and unwavering school spirit.

From Maryland State Normal School to Towson University: A Historical Overview

Founded on December 8, 1866, as the Maryland State Normal School, Towson University has undergone several transformations, reflecting its evolving mission and expanding academic offerings. Initially established to train teachers, the institution transitioned through various names, including Maryland State Teachers College at Towson (1935-1963), Towson State College (1963-1976), and Towson State University (1976-1997), before finally adopting its current name, Towson University, on July 1, 1997.

The university's early facilities were located in Red Man's Hall on Paca Street, later moving to North Charles and East Franklin Streets. As enrollment grew, the General Assembly allocated funds for a dedicated building, leading to the establishment of a new campus in Towson in 1912. This move marked a significant step in the university's development, providing the necessary space and resources to accommodate its growing student body and expanding programs.

Over the years, Towson University has broadened its academic scope, adding arts and sciences programs, graduate studies, and various colleges. Today, it comprises eight subsidiary colleges with over 20,000 students. The university's commitment to growth and development is evident in its continuous expansion of facilities, academic offerings, and student support services.

The Genesis of Towson Athletics

The roots of organized sports at Towson University can be traced back to its days as the Maryland State Teachers College. Athletic programs were initially established as electives within the education curriculum. These early programs laid the foundation for the university's commitment to athletics.

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The "Tigers" Roar: Mascot and Nickname

Before the 1960s, Towson's sports teams were known as the "Towson College Knights". Towson student John Schuerholz pushed for a new mascot, and the tiger was officially adopted in 1962. Schuerholz later became general manager and then president of the Atlanta Braves. According to the school newspaper The Towerlight, when the Student Government Association first bought the tiger statue that sits outside Cook Library in 1996, the organization hoped to boost school spirit. In September 2006, the Towerlight reported that a new bronze tiger statue had been unveiled as the centerpiece of the university's "Capital Campaign" to raise $50 million.

The adoption of the "Tigers" nickname marked a turning point in the university's athletic identity, fostering a sense of unity and pride among students, alumni, and faculty. The tiger mascot quickly became synonymous with Towson athletics, representing the strength, determination, and competitive spirit of its teams. Although the exact reason for choosing the tiger is debated, the nickname stuck and has become a symbol of success for the university.

Trailblazers and Pioneers: Breaking Barriers in Towson Athletics

Towson University's athletic history is filled with stories of pioneering individuals who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of athletes. These trailblazers challenged stereotypes, overcame adversity, and left an indelible mark on the university's athletic landscape.

Barbara Carter: The First Black Cheerleader

One of the earliest trailblazers was Barbara Carter, who became the first Black cheerleader at Towson University in 1957. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in the integration of sports at the university.

Melva Powell: A Pioneer on the Basketball Court

As I looked through various yearbooks of the 1960’s, I discovered that Melva Powell was the first Black woman pictured on the women’s basketball team in 1964,

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James Newton and Maceo Dailey: Integrating Towson Basketball

James Newton and his former teammate, Maceo Dailey (now deceased), were the first Black male basketball players at Towson University in 1965. Their courage and great performance on the court set a precedent for future athletes.

Norma Kelly: Hall of Fame Recognition

Norma Kelly, a standout basketball player who graduated in 1984, became the first Black female athlete to be inducted into Towson’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

These pioneering athletes, along with many others, played a vital role in shaping Towson University's athletic identity, promoting diversity, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Towson Tigers Football: A Storied History

The Towson Tigers football program debuted in 1969 with Carl Runk as the first-ever head coach. The first Tiger team posted a 4-4-1 record. The first program win came against Frostburg State University in a 53-16 blowout victory. After a dismal 1-8 record in 1971 and Carl Runk's resignation, Phil Albert became the new Tiger head coach for the 1972 season. Albert's first season was unsuccessful as the Tigers went 1-9; however, the Towson team would follow this season with 14 consecutive non-losing seasons under Albert's leadership. In 1974, the Towson Tigers went 10-0 in the programs only unbeaten season.

Division III Success and a Stagg Bowl Appearance

The 1976 season saw the program's first playoff berth after posting an 8-2 record. Towson beat C.W. Post (14-10) and St. Lawrence (38-36) on their way to the NCAA Division III Championship game. In the Stagg Bowl, Towson trailed St. John's of Minnesota 28-0 until quarterback Dan Dullea rallied the team to tie 28-28 with a minute left. Eventually St. John's won with a 19-yard field goal with only seconds remaining.

Transition to Division II and Continued Success

The Tigers' debut Division II game was against crosstown rival Morgan State. The Bears won 34-7 in front of an over capacity crowd of 6,311. The following week, the Tigers upset Division I-AA Maine by a score of 13-7. The 1982 season saw the Tigers establishing themselves as a Division II power in the East. The 1983 season saw a stellar defense that only allowed 5.8 points per game, a stat that led all Division II teams. The Tigers went 10-1 which earned them their first playoff bid in Division II. In their first Division II playoff game, the Tigers would lose to the eventual national champion North Dakota State Bison in Fargo, ND. The team was honored as the ECAC Division II Team of the Year while also winning the Lambert Award as the top Division II team in the East.

Moving to Division I-AA (FCS) and the Rise of David Meggett

The 1986 season was then Towson's last season that they would play in Division II. After finishing the regular season at 8-3-1, the Tigers would make the playoffs for the third time in four years. In their third game as an NCAA Division I-AA program, the Tigers made their presence known with their first I-AA win, a 17-14 victory at No. 4 Maine.

In 1988, the Tigers showed improvement against a rugged schedule, finishing with a 5-5 record as Meggett continued to make headlines. In the season opener, he scored four touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return for a TD, in a 45-34 win over Northeastern. Later in the season, he rushed for a school record 220 yards in a win over New Haven. He finished his career as the most decorated player in Towson football history, winning the Walter Payton Award as the top player in NCAA Division I-AA. He also earned a spot on several All-American teams. Meggett also became the first Tiger to play in the Senior Bowl and was named as the Most Valuable Player for the North squad.

Patriot League and Atlantic-10 Conference Membership

In 1996, the biggest news came off the field. It was announced the Tigers would join the non-scholarship Patriot League for the 1997 season, providing the program with an emotional lift and an exciting conference affiliation. Prior to the start of the 2002 season, it was announced that Towson would be joining the Atlantic-10 Football Conference as the conference's 12th member. In April 2007, the Atlantic-10 Football Conference became the Colonial Athletic Association and the Tigers entered the season with high expectations.

Recent History and the Pete Shinnick Era

Towson University has had four head coaches since the program began in 1969. The Tigers are currently coached by Pete Shinnick.

Towson Athletics Today: A Comprehensive Sports Program

Towson Athletics offers the most comprehensive sports program in the metropolitan Baltimore area, fielding 20 varsity teams that compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. Since joining the league in 2001-02, the Tigers have won CAA titles in men's and women's lacrosse, men's swimming, women's swimming, men's soccer, men's golf, baseball, track & field and football.

Traditions and Spirit: Fostering Tiger Pride

Towson University boasts a number of traditions that contribute to a strong sense of community and school spirit.

Tigerfest: An Annual Spring Celebration

Tigerfest is TU's annual spring festival that features interactive activities for students, as well as live musical entertainment. Tigerfest, which is also open to the public (not just TU students), occurs in late April and was held in Johnny Unitas Stadium for most of the event's history. Starting in 2014, the event was moved to Towson's brand new basketball arena, TU Arena. Also beginning in 2014 was the festival being held over two days. Day one features events and games on campus, while day two is centered around a concert.

College Colors Day: Showcasing Tiger Pride

College Colors Day returns on August 30, 2024. This year's theme, "Don't Miss The Moment," urges fans to show up for the shared holiday - at work, school, out and about and online - and showcase their passion by proudly displaying Tiger pride through team apparel and other fan gear.

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