TOWSON, Md. -- With the 2008 Tiger football season less than a week away, season ticket holders, donors, alumni and friends of the program met at the Auburn Tent Pavilion, just up the road from Unitas Stadium for a luncheon provided by Outback Steakhouse of Timonium and hosted by the long time voice of Tiger athletics, Spiro Morekas. ESPN college draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. was on hand to talk about the Tigers and their place on the national stage.

There were seniors from the football program at each table to talk-up the season and help fans finally put a face to a name that they have been following for the past four years. Assistant coaches were also mingling with those in attendance while taking a breather from their pre-season camp which began back on August 3.

Once lunch had been serve, Morekas, the radio play-by-play voice for the Tigers, welcomed everyone and introduced AD Mike Hermann and Head Coach Gordy Combs. Each spoke of the upcoming season and the progress the team had made over its first 40 years. Coach Combs then introduced his friend and long time friend of the program, Mel Kiper Jr. to speak to the guests.

Kiper spoke to the about the state of CAA football and the steps it has made to reach the national spotlight. He also spoke directly to the seniors and and encouraged them shock the nation and not concede a single game once they step on the field.

"The reality is Towson football is going to be on the national map this year," said Kiper. "There is no doubt in my mind when we come back here next year we are going to be talking about a team that was in the I-AA playoffs. This team will be talked about a lot during the season, will produce the top quarterback in this conference and a lot of other top players."

Senior quarterback Sean Schaefer closed the program by not only thanking everyone for their support over the years but for the foundation the alumni built to help take Towson to where it is today.

"We just hope we can lay our stones down to and help Towson go in even a better direction and get better and better each year," said Schaefer. "I really appreciate you all coming out here and all the support you have given us over the years. On behalf of myself thank you for making this the best five years of my life."

A photo album has been attached for you to enjoy.

The season starts Saturday, August 30 in Annapolis, Md. when the Tigers face Navy at 3:30 pm.