OCEAN CITY, Md. - More than 150 Tiger football alumni and friends gathered for the annual Joe Vitt Crab Feast on Saturday, June 25.

A former Tiger football player and coach, Joe Vitt is the assistant head coach of the New Orleans Saints. While attending Towson, he played four years at linebacker and was a member of the Tigers' undefeated team in 1974.

A professional football coach for more than 30 years, Joe Vitt has established this event which supports the Tiger football program.

"I don't know how this all got started, but I know a bunch of us wanted to give back to the program that's been so good to us," Vitt said. "This is a great way to raise money for the program and get together every year as alumni to eat crabs. This event has gotten bigger and better every year."

The food for the feast was provided by Ocean Pride Restaurant, located in Lutherville, Md. Ocean Pride is owned by former Tiger football standouts Rick and Randy Bielski.

Rick was a three-year starter at fullback and one one of the team captains. A four-year starter at safety, Randy earned All-American honors as a senior in 1979.

The event kicked off with a golf outing at the Bay Club in Berlin, Md. The winning foursome consisted of former Tiger offensive tackle Adam Nepp (1998-2000), tight end Billy Hayes (1997-2000), former Tiger defensive back Peter Barbieri (1974-75) and Tiger secondary coach Brian Fleury.

The crab feast was held at Micky Finn's Bar and Grille.

Highlighting the event were remarks by Joe Vitt and Tiger Coach Rob Ambrose. Both recognized former offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, '07, the starting tackle for the New Orleans Saints.

The crab feast also featured a live auction and a silent auction. The auction included many outstanding items, including a Drew Brees autographed helmet that was won by Hayes for $350 and a Towson game helmet that was signed by several Baltimore Ravens, including Ray Rice, Joe Flacco and Derrick Mason. Hayes also won that item with a bid of $250.

In addition, a Towson game ball signed by Flacco, Mason and Rice had a winning bid of $350 by Jason Stefanides.

"This is one of those things I inherited a few years ago and when I hear this was a fundraiser we were doing, I got excited," Coach Ambrose said. "I have known Joe for a long time and actually had the chance to coach his son. He is a great football coach and an even better guy."