TOWSON, Md. -- With just about two months remaining in the 2018-19 Alumni-Athlete Challenge (AAC), the Tiger Athletic Fund (TAF) is anticipating a record-breaking campaign.
 
The goal of the AAC is to generate support for the current programs by sparking a competition among Towson's former student-athletes. In addition to the program support raised during the challenge, each team has a chance to win the grand prize of $5,000—claimed by the team with the most alumni participation.
 
The challenge began on July 1, 2018 and will continue through May 28, 2019. For alumni to participate, they are asked to donate at least $25 to any cause within Towson Athletics' fundraising opportunities.
 
Currently, in the lead for the $5,000 top-prize is Towson football with 11.36 percent of its alumni participating in this year's challenge. Football has also raised the most money with over $258,000 in total donations since July 1.
 
In total, the challenge has encouraged donations from 398 former Tigers, 6.34 percent of all living alumni from current sport programs. Moreover, former Tigers have contributed $367,105 to support Towson's current student-athletes. To date, that is the highest total number of contributions raised by former athletes during any Alumni-Athlete Challenge since its inception in 2014-15.
 
"Although we are extremely impressed and thankful for the dollar amount that former athletes have contributed, I'd like to see the overall participation increase," said Dan Crowley, senior associate AD for development. "As a former Tiger myself, it would be incredible to say that 15 percent of Towson's alumni-athletes give back each year. The higher that number is, the stronger our foundation as former Tigers becomes. That's only 1 in 10, I believe we can achieve that."
 
With 398 participants, this year's challenge is currently the fourth highest in regards to alumni participation, with the top year of competition recorded in 2015-16 with 712 participants. With over two months left, TAF predicts this year to land among the top-3.
 
To reach 15% in total alumni-athlete participation, 942 former Tigers will need to give back during the Alumni-Athlete Challenge. With 398 already securing their participation, 544 other former Tigers are needed to reach the 15% goal.
 
The final results of this year's challenge will be announced at the end of May 2019.
 
For challenge updates, please visit Challenge Central or follow the Tiger Athletic Fund (@Towson_TAF) on Twitter.
 
To participate, please make an online donation here or by calling the Tiger Athletic Fund at 410-704-4281.