In conjunction with the Tiger Athletic Fund (TAF), director of athletics Tim Leonard has announced the creation of the "Tigers Triumph" fundraising campaign in order to help the athletics department combat the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
To watch the Tigers Triumph campaign video, please click here.
 
"Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand that Towson Athletics is a brand of grit and resiliency. When we band together, we can achieve great things," said Leonard. "Now, more than ever, our strength will be in our numbers. We have done everything in our power to provide a beneficial student-athlete experience for our Tigers this fall, while keeping them safe and healthy, both mentally and physically. Now we need your help to alleviate our shortfalls. The Tigers Triumph campaign is critical to position all Tigers for future success."
 
Funding the resources that over 500 student-athletes need to be successful has depleted financial reserves, and the department is using funds quicker than they are being replenished. Cost-saving measures have been implemented to ensure our short-term financial future, including a 25% reduction in operating budgets across all 19 sports.
 
Towson Athletics has spent $100,000 on COVID-19 testing since the pandemic began. Other COVID-19 expenses include $30,000  in supplies and equipment, $15,000 in special training equipment, $10,000  in training tables, $8,000 in safe travel services and $5,000 in signage.
 
Looking ahead, the department anticipates $200,000-$400,000 in necessary costs to be able to allow Tigers to train and compete safely this fiscal year.
 
Team operating budgets fund a portion of the expenses while the shortfalls are pulled from the Sports Medicine department and the Tiger Athletic Fund unrestricted foundation account.
 
Other universities have had to take drastic measures to ease their financial strain. As of November 1st, twenty-six colleges and universities have cut more than 90 sports programs, affecting over 1,500 Division I student-athletes. Hundreds of coaches and staff members are taking pay-cuts, losing their teams or, in many cases, losing their jobs. Towson University and Towson Athletics are committed to continuing to support all 19 Division I programs, avoiding layoffs and minimizing the impact on student-athletes and staff.
 
In order to close the gap, the Tigers Triumph campaign is aiming to raise $500,000 before the close of Fiscal Year 2021 on June 30, 2021.
 
Gifts to athletics through the campaign will provide resources that support scholarships, academic support, medical care and mental health services, along with COVID-19 health and safety measures. Most importantly, we want to ensure we take care of our student-athletes, especially during this global pandemic, and provide the most beneficial experience possible, even in the midst of uncertainty.
 
"The loyalty and dedication of Tiger Nation will continue to be the lifeblood of our success and we cannot thank those who have stepped up enough," said Dan Crowley, senior associate athletic director for development. "The Tiger student-athlete and fan experience has looked completely different this year, but through your support of Tigers Triumph, it will be an experience they will never forget. Every gift makes an impact and we are extremely grateful."
 
Here are some of the ways donor support can make an impact for the Tigers:

• $25: Provides training table meals for International Student Athletes unable to get back home due to COVID travel restrictions
• $100: Increased travel costs to ensure safe, socially distant travel logistics
• $500: Commitment to mental health and wellness programming for our Tigers
• $1,000: One Summer School class to help 5th year student athletes, granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA, finish their career as a Tiger
• $5,000: One week of NCAA mandated COVID testing costs for two, smaller roster teams (i.e.) MBB and WBB
• $10,000: Necessary strength and conditioning equipment to accommodate socially distant workouts and training sessions

To make a gift to Towson Athletics and to the Tigers Triumph campaign, please click here. The Tiger Athletic Fund accepts and appreciates monthly and yearly giving to achieve any of the impact levels above, as this rebuild is anticipated to take multiple years.
 
Those who pledge $5,000 or more will be have their names recognized inside of SECU Arena at the conclusion of the campaign.
 
Tiger Fans can also show their support by purchasing a Tigers Triumph branded t-shirt through ShopTowsonTigers.com. A portion of the proceeds will support TU's Student Emergency Fund as well as the Tigers Triumph campaign.
 
Through adversity, Tigers Triumph.