The Towson Tigers represent Towson University with a long tradition in athletics. Known for competitive spirit, the Towson Tigers football team and Towson Tigers men’s basketball program have built lasting legacies. From historic rivalries to championship moments, the Tigers continue to showcase talent and determination across multiple sports, earning respect in collegiate athletics.
College Sports Established
1866
Location
Towson, Maryland
College Name
Towson University
Collegiate History
1980 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1979 - 1980, 2001 - Present / Coastal Athletic Association
1980 - 2001 / Northeast Conference
Nickname
Tigers - You may have heard of the Towson Tigers, the athletic team representing Towson University in Maryland. But have you ever wondered where the nickname "Tigers" came from? In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of the Towson Tigers nickname and how it has evolved over time.
Towson Tigers Origin
The Tigers nickname can be traced back to the early 1960s when the university was known as Towson State College. At the time, the school's athletic teams were known as the "Towson State Teachers" due to the school's origins as a teacher's college. However, in 1963, the school's football team was looking for a new nickname that would better represent their players' fierce and competitive spirit.
During this search, the athletic director at the time, Dr. Donald Minnegan suggested the nickname "Tigers." The team and the student body met the suggestion with enthusiasm, and the Towson Tigers were born.
But why tigers? There are a few theories on why this particular animal was chosen as the school's mascot. One popular theory is that it was inspired by the University of Missouri's mascot, a tiger. At the time, the University of Missouri was a well-respected football program, and Towson may have wanted to emulate their success.
Another theory is that the school's colors, black and gold, were also a factor in the choice of the tiger as a mascot. The black and gold stripes of a tiger could be seen as a representation of the school's colors.
Regardless of the exact reason behind the choice, the Tigers nickname quickly caught on and became a source of pride for the university. The teams' uniforms were updated to include a tiger logo, and students could be seen sporting t-shirts and hats with the iconic tiger symbol.
Over the years, the Towson Tigers nickname has evolved and expanded beyond just the football team. In 1993, the university officially changed its name to Towson University, and with it, the athletic teams became known as the Towson Tigers.
The Towson Tigers nickname has also become synonymous with success in recent years. The university's athletic teams have had numerous accomplishments, including multiple conference championships and appearances in national tournaments. The Towson Tigers have become a force to be reckoned with in the sports world, and their nickname reflects that.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1977
- 2010
- 2013
- 2013
-
Basketball Success Stories
The Towson Tigers men’s basketball team currently competes in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Tigers have appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament two times in 1990 and 1991. The Tigers have appeared in one National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2022. They have appeared in one CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) in 2014. The Tigers appeared in the NCAA Division II ... -
First ever postseason appearance
The Towson Tigers women’s basketball team currently competes in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Towson began play in 1967. They played in MAIAW Division II from 1967 to 1982 before joining the East Coast Conference in 1982. They played in the Big South Conference from 1992 to 1995 and the America East Conference from 1995 to 2001 before joining the ... -
Tigers Football Legacy
The Towson Tigers football team represents Towson University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). In its 47 years as a program, the team has played in nearly 500 games, including 6 post-season appearances. The Tigers have played at all three levels of NCAA football (Division III, Division II, and Division I-AA/FCS) and are the only collegiate team ... -
CAA Champions
The Towson Tigers baseball team competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I and are members of the Colonial Athletic Association. Previously, they had played in NCAA Division II until 1980. They played in the East Coast Conference from 1980 to 1992 before joining the Big South Conference for the 1993–1995 seasons and then playing in the America East ...
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Towson Tigers History
The Towson Tigers have built a proud athletic tradition spanning more than a century, especially highlighted by their long-standing rivalry with the Hampton Pirates. Athletics at Towson began in 1888 with the launch of the Towson Tigers football team. Over time, the program expanded to include more than 19 varsity sports, each contributing to the Tigers’ growing reputation in collegiate athletics.
In the early decades, the Tigers football program established itself with determination and competitive play. The football team’s success helped set the foundation for other sports, and soon basketball, lacrosse, and baseball were added. The introduction of Tigers men’s basketball was particularly significant, as it quickly became one of the school’s most-followed sports.
As members of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Tigers have earned recognition across multiple sports. Both Towson Tigers football and Towson Tigers men’s basketball achieved conference success, while lacrosse and gymnastics also brought national attention. The Tigers have consistently reached NCAA Division I playoffs and tournaments, proving their ability to compete against elite programs.
The Tigers enjoy strong support from students, alumni, and the surrounding Baltimore community. Home games bring passionate crowds that energize the football stadium and basketball arena alike. The dedication of fans has created a unique game-day atmosphere, making every victory even more meaningful.
Tigers Achievements
In recent decades, the Towson Tigers football program made headlines by reaching the FCS National Championship Game in 2013, a milestone that showcased the program’s strength on a national stage. Meanwhile, the Towson Tigers men’s basketball team has remained competitive in the CAA, consistently pushing for tournament appearances and solidifying its place in conference history.
The Towson Tigers continue to build on their long-standing tradition of excellence. With conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and standout athletes across sports, Towson has carved out a lasting name in collegiate athletics. The future looks bright as Towson Tigers football and Towson Tigers men’s basketball aim for new championships while inspiring the next generation of fans and athletes.
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