Celebrating 50 years of Towson University football
Towson University is celebrating 50 years of Tigers football this season. A documentary of the first half century debuted last week.
October 2, 2018
To know where you're going, you must know where you've been.
After the debut showing of "The First 50," Towson football is prepared for the next 50 years.
The documentary was aired to special guests Friday afternoon, followed by a special showing for the Tigers football team, heading into Saturday's home opener, when TU Athletics celebrated 50 years of Tigers football in a win against The Citadel.
The documentary was produced by 3 Penny Films, founded by former college and NFL kicker Jess Atkinson.
"It was a privilege to tell your story," Atkinson told the crowd before an exclusive showing Friday at the Center for the Arts. "So many people shared so many things. We really appreciate how you shared your lives with us."
Atkinson worked closely with TU staff to develop the production.
Since its inception, Towson is the only program in college football to earn playoff berths in Division I FCS, Division II and Division III. The program has two national runner-up finishes in 1976 and 2013.
"This is what we are. I'm a big fan of history and heritage, and this is ours. I'm very proud of it," TU Athletics Director Tim Leonard said of the documentary.
After football alumni and many involved in the documentary viewed the documentary on Friday, Tigers coach Rob Ambrose showed the film to his current players — just hours before the home-opener at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
"They need to know where they came from in a more tangible way than the stories they've heard piecemeal. It’s pretty awesome," Ambrose said.
Visit TowsonTigers.com to view the video.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.