TOWSON, Md. - While many student-athletes were sleeping early in the morning on Sunday, the Towson men's and women's swimming and diving teams were helping out the community.

The Tigers took part in the third annual Swim Across America Baltimore Open Water Swim, helping raise money for cancer research and awareness.

Registrations for the event, held at Waltjen Shedlick Farm in Pasadena, Md., began at 6 a.m. Participants then swam the three mile course at Redhouse Cove at 8 a.m.

The Tigers raised $8,945, which far exceeded expectations for Towson swimming and diving head coach Pat Mead.

"I am very proud to have had our team participate in such a great event," Mead said. "Having lost my mother to cancer, it is rewarding to know that our team is helping to find a cure to cancer.  I want to thank all the people who donated to this cause, especially Billy Pappas and Alyssa Carle who were our team leaders who organized the entire event with our team."