Hello Tiger Nation, my name is Zach Maskavich and this is the Morning Roar. Over the next school year I will be bringing you daily updates about everything that is Towson Athletics related.
 
Let's start by getting to know each other a little bit. I am a senior here at Towson majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Electronic Media and Film. You may have seen some of my work here on TowsonTigers.com (even though most of it is video interviews). I have been interning with the Athletic Department for a little over a year now and have served in many roles with all of the sports here at Towson. Last season I served as the "voice" of the Women's Basketball, Women's Lacrosse, and Gymnastics teams. Now I will be looking forward to giving you an inside peak into Tiger Athletics as well as other interesting things happening in the sports world.  But enough about me, let's jump right into things.
 
The month of August not only brings us closer to the end of summer, but also gets us closer to the start of the semester and the start of Football season!
 
Are You Ready for Some Football??
Today marks the start of the Tigers' 2012 campaign where they will look to repeat as CAA Champions and return to the FCS Playoffs. Now today the players will just be checking in and getting acclimated for the pre-season. The Tigers currently have 25 scheduled practices and three scrimmages, which unfortunately for you Tiger fans will be closed to the public (but that is what you have me for!)
 
I had the chance to talk with seniors Frank Beltre and Jordan Dangerfield during the CAA Media Day back on July 25th, and it was easy to tell just by their body language that they are itching to get back on the field. I am right there with them. I can't wait to see this team, in the words of Ravens' future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, "buckle up your chin scraps" and hit the field.
 
The Tigers football team will be featured on an upcoming Comcast SportsNet series called #upROAR 2012, which will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the team as they prepare for their opening game against Kent State on August 30. The first episode will air on August 8 at 9:30 pm. Be sure to check it out; I know I will.
 
London Olympics 2012
But the football season is in the future. Let's focus on the here and now and what is going on across the pond, which of course is the Olympics. The focus of many people, especially in the Baltimore area, is in the swimming pool, where Baltimore native Michael Phelps has received the most attention as he becomes the most decorated Olympian in the history of the games. But besides his swimming, the media is making a big deal about his rivalry with fellow American Ryan Lochte. In my opinion, it would only make sense to focus on it if they were from different countries. However, as long as they keep winning medals for the US, that is all I care about.

Thanks for reading the inaugural post of the Morning Roar and check back daily for more updates. In the meantime, be sure to follow me on Twitter @ZachMaskavich.