Towson High’s mission statement includes providing all students with an environment that “promotes tolerance and respect for diversity.” Many organizations at our school, such as the Gay Straight Alliance and the Diversity Club, strive to make Towson an inclusive and open environment for everyone. But perhaps no program is more successful at bringing all types of students together for fun and friendship than the allied sports program.

As explained in Jafira Johnson’s recent article “Soccer Brings Buddies Together,” allied sports is a program that runs one inter-scholastic sport per season for students enrolled in Towson’s special education program as well as students enrolled in standard classes. All students who are not members of one of Towson’s other incredible sports teams can participate in all three allied seasons—soccer in the fall, bowling in the winter, and softball in the spring. All teams are co-ed, which opens an opportunity for a unique team dynamic only found in badminton or tennis. Games are less competitive than other inter-scholastic matches, so practically anyone can join the team and have a great time, regardless of skill level.

As a senior having played allied Soccer under coach Ms. Dugovich for four years, Ella Cammarato can attest to all the fun that she’s had: “I like that it’s non-competitive; it’s just people playing to have fun, win or lose, and I think that that’s wonderful.” Ella also described the encouraging atmosphere of the team, where “everyone was happy and excited that they got to play,” and that she “would highly recommend participating in allied sports.”

If that wasn’t enough to convince you just how awesome the allied sports program is, here are a few honors that Towson allied athletes have received over the years. As celebrated in Jafira’s article, Towson’s 2014 allied soccer players had an undefeated season. Of the victory, Ella says, “It felt great that we went undefeated; I think everyone was very proud that they played well.” In 2013, Towson allied bowler Erin Baker received the title of Female Grandmaster in the Eastern Conference Tournament. In 2012, Towson allied soccer player Brandon Warchus was awarded the Spirit of Soccer Award for best representing the qualities of character, sportsmanship, and overcoming adversity during the fall season.

As One of Towson’s geaest assets, the allied sports program is not something to miss out on. It’s not too late to join this winter’s allied bowling team, but time is quickly running out! Talk to Ms. Dugovich ASAP to join. If winter is too busy for you, allied softball starts this spring.

Speaking of bowling, Coach Dugovich is excited for the upcoming season: “I’m just really excited to get everyone together to have fun. Coaching the team is always such a positive experience.” Ms. Dugovich says that by the end of the season, “everyone knows each other,” and members of the Towson team even connect with players on other allied teams. “It’s just such an awesome community to be a part of,” Dugovich says.

Want to see the allied bowling team in action? Their first game is on January 6^th at AMF Towson Lanes, where games are played once or twice a week throughout the season. The annual all county Allied bowling tournament will be held at Brunswick Lanes. More details on the schedule will be posted soon. Come out and support our Allied Generals!