TOWSON, Md. — The Towson University men’s basketball team will hold its annual Autism Awareness Day during its home game against Drexel on Saturday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network.
This year, Tiger head coach Pat Skerry is partnering with Marshall University head coach Tom Herrion to raise awareness for the cause. Skerry, Herrion and nearly 100 coaches from across the country will be wearing the blue “Autism Speaks” pin on their suit jackets during games throughout the country.
“This is something that we started last year and I’m thrilled to get Coach Herrion involved this year,” said Skerry. “He’s a close friend who also has a son on the spectrum so we thought that this would be a great way to raise awareness nationally.
“The fact that so many other coaches are also getting involved from throughout the country is truly something special. This is something that’s not only personal and dear to me, but also something that people need to be made aware of in this country. We’re excited about it, it’s growing and I’m expecting this to create a lot of awareness and much needed interest for the cause.”
The Towson Athletics Department has been working with Towson University’s Hussman Center for Adults with Autism in an effort to raise awareness for individuals with autism.
Autism groups, including Itineris, Pathfinders, Autism Speaks, Kennedy Krieger, and the Hussman Center will be in attendance to provide information to fans in attendance at the game. Informational tables will be made available upon entrance to SECU Arena.
Autistic individuals will be offered a sensory friendly room in the event that they would like to leave the game temporarily.
Members of the Towson men’s basketball team will be wearing special blue warm-up shirts with the autism awareness ribbon provided by Under Armour. The players will also be wearing other specially-made gear to raise awareness.
