On Saturday, Towson High School celebrated the opening of its newest athletic field, officially designated Randy Dase Field. The ceremony drew over 400 members of the school community—students, staff, alumni and local residents—who gathered to recognize a man whose life has been defined by service, faith, and family.
Randy Dase: A Lifetime of Service
Randy Dase, a 1972 graduate of Towson High, earned nine varsity letters in soccer, basketball and lacrosse and was named the school’s 1972 Student Athlete of the Year. After playing lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University, he returned to his alma mater in 1977 as a social‑studies teacher. Over the next 43 years he coached soccer, basketball, lacrosse and badminton for a total of 97 seasons, guiding the Generals to ten state championships—eight in lacrosse and two in soccer.
His impact extends beyond the scoreboard. Former lacrosse coach Rick Brocato praised Dase, saying his legacy is measured not by wins but by “the thousands of lives you changed, the confidence you built, the character you shaped and the example you set.” Former athletic director Justin Nash summed it up succinctly: “Randy Dase IS Towson High School.”
A Field That Teaches Beyond Sports
Dase described the new turf as “a classroom without walls,” a place where young athletes learn commitment, teamwork, perseverance and discipline—values that echo the school’s motto, “A Tradition of Excellence.” He emphasized that the field belongs to the entire community, noting, “Team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.”
In keeping with his dedication to character development, the field will host annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Games, a tradition that began nearly a decade ago when the soccer team surprised Dase with a special match. This year’s game against Dulaney High raised funds for the Brady Urological Institute’s Prostate Cancer Discovery Fund, reflecting Dase’s personal battle with prostate cancer diagnosed in 2016.
Faith, Family and Community
Dase’s story is also one of personal resilience. Treated by leading doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he has become an outspoken advocate for prostate‑cancer research, urging attendees to support the Brady Institute. He credited his family, fellow teachers, coaches, parents and alumni for the field’s realization, saying, “Towson High has given me an incredible life, wonderful friendships, countless memories… Most important, Towson taught me that no one accomplishes anything alone.”
His dedication to faith‑based service is evident in the way he has invited varsity teams to tour the Brady Urological Institute, allowing students to witness the medical profession’s impact firsthand. Those visits, he believes, help shape future leaders who understand both physical and spiritual stewardship.
Looking Ahead
With a four‑story addition slated to open next year and further renovations planned, Towson High continues its multi‑phase expansion, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and robust extracurricular programs. The naming of Randy Dase Field stands as a tangible reminder that strong families, faith‑grounded values and individual liberty thrive when communities honor those who embody them.
As Dase urged the next generation of athletes, “Play with heart and guts. Always respect your opponents. Demonstrate good sportsmanship and character. Honor the game.” The field now bears his name, but its purpose remains the shared pursuit of excellence for every student who steps onto its grass.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
