Maryland Takes Center Stage

The weather was perfect this weekend for an exciting and eventful array of sports around the state. From horse racing to cycling to extreme races, there was something for everyone to participate in. Here is a snapshot of why Maryland is a growing Sports destination:

Maryland will have another, as the 137^th Preakness featured the largest crowd ever. Over 120,000 people donned their snazziest outfits, partied, jammed and celebrated horse racing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City. The horse racing did not disappoint either. I Will Have Another narrowly defeated Bodemeister to put itself in position to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. Stay tuned to see if I Will Have Another attempts to make history at the Belmont Stakes on June 9^th.    

Indoors or Outdoors? Runners don’t have to choose

With the temperatures outside taking a dip (and holiday decorations popping up), most Marylanders are realizing that fall is winding down and old man winter will soon be knocking on our doors.  Some local athletes are taking advantage of what little good weather we have left, while some have begun to migrate their activities indoors.  This weekend marks the inaugural Annapolis Half Marathon, taking place in Maryland’s historic capital city.  The Annapolis racers will be braving whatever Mother Nature throws their way while some running enthusiasts in Howard County have moved their event indoors.

The Last Fling of Fall

Thanks to Arlene, my kayaking buddy, I didn’t have to endure a season without visiting Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.  Saturday was Senior Day, traditionally held on the last home game.  Emotions are high, pagaentry and ceremony most festive, and the last tailgate with friends always sentimental.

While November weather in Annapolis ranges from brisk to brutal, yesterday was a reprieve.  With the skies sunny and bright, Arlene and I hoofed from downtown to the stadium, which gave us the opportunity to admire all the improvements that have taken place to the facility since the two of us worked for the City a few years ago when the stadium renovations were taking place.

While the environmental enhancements and extensive landscaping have made a huge difference in the appearance of the stadium and its grounds, one of the most popular (and revenue producing) features in that master plan was the installation of a walking trail around the circumference.  Envisioned as a recreational facility for the neighborhood, the trail has also become the grand promenade and prestigious address for tailgaters.  It was amusing to see the large areas between the trail and the access road labeled as “premium” locations.  With the trail loop being a little over a mile and mostly two sided, you can imagine how nicely this neighborhood amenity works into the economic benefits of Navy football.

But strolling is not the only use of the trail, as you can see above.  You never know what kind of action you may encounter between visits with old friends and sharing a cup of cheer.  While wandering through a wooded section of the trail, we encountered a regiment of Scottish pipers, in full regalia and with bonny lasses performing the Highland fling.  Perhaps “Highland” is the operative word here, because it turns out this unlikely image that seemed to emanate from Brigadoon was actually from Highland Falls — New York.  That tiny hamlet on the Hudson known as the home of West Point.

That’s right — the Long Gray Line now comes in plaid and knee socks.  And no, I didn’t ask what was under the kilts.  I can only guess it is Army issue and TSA compliant.

Now it might surprise some of you that a West Point delegation would show up at a Navy home game, but one thing I learned years ago is not to be surprised at anyone who appears in Annapolis.  It is a favorite destinations for about everyone, and when the chance came for the Cadets to perform, they jumped right on it.  (For the record, Navy has a bagpipe troupe too, so they could have been jamming all night in Bancroft Hall. with dueling refrains of “Amazing Grace.”)

As always, the game was inspiring.  The stadium, under a full moon, was luminescent. The north tower addition to the upper deck (completed before the season)  adds the perfect finishing touch.

I’m glad I didn’t have to go a season without belting a heartfelt “Navy Blue and Gold” and screaming “Beat Army” with a stadium full of fans.  It’s a great Maryland experience that everyone should have at least once.

Another Opening, Another Show

That’s the Brigade of Midshipmen, mustered in T-Court behind the Navy Band.  In just a few moments, the drum major will lift his mace and they will begin their march to the stadium to the familiar refrain of “Anchors Aweigh.”

The annual pagaent that is Navy football in Annapolis has begun.

The opponent on this beautiful but somber Saturday, September 11th, is Georgia Southern.  The game is informally referred to as the “Paul Johnson Bowl” because the former Navy coach  was instrumental in scheduling the meeting between the two schools where he taught the triple option offense.

Tecumsah was decked in patriotic flair.  I’ve seen him whimsically painted as Elvis and even Bart Simpon, but on this anniversary date, his flag motif seems just right.

Although there’s nothing like the experience in the stands at Navy Marine Corps stadium (or the revelry of the tailgates before.) I left before kickoff so I could watch the game at my favorite City Dock spot — corner stool at corner establishment one block from the Academy.

This has nothing to do with comfort or convenience, mind you.  Truth is, even after seven years of the triple option offense, I can’t figure out where the ball is or where it came from without having a commentator explain.  Replays and drawings also help.  With both Navy and Georgia Souther running the triple, I would really be lost without an interpreter.  So my premier spot in front of the flatscreen provided me with all the color and excitement to go along with a birds-eye view of the elusive football.

(NOTE:  This year, the coverage is even better, thanks to the new tower and media platform erected during the off-season.)

And yes, I get to be a part of the home team rooting section because there is always a posse from this “Class of” or that “USS” crew clustered around me.  As I’ve said many times before — Navy football is a huge boon to the hospitality community in Annapolis every weekend they play at home.

Yesterday was not an easy win for Navy.  Their triple option trained counterparts were not as easy to baffle as some other opponents, and it ended up with the defense being the heroes of the day.  But by the time I left, the fans were trickling back to town, ready to continue their celebration.  The flag in Memorial Circle was still flying at half staff, as was the flag at Bancroft Hall (above)  The cost of freedom, and the price paid by many graduates of the Naval Academy, was never far from anyone’s mind, even on this joyous and beautiful September day in Annapolis.

The Best Gets Even Better

If you look closely at this picture of Navy-Marine Corps stadium taken last year, you’ll notice the west side of the stadium (on the left) has a tower and partial tier.  That’s where the press box, a number of hospitality suites and the deck for television cameras are located.  From there you can see over the State House, all the way to the Severn and the Bay.  It is simply breathtaking and a view few have the opportunity to enjoy.

As I was driving into Annapolis last weekend, I noticed another tower being constructed on the east side of the stadium and was curious what it was for.

It seems that to enhance the broadcast of Navy games (which are carried on CBS College Sports) a television deck will be stationed on that side, to better cover the Brigade of Midshipmen and their bench.

(Since there is so much pageantry at Navy games, it should be captured from as many angles as possible to convey the true fan experience.  Otherwise, you miss Bill the Goat grazing on the sidelines.)

The television deck is not the only upgrade to the stadium.  The new level will also include more hospitality suites and better handicapped access to the upper deck with two additional elevators.  To facilitate access for all fans, there will be a pedestrian bridge to their seats.

The stadium construction will be complete by Navy’s game against Georgia Southern on September 11th.  They’ll have an extra week to get things done, because their first real “home” game is at M&T against University of Maryland, September 6th.

Thrilled as we are to see them here in Baltimore, there’s really nothing like watching Navy in Annapolis.  It’s a ritual I treasure and as a resident, I couldn’t be prouder of the quality sports facilities our home team provides.

Congratulations to Chet Gladchuk and his team for continuing to improve on such a quality product.

Now Pedaling Our Way . . .

The grueling Race Across America, which bills itself as the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race, began in Oceanside, California on June 12th, bound for the City Dock in Annapolis.  Leaders have now reached Maryland, the final state in the cross country, single-stage challenge.

That’s the good news for the cyclists.  The bad news is that after pedaling night and day, the course now brings them to one of the toughest terrains — the mountains of Allegany County.

They’ll be entering the state via the National Road in Lavale, outside Cumberland.  They after breezing in and out of West Virginia, they will contend with Polish Mountain and Sideling Hill.  There are some downhill stretches here, but the uphill climbs are going to be a bear for those exhausted cyclists.

They’ll take a time stop in Mount Airy, and then it’s on to Annapolis for the weekend.  (Let’s hope they don’t get caught in beach traffic.)

About 250 hardy riders started this perilous journey.  Check the website to see how they are doing.   One thing we can guarantee — they will get a warm welcome in Annapolis, where competitive cycling is a popular pastime.