MLL Says “Come On, Irene!”

Last week was a crazy one for the state of Maryland. First we were hit with an earthquake, closely followed by a hurricane.  These natural disasters had a major effect on activities around the state, closing venues, cancelling festivities and postponing events.

Most of the sporting events around the state were postponed or cancelled, but some decided that the show must go on. The Orioles postponed their doubleheader against the Yankees on Saturday, and made up one game with a doubleheader on Sunday. But one event braved the storm and continued on as planned.  The Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend went on as scheduled at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

Iron Girls and Triumphant Torontans

Terry journeyed to Columbia early yesterday morning, taking his young daughter to see the 4th annual AFLAC Iron Girl Triathlon, The event was produced by Columbia Triathlon (also responsible for the Eagle Man and other Tris in and around the state) in conjunction with Howard County Recreation and Parks. There were a record setting 2,419 participants (The extra 19 came via the Ulman Fund, a cancer support foundation) which made it the largest such event in the country.

The Iron Girl consists of a .62-mile swim, a 17.5-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run. Terry arrived early enough to see the first wave in the lake and stayed long enough to see most of the transfers. He was very impressed with the beauty of the layout and the organization of the event. His daughter was very taken with all the pink displayed and the energy of the athletes themselves.

(Girl power is best learned early in life.)

As the temps climbed into the 80′s, Terry headed to Annapolis for the second event in his Sunday twin bill, the World Lacrosse League championship at Navy-Marine Corps stadium.

This isn’t a new event (its ninth year) but the championship is new to the area. Some of the players were very familiar with the stadium, since the Bayhawks now play there. Others played there against Navy. Denver goalie Jesse Schwartzman claimed it as one of his favorites during his Hopkins career.

A crowd of 7,000+ showed up for the Sunday match, more than attended the doubleheader on Saturday. All three games were thrillers, with Toronto’s winning goal (sorry, Jesse) coming in the last minute of play Sunday.

Major League Lacrosse is still evolving its product, but Navy-Marine Corps Stadium is contracted to host the championship series for the next two years. That means NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments will be held in Baltimore Memorial Day weekend and MML championship will be in Annapolis three months later.

Facing off — Annapolis in August

Terry should be in Annapolis now. Fortunately, the clouds have cleared and I’m willing to bet there’s tailgating underway.

(Doesn’t matter the season or reason — if it takes place at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, there will be tailgating. They even tailgate before walkathons and the annual Rotary Crab Feast.)

At noon the Major League Lacrosse championship series begins with a faceoff between the Denver Outlaws and Boston Cannons in the first semifinal. At 3:00 PM, the Toronto Nationals will take on the Long Island Lizards for the second slot.

Championship will be at 1:00 PM tomorrow (Sunday, August 23rd.) The series will be televised live on ESPN2 in the states, and TSN2 in Canada.

Tune in and hopefully get a good look at beautiful Annapolis as well as some great lacrosse. No better place to play (or tailgate) than Maryland.