U-biquitous

It was been hard to escape the most famous Maryland sports brand the past few weeks.  In fact, starting with the “chalet” that greeted infield-goers at the Preakness, the Under Armour brand was everywhere.

From horses to lacrosse to golf, Under Armour has been everywhere the past few weeks.  Between the selections for the All-America series to be played this July at Unitas Stadium, the introduction of new lacrosse-specific equipment to the product line, the presence of Terp men and women in the NCAA finals and as the presenting sponsor of the Nationwide Tour’s Melwood Prince George’s County Open, the familiar entwined “UA” has constantly been in front of us.

Maryland in the Winner’s Circle

Nearly 165,000 attended the Kentucky Derby yesterday.  It was a record crowd for a thrilling horse race on a beautiful day.  And when the chestnut colt trotted to the Winner’s Circle for his blanket of roses, there were cheers all around the State of Maryland.  For although Animal Kingdom was born and bred elsewhere, he has spent his career living and training at Fair Hill.

His trainer, Graham Motion, is a native of Great Britain, but earned his reputation over twenty years of training in Laurel, Bowie and Fair Hill.  Just last November, he saddled Shared Account, the two year old filly who won the Breeders Cup turf event for Sagamore Farm in Glyndon.

Shades of Maryland Red

Marylanders – especially the Terp variety – consider the vivid crimson on the Crossland quadrant of our state flag the true Maryland red.

Students of historic preservation interpret Maryland red as burnt sienna, like the brick masonry that defines many classic structures throughout the state. (Shout out to Camden Yards here.)

But there are a few other shades of red identified with Maryland sports worth noting now — because you’re going to be hearing a lot more about them in coming months.