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.    

College Championships Abound in Maryland

There were three different college conference championships held in Maryland this past weekend: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships, the Capital Athletic Conference Men’s & Women’s Swimming Championships and the Maryland JUCO Basketball Championships.

Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex hosted the MEAC Championships this year. The Championships started on Thursday and wrapped up on Saturday. The weekend belonged to the Hampton women and the Norfolk State men. Both teams earned identical scores of 161.5 points to win the conference title.

Upgrades Get the Green Light at Maryland International Raceway

Improvements are currently underway at one of Maryland’s most popular racetracks, Maryland International Raceway, just in time for the start of the 2012 season.  The IHRA sanctioned track hosts dozens of events every season, with at least one event happening every weekend from March through November.  With the track getting a lot of use, the Miller family, owners of MIR since 1989, thought it was time to give the raceway a bit of an upgrade.

Another Notch in the Trail

It was just a year ago we wrote about efforts in St. Mary’s County to develop a rail trail on the old Southern Maryland Railroad rightaway.

The Three Notch Trail is envisioned as a 28 mile multi-use linear park from Hughesville in Charles County to the Pax River Naval Station in Lexington Park — an ambitious patchwork of nine segments and even more funding sources and development partners.

Two short segments were already in place this time last year.  A three mile stretch in Charles County started in 2006 and finished in 2008.  Phase V began last June and will be finished before the end of this month.  The final touches are being put in now.

The Working Horses of Maryland

Yes, the Preakness is a mere two days hence, so most of the horse chatter in Maryland focuses on thoroughbreds and the excitement and energy they bring to our state every spring. Yet, Maryland is horse-centric 365 days a year in an industry pyramid which supports agri-businesses, recreational activities and major events.  But even this doesn’t address an important segment of the vibrant Maryland equine universe.

There are still horses who work for a living, as valuable partners in law enforcement, transportation, and physical therapy.  And they labor quietly, with little fanfare for their contributions.

Weekend Events at a Glance

This weekend proves to be an exciting one in the state of Maryland. Not only are there a plethora of events going on throughout the state (see list below) but the International Canoe Federation has traveled across the pond for a technical site visit out at ASCI in Garrett County for the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships. Fearless leader Terry will be on site helping to guide the visit and ensure Maryland is ready for Worlds in 2014!!!  Terry will provide us with insights on the visit and the ICF’s feedback on ASCI early next week, so be sure to check back!!

Check out these upcoming events in your area:

• NCAA DI Women’s Lacrosse Championship- 1st Round (Loyola)
• Poolesville Road Race
• Leonardtown Criterium
• Tri-Rock Annapolis
• NCAA DI Men’s Lacrosse Championships- 1st Round (Johns Hopkins)
• NCAA DI Women’s Lax Championships-1st Round (University of Maryland)
• NCAA DIII Men’s Lacrosse Championship 2nd Round (Stevenson)
• NCAA DIII Men’s Lacrosse Championship 2nd Round (Salisbury)
• NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Championship Round 2 (Salisbury)

So get out there and enjoy all the great sporting events happening around Maryland this weekend!

For more information on each event as well as other events in the area visit: www.marylandsports.us/events