Katie Stephan expects to be sprinting when the Baltimore Ravens open their training camp today in Westminster.
No, Stephan is not on the team, nor is she a cheerleader. She works as a waitress at Baugher's Restaurant, a popular establishment across the street from the hotel where the players will stay.
Baugher's has prepared for this week, ordering more eggs, potatoes and ham than usual to feed breakfast to the up to 70,000 fans expected to descend on the town.
"It's mad," said John Jordan, a Baugher's manager. "Full parking lots, lines out the door; everything changes in Westminster when the Ravens come to town."
Baugher's is just one of several area restaurants that hope to cash in on the football camp being held at Western Maryland College.
"It means money," resident Mace Woolston said of the training camp. "Last year, the restaurants did very well. With 70,000 people, you have to eat somewhere."
But Fred Reitz, a 60-year-old resident of the town, said he doesn't see the players frequenting town, as the Baltimore Colts players did when they trained at the site 30 years ago.
It was nothing to walk into Harry's Grill downtown and see the players, Reitz said.
"I don't think the players get into town the way they used to," Reitz said. "But there is so much training, and if you want to be on the team, you have to be in shape."
For Mary Jane Buettner, training camp will mean serving as hostess this week to her visiting sister, Diane Kapinos, and her two sons, Kory and Kacy, who plan to join the huddled masses seeking autographs.
Buettner likes the festive atmosphere that the Ravens bring to town, she said.
"Everybody puts their [Ravens] banners out," Buettner said.
Residents say the team's success last year has strengthened the bond with the town, as if the team were the Westminster Ravens instead of the Baltimore Ravens.
"The atmosphere here last year when they were in the playoffs was awesome," said Mike Keiner, a fan who lives in Westminster. "They brought this town to life."
Even people passing through town recognize the excitement surrounding the team. Matt Burke of Englewood, N.J., said yesterday that he thought the Ravens' pickup of former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Elvis Grbac is a plus.
"He's going to be huge," Burke said.
Westminster resident David Warehime said he was sorry that the team let go of last year's Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Trent Dilfer.
"It's a shame they got rid of him, but I think they'll be champs again," Warehime said. "Especially if this quarterback is as good as they say he is."
Warehime is happy the Ravens are training in his town, he said.
"I think the publicity is good for Westminster, especially since they won the championship," he said. "It puts us in the spotlight."
