New Terps football coach Edsall a hit at Preakness corporate tent

One of the more popular public figures in the corporate tent area Saturday afternoon was new Maryland football coach Randy Edsall, who was attending his first Preakness along with his wife, Eileen.

Edsall's choice to replace Ralph Friedgen back in January was not universally accepted among Terps fans, but most of those who introduced themselves to Edsall at Pimlico were polite and supportive. Even Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who introduced himself recently to Edsall and told him that he was in favor of the university hiring former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, had friendly greetings.

"I think everybody's very excited and very eager to see what we can do here," said Edsall, whose team will open on Labor Day night in a nationally-televised game against Miami. "The reception's been great." 

Edsall was excited about coming to the Preakness, having owned three thoroughbreds for a few years while coaching at Connecticut.

"I like the horses," said Edsall, whose horses are now retired. "A couple of them won, but I never got to see any of them race. I think this is a great event and it's great to be a part of it."