If you need proof that the landscape in high school sports has changed dramatically, you need look no further than an announcement from the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Administration Wednesday that it has taken on a corporate sponsor.

The MPSSAA announced that it has signed a three-year deal with Allstate to become the association's official insurance partner, as well as the corporate sponsor of all of the state's 24 championships, from field hockey and football in the fall through lacrosse in the spring.

In addition, Allstate, which will advertise during telecasts of state championships, has agreed to be the title sponsor of an annual scholar-athlete scholarship that will award $1,000 to four boys and four girls.

By dramatically ramping up its Web site, placing some of its championships on television and getting a corporate sponsor, the MPSSAA, long criticized by some as an organization stuck in the 19th century, is going head-long into the 21st century in rapid fashion.