Experience and depth are two of the strengths for the Chicago Freeze, the city's entree in Gay Bowl XI, the premiere annual flag football tournament, set for Oct. 6-9 in Houston.
"There are 20 team members, which gives our team a lot of flexibility in offensive and defensive sets and also gives our team a chance to rest and, God forbid, be prepared for injuries," said Michael Richardson, the team's offensive coordinator who also plays blocker, rusher and linebacker.
"Our collective experience is a major strength for us since it has helped our preparation. Also, another strength is our depth. This is a physically taxing tournament and having quality coming off the bench gives us a leg up.
"I feel we have a legitimate chance of winning the championship if we go into this knowing we belong here. We have the talent up and down the roster which can match up with any of the teams out there. We are united in our focus on what our team goal is. We also have everyone buying into the team-first concept."
Chicago has only won the Gay Bowl once, in 2005, anchored by quarterback Will Ward, who also was named the event's MVP that season.
Issa Rizkallah is Chicago's quarterback this time.
"The only comparison I can give [between this team and past Chicago teams in the gay Bowl] is that we all want to win," said Richardson, 40, who lives in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood and has participated in the Gay Bowl two times previously. "Beyond that, I will not disparage the other teams since I know their efforts are just as intense as our preparation. There is a lot of Gay Bowl experience on this team and we all know what it takes to win, and we have been working toward getting Chicago back to winning on the national level."
The Los Angeles Motion defeated the New York Warriors 19-18 to win Gay Bowl X, held in Phoenix, marking the Motion's second consecutive Gay Bowl championship. The San Diego Toros finished third.
In the consolation championship, the Salt Lake City Avalanche beat the Denver Summit to claim its first Gay Bowl trophy.
"Gay Bowl is special because you have rivalries in Chicago that are put aside for the greater good: bringing a championship to our city," Richardson said. "It also is special because of the bonds you make with competitors who respect your intensity on the field and leave it on the field.
"The competition in the Gay Bowl is top-notch. The game is fast and the amount of physical stamina needed for this three-day tournament is, by far, one of the most grueling. The athletes are representative of the best of each city, which intensifies the level of play. I know Chicago is ready to join the elite teams and put our mark on this tournament."
Richardson said the key for the Freeze is "staying united and focused."
"We have a lot of talent, but that talent means nothing if we do not execute our plan," he said. "Another key is to play hard and match the level of intensity of all the teams we play and take that up several levels."
CJ Sullivan is the team's co-captain and defensive captain.
"If [quarterback Rizkallah] does not force things, offensively we will be just fine," Richardson said. "We have a receiving core that can match up with any team that is participating in the Gay Bowl. There is a lot of depth on this team.
"I have enjoyed managing this team because of the energy and enthusiasm that has been brought to all of our practices and events. I have enjoyed the bonding that I have seen and feel we are a more cohesive team than when things started."
