Michael Richardson started a new flag football team this season—the Jackhammer Hole Wreckers for the top-tiered A-Division of Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA).
With various personalities, Richardson admitted he "was not sure how we would mesh on and off the field."
But his expectations were exceeded—the team won the CMSA Fall Flag Football Championship.
"The persons I play with are my family and have been supportive of my leadership and made this one of the best sports experiences I have ever been a part of because we were not a team when we started, but became that and more," said Richardson, 39, who is single and lives in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
Richardson's 2010 LGBT sporting resume also included basketball, softball and volleyball. He played for the Jackhammer Bulldogs (C1 Division) in softball and the Hitmen (volleyball).
And for his efforts on the sporting fields of play, Richardson was named the 2010 Chicago LGBT Sports Athlete of the Year, from a poll of fellow athletes and officials.
"What made 2010 exciting and entertaining for me was the spirit in which my teams played. We played hard and never gave up, no matter how tough things got for us," said Richardson, who admitted that flag football is his best sport.
"I enjoy all of the sports I participate in equally because it is a way for me to be competitive and grow as an athlete while continually developing the friendships I have made.
"I think things [were] more cohesive [in 2010 than] in past years, specifically with the leadership of persons like Jack Neilson [softball] and Brian Kupersmit [flag football]. Their leadership has helped grow their perspective leagues to being the gold standard for all other leagues around the country."
Richardson said his biggest LGBT sporting surprise is the friendships developed, which he truly cherishes. "When I was assaulted, the outpouring of support was overwhelming to say the least and it humbled me to see how much people cared about me and my well being," he said.
More Michael Richardson:
—Favorite pro sport: "Any sport my hometown of Philadelphia plays"
—Favorite pro team: "Any team from my hometown of Philadelphia"
—Favorite pro athlete: Kobe Bryant.
—Sporting past: "I did not start playing sports until I turned 30."
—LGBT sporting goal for 2011: "I want to lead my flag football team to the Gay Bowl and win it all."
—Quote: "The friendships [through LGBT sports] have helped fill the void left by my families' non-acceptance of me and my sexuality. I know there are a lot of persons out there who are going through similar trials, and know the support is appreciated."
