Aug 23, 2012

This fall, students have new options for competing and honing their athletic skills with experienced coaches through College of the Mainland’s men’s basketball club sports and flag football teams.
 
“We want to give students an opportunity to continue playing … in a structured system against quality teams,” said Michael Richardson, coordinator of COM’s club sports basketball team.
 
Student interest drives COM’s sports. “We choose sports based on what students want,” said Tige Cornelius, flag football team coordinator. “Michael Richardson has a background in basketball and that drew interest.”
 
Richardson played basketball at the University of Texas and played professional basketball from 1994-2002 in Sweden, France, Lebanon and the Continental Basketball Association.
 
“I started playing at a junior college. It was a journey,” Richardson said. “I still like to play, but I’m into developing players now.”
 
Last spring COM students played two basketball exhibition games, winning both. This year Richardson is organizing students to compete in the 18-team basketball league, the Lone Star College Sport Club Conference, where students will play against other schools including Houston Community College, University of Houston and Rice University.
 
Besides basketball, students can also join men’s flag football team, which plays in a community league and in tournaments against other schools.
 
“You have a lot of good athletes in the area. The team is for the athlete who used to play and wants to continue at this level,“ Cornelius said. “We’ve had a lot of good feedback. It looks like everyone’s enthused.”
 
Students who participate in either sport commit to regular practices and home and away games.
 
Richardson will hold basketball tryouts, and on Monday, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. he will hold a preliminary basketball team meeting in the COM Gym.
 
Students who want to play basketball or are interested in beginning another club sports team at COM may contact Michael Richardson at 409-933-8190.
 
Students interested in flag football may contact Tige Cornelius at 409-933-8421.