January 28, 2020 | SPORTS | Photo courtesy of Michael Richardson
Michael Richardson ’25 is a CC student who plays for the Colorado College Men’s Lacrosse team. He is from Inglewood, California. He enjoys making music, writing poetry, and going on adventures. We met with Mike outside of Loomis Hall to chat about the other side of his life apart from playing lacrosse.
Samwel Makyao: “So, I have seen you playing lacrosse; what made you choose to play lacrosse?”
Michael Richardson:: “Well, I started playing lacrosse when I was in middle school, and at first, I was not a very big sports guy. I was more into theatre, arts, and performing. But lacrosse was really the first sport that came in my middle school, caught my eye, and meant something to me. So, I just stuck with it, and it brought me here to Colorado College.”
Makyao: “How does it feel to represent the Colorado College Tigers?”
Richardson: “It feels great. I love it. The community is amazing. The team speaks, and I think this separates CC Tigers from other programs in the country.”
Makyao: “What is in your ‘cup’?” [What are your plans for the immediate future?]
Richardson: “In my cup, I have the Colorado College Men’s Lacrosse team, meeting new people, surviving college, enjoying and experiencing classes and courses, finding my path at Colorado College, and what can lead me to something great.”
Makyao: “What drives you to be the best?”
Richardson: “I would say my teammates. They are my motivators to be better than I was the day before. Also, every day, whenever a challenge encounters me, I always keep on pushing and show what I am made of. These two things always push me to be the best.”
Makyao: “Who is your idol and why?”
Richardson: “My idol is a famous lacrosse player, Kyle Harrison. He is African American and one of the few players who stood up in the lacrosse community and made his name. He paved the way for players like me and those who look like me to get to that level eventually.”
Makyao: “Who gives you the most inspiration?”
Richardson: “I would say my parents and grandparents. My parents have paved the way for me, they have helped out so much, and they have not forced me into something that I never wanted to do. They have only supported me and continued to drive me and tell me that I am the best and will be the best. No matter what comes in my way, I can always get through it.”
Makyao: “So what is your favorite pump-up song and go-to snack after a game?”
Richardson: “I have two. One song is so cheesy, called “Dancing in the moonlight.” I forget who it’s by, but it’s one of the songs I always play in my locker room and be ready to go. The other one is “Mercy” by Kanye West. My favorite go-to snack is bananas and peanut butter. It helps with muscle cramps, and I highly recommend it after a game.”
Makyao: “Suppose you have a very important fixture next week, walk me through your routine towards the big day.”
Richardson: “I would say, wake up early for about 7:30 am, dress up, and put on some gospel music. I love gospel music. While I am feeling the music, I will get breakfast, grab some snacks, and prepare for the game. Preparing for the game is mostly getting my head right, checking my equipment, and getting ready to play.”
Makyao: “If you could have been a top player in any other sport (apart from the one you are playing), which one would it have been?”
Richardson: “That’s a lovely question. I would say wrestling because wrestlers put in a lot of work and energy. It is one-on-one with another opponent and whoever has the most skill wins. I think as a wrestler, there is no room for you to make mistakes or excuses.”
Makyao: “So this last question is a challenge to you; how many players from your team can you name in thirty seconds?”
Richardson: “You got me here. I would say fifteen. Luca, Will, Avery, Makay, Jack, Sam, Kyle, Matt, Brooks, Noah, Philip, Rob, Tommy, Wes, and Max.”
Makyao: “That is twenty-four seconds.”