Amy Ma, Mike Sarna and Lucas Wonn. Photos by Ross Forman
Mike Sarna was one of several who, a few years ago, formed the Anke Hairball Classic, a by-invitation backyard badminton tournament. From those early roots, Sarna, Lucas Wonn, Bob Heidrich and Mark Febonio formed the CMSA's version of the sport, which kicked off doubles play last January under the league name Second City Badminton, or, as it's become known, Second City Bad.
That was followed last summer by a singles league and, in early January, the second-annual Second City Bad doubles season kicks off.
'The four of us decided to form a league that basically would formally introduce us to the sport, specifically, the official rules, so we'd be ready for the Gay Games next summer,' said Sarna, 40, an Uptown resident. 'I don't think we ever envisioned how many people would come out; it's been incredible, especially since it's almost all ( been done by ) word-of-mouth. It's been great.'
Second City Bad played its first doubles season at Margate Fieldhouse of the Chicago Park District. There were two divisions, with 24 teams playing a 12-week season followed by playoffs. There were a combined 93 participants in the CockSure ( advanced ) and CockCurious ( recreation ) divisions.
The summer singles season ran from June through September, with matches held twice a week for 60 participants.
'There obviously are a lot of jokes about the shuttlecocks. You can only imagine how the mind of a gay man works,' said Sarna, who graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1983 and the University of Iowa in 1987. He then received his Master's Degree in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University in 1991 and is now the Director of Exhibits & Design for the Notebaert Nature Museum on North Cannon Drive in Chicago.
'The women have a much higher skill level than the men. The men have the power shots; while the women have the finesse and strategy. We've really learned from the women.'
It was an all-female team, Women of Grace, which captured the doubles championship last year in the advanced division.
'The appeal of badminton is, it's a sport that is approachable for everyone. We have divisions for everyone, regardless of their level of play,' Sarna said. 'People may view badminton as a sport that doesn't require a lot of cardio conditioning. Not so. You really work up a good sweat. In fact, I play tennis too, and badminton requires better cardio conditioning than tennis. The shuttlecock is not as fast as a tennis ball obviously, so when you smash it, the other players have time to get to it. So, the rallies are much longer.'
Unless, that is, 'Dexter' is on one side of the court. He is the area's top singles player, carrying international experience to his badminton resume.
The league also features Terry Rivett and Scott Steinkamp, and Amy Ma, herself a badminton legend of sorts. You see, back in 1998, Ma was an Illinois High School Association ( IHSA ) doubles state champion at Hersey in Arlington Heights.
'I love that a league was formed. I think it's a great opportunity to get badminton more recognition, which it doesn't normally get,' said Ma, 25. 'I thought it'd be an even split in the league, ( males and females ) . But that's not the case. At times, I'm one of two women out here ( for open play ) . But it's no big deal; I just love being back in the game.'
Febonio is running badminton in the Gay Games and Sarna predicted Chicago will shock the world next summer.
'Sure, this is one of the 'more obscure' sports in the U.S., but the people with the Gay Games have been shocked how prepared we are,' Sarna said. 'The European and Asian countries that are strong badminton countries … well, I think they are going to be shocked at how many, and how well, Chicagoans are at the sport.'
Second City Bad will begin play on Thursdays in January at the Broadway Armory due to the sport's continued growth locally. There will be four divisions, determined by ability of the combatants.
'We were worried that we'd put out the ad ( announcing badminton ) in the fall of 2004 and no one would show up. It's been anything but,' Sarna said. 'I'm really, really shocked at how many people are playing.'
Said Febonio, 'We've had a very strong turnout for all three events we've offered this year—singles, doubles and the ongoing open gym. We have moved into a larger facility to accommodate the increasing number of participants. We've seen new faces each Thursday night during open play and I think there are still more folks who are interested. It's been exciting to see so many new folks become part of the gay sports community for the first time through this fast and fun game.'
Wonn added, 'The response in the first year couldn't have been better.'
For more information on Second City Bad, go to the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) Web site: www.chicagomsa.com .
