San Quentin offers a unique opportunity to advance academically as well as participate in sporting programs. Here, a convicted felon can be on the field, court, or diamond with the CEO of a multi-national company or even a millionaire.
Several San Quentin Student-Athletes were asked how sports impacted their incarceration. Here is what they had to say:
Dwight Kennedy, 39, was convicted of possession of a firearm. He is serving a sentence of 25 to life under California’s Three-Strike Law.
Q: How long have you played sports for The Q?
I’ve played sports since my arrival seven years ago. Baseball (The Giants [4]) and football (All Madden [7])
Q: What makes The Q unique?
San Quentin has excellent academic programs, as well as self-help groups such as No More Tears, VOEG, and IMPACT.
Q: What degrees have you earned while at SQ?
I’m in pursuit of an AA in communication.
Q: What is the main difference between the man nick-named “Sleepy” who arrived at SQ seven years ago, and the person giving this interview to SQNews?
There has been a significant change. I’m more than just Dwight: I have become a member of society without being in society through the help of volunteers that come in and assist people like me in becoming a changed individual. It’s all about rehabilitation to those who have just arrived at the Q. Rehabilitation is being responsible, addressing your personal issues, such as what brought you to prison. Stop blaming others for your personal failings and taking responsibility. Rehabilitation is freedom.
John Windham, 43, was convicted of accessory to second-degree murder and sentenced to a 15-to-life sentence.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since being at The Q?
I have taken Restorative Justice, the Work, and No More Tears.
Q: Any college or vocational programs?
Yes, I’m in machine shop. I’ve also signed up for plumbing and computer repair.
Q: In the KTVU interview (9/20/2013), you spoke about second chances and rehabilitation. Can you expand on that a little more?
Well, during our incarceration, some of us have really changed. We grew up and have become rehabilitated. Not only by law – but by right – we deserve a second chance.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
I am playing soccer, football, baseball, basketball –all three leagues- softball.
Q: What do you say to the youth reading this who are thinking about following in your footsteps?
Man! Stay in school. Value family and freedom! And think about the consequences of your actions before you act.
Rafael Cuevas, 31, was convicted of second-degree murder and is serving 16-to-life.
Q: What programs have you taken since your arrival at The Q?
I’m in AA, Project Choice; Prison Sports Ministries
Q: What about education?
I started in voluntary education, then vocational program – sheet metal; now I’m in Patten College taking intermediate algebra.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in since being at The Q?
I’ve played for the SQ Warriors and was head coach in the CBL.
Q: Talk about being a student athlete; have you ever considered yourself as one?
I’ve been a student-athlete for a long time. It means I am busy. I have a program, and I have a lot to do. It means keeping a lot on my plate, which keeps me focused. It means working, practice, getting used to having little time for outside or unproductive activities and focusing on the bettering of myself.
Q: What is it about The Q that has changed you?
The programs that I attend help me to know myself better. The biggest thing about being ready to return to society isn’t what society has for me; it’s what I have for society. In my youth, I didn’t realize that. Now, I’m learning who I am. I have more to offer because I can identify what it is I have to offer. People here, at The Q, have shown me that you don’t have to wait to get ready to re-enter society to be the man that you want to be. There’s nothing stopping you from being who you want to be right now, today, in the given circumstances.
Anthony Ammons Jr., 30, convicted of first-degree murder, a gang enhancement, and attempted murder at 16 years old was sentenced to 102-to- life.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since arriving at SQ?
I’ve taken AA/NA, Project Choice, Peer Health Education, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), No More Tears, Kit Kat (juvenile lifers group), and Restorative Justice.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
I play in the Intramural League and for the SQ Warriors.
Q: What does the “rehabilitation” mean to you?
Rehabilitation means opening my mind to see where I went wrong; seeing what I was doing and how it was harming my community and me. Opening to change, to accept someone else’s views and apply them to your life; not to be what they want you to be, but to be a productive citizen. Taking responsibility and accountability. To admit I was wrong.
Q: What education have you involved yourself in?
I am on the waiting list for Patten College; I did get my high school diploma at New Folsom. I’m proud of that because it made me realize that I could accomplish something, and it made my mother proud.
Q: What is it about SQ that seems to have drawn this out of you?
Here, I was able to break myself down. I was headed in that direction, but The Q allowed me to start from scratch and rebuild. There’s no racial tension here, no “prison politics” at The Q; it allows the opportunity to sit down and analyze your personal situation.
Q: How does it feel being a student-athlete?
I never really had a chance to experience it. I knew I had some type of talent, but I didn’t think people could tell me how to play sports. Once they put me in a position, I just played, rather than studying the game.
It feels good to be a student/athlete. To not let your talent be bigger than you, but to be taught how to be better with the natural gifts you possess.
Q: Any closing comments to the Readership?
I want to thank the Creator for giving me a voice. Getting 102 years-to-life at 16 years old… some people might just give up, but, once I made it here – at SQ – I realized through the programs that I can be better. Peel back the layers and heal that inner child.
Allan McIntosh, 39 years old, was convicted of possession of a firearm and sentenced 25 years to life under the Three Strikes Law.
Q: How long you been at The Q?
13 months.
Q: What programs have you taken part in since you’ve been here?
AVP, first level.
Q: And education?
Coastline College, taking business and psychology.
Q: What is it about SQ that has given you a change in attitude about rehabilitation?
The environment around The Q is like no other in the CDCR. You don’t have the pressure and stress that go along with prison life here, so you can focus on the betterment of self.
Q: Was it a choice or realignment that brought you to The Q?
Realignment. I wanted to come here because I heard about the education and self help groups.
Q: What sports programs have you taken part in?
Football and basketball.
Q: What does it feel like to be a student/ athlete again?
Well, it takes me back me to a time in my youth. Being here, playing sports, and attending Coastline, it’s like a college campus all over again (without the girls!).
