Even successful athletes of the University of California Berkeley Bears football team had hardships during their childhoods.
During their March visit with SQUIRES (San Quentin Utilization of Inmate Resources Experiences and Studies), they shared the hardships they faced growing up, and how they overcame those challenges to become successful college athletes. SQUIRES works with local youth to encourage family relationships and deter youth crime.
Freshman defensive tackle Viliami Moala said that he made many bad decisions growing up in Sacramento. He points to God for his positive redirection. He started going to church to turn his life around.
“Playing football allowed me to stay off the streets,” said Moala. He credits his two little brothers with motivating him to try hard in high school.
Sophomore outside linebacker Chris McCain of North Carolina overcame a rough childhood. “My parents always have been there, though they had it hard. My brother went in out of jail.” He explained how he overcame doubts and criticism of pass coaches. “There were coaches who told me that I was not going to make it pass the 10th grade. Throughout my career, I had coaches that doubted me and told recruiters [for college teams] that I was a bad kid. The only people that supported me were my parents.”
Freshman running back Daniel Lasco of Houston spoke about his difficult childhood. “I had difficulties growing up. I did not know my dad until I was 15. My mom got into heavy drugs. We had to live on government checks, child support, et cetera,” he said.
“I had to be the man of the house early on. It made me mature faster. My mom was my motivation to push harder. She was definitely my inspiration,” Lasco said.
Sophomore safety Avery Walls disclosed how he was able to escape negative influences. “I found God and just changed my whole life and understanding,” he said. “My mom put in a lot of time to put me in the right areas and communities to succeed.”
Visiting the SQUIRES program gave him useful information and was “a great opportunity to see what goes on here. It was a chance to see whether you want this life or a better life,” Walls said.
Freshman corner back Stefan McClure of Southern California described his hardships growing up. “My parents were divorced, and it was hard going between houses and seeing my parents every day,” he said. “Both of my parents pushed me as well as my Vista High School coaches, Williams and Ware.”
Moala encouraged the prisoners to keep track of the Bears season, adding, “Tell them we’re going to try to represent [them] by putting San Quentin on our towels.”
A group of kids were also visiting the prisoners that day. Cal quarterback Zach Maynard promised to invite youngsters to a Bears game, should they ask. Also visiting were Bears coaches, including Kevin Parker who brought his sons along.