Paul Oliver on Kings bench Paul Oliver has been playing organized basketball as long as he can remember. However, in 2019, he’s throwing his old Chuck Taylor’s over the prison walls and transitioning to coaching. “I want to sail boats and raise horses in Alberta (Canada) when I get out,” Oliver said. “I want to teach these guys how to play the inside game; baseline drop steps, boxing out, the tangibles of the game that can extend their career as long as I’ve played.” At 62, Paul is still able to play at a high level. A … [Read more...] about Paul Oliver retires from basketball at 62
Black History Month hosts Basketball Skills Challenge on Lower Yard
For Black History Month San Quentin hosted a Basketball Skills Challenge, where prisoners showcased their agility and coordination on the Lower Yard. Montrel Vines and Brad “Reign Man” Shells pushed each other to the limit as they drew to a tie, completing the makeshift obstacle course with the time of 00:27. “I knew I had this,” Shells said after the challenge. “We’ve been doing drills like this since high school days.” Shells set the bar high by weaving flawlessly through the course on his final round, trash talking as he moved through … [Read more...] about Black History Month hosts Basketball Skills Challenge on Lower Yard
Glimpse of Student-Athletes at the Q
Athletics, education and self-help programs are major factors on changing lives in San Quentin State Prison. Here are some of the people who found rehabilitation behind the walls: Thaddeus Fleeton, 49. 2nd-degree murder, serving a 15-life sentence. SQN: What has it been like playing for the S.Q. Kings these past two seasons? It’s been a great experience -- coming across paths with people from the street; the competitive spirit, the positive vibes and the enlightening conversations. SQN: How long have you been involved in sports … [Read more...] about Glimpse of Student-Athletes at the Q
Third Straight Win for ‘Running Man’
With a slight breeze blowing and the sun shining, 60-year-old Lorenzo “The Running Man” Hopson out-paced the other 1,000 Mile Club members in a Nov. 14 marathon run and once again triumphed. He completed the 26.2 miles in 3:31:47, just missing the San Quentin record of 3:26:00, which he set earlier, by 5 minutes and 47 seconds. “The yard going down, that messes up your rhythm,” Hopson said after the race. “I’ve been No. 1 three times in row, but this one is the second fastest time.” Darren Settlemyer, who ran 20 miles, said, “It was a … [Read more...] about Third Straight Win for ‘Running Man’
Inspiring Performance Held in Catholic Chapel
The night felt more like being at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square in Oakland than the Chapel of the Rosary in San Quentin State Prison. Lee Jaspar, accompanied by members of The Jazz Band, Dwight Krizman and Greg Dixon, played “Theta Bop,” an up-tempo original song to close an exciting night of beginning and accomplished pianist recitals. “I’m sending this program home to my nieces and nephews,” said inmate James Parker, who attended the Aug. 3 recital. “I want them to know that even in a place like this, something beautiful can come out of … [Read more...] about Inspiring Performance Held in Catholic Chapel
Running on Empty
By Harun Taylor The heat began to rise early on Friday morning as the 31 runners of the 1000 Mile Club prepared to run half a marathon. The participants ranged in age from 31 to 67. “I just want to complete it,” said Jose Sandoval, 31. “This is my first time running this distance.” Sandoval almost did. He ran 10.5 miles in 1:33:34. Stretching next to him, 35-year-old veteran Chris Scull added, “This is going to be about discipline and determination. That will equal success.” The temperature climbed into the mid-90s an hour into the … [Read more...] about Running on Empty
Rockies Lose With Bill Lee
By Harun Taylor As the temperature slowly began to decline, and the swirling wind blew tiny dust devils across the infield of the diamond, The Rockies featured Bill “The Spaceman” Lee for their final game of the baseball season at The Q. The game ended with a win for the San Quentin Giants, 6-2. In the bottom of the first, Jeff “Paranormal” Dumont tapped The Spaceman for a single, followed by Jose Sandoval advancing him to second, but he was tossed out at first. Then, Anthony “Tone” Sorrell connected into shallow left field that got by … [Read more...] about Rockies Lose With Bill Lee
All-Madden Football Tryouts
By Harun Taylor “I’ve been down for 17 years, and this is the first time I’ve been some place where they play organized ball,” said O. Miller, trying out for a defensive-back position the first day of workouts for the San Quentin All-Madden Flag Football team. “This really intrigues me.” The first day of training camp for the upcoming All-Madden season began with “The Combine,” a brutal workout to evaluate players to see if they have the physical skills and fundamentals to make the San Quentin All-Madden Flag Football Team. Thirty … [Read more...] about All-Madden Football Tryouts
Gold Medalist Eddie Hart Returns to San Quentin
“We have a responsibility to give back in any way that we can,” 1972 Olympian Eddie Hart told a group of San Quentin runners. He also gave running tips and shared his experience during his return visit to The Q. “No matter the situation, you can overcome it. Moreover, to help others with that experience, you should want to help,” Hart added. Hart started the All-in-One Foundation 11 years ago. It focuses on neighborhood kids and at-risk youth, teaching them job skills and training, as well as taking them on field trips. Hart fielded … [Read more...] about Gold Medalist Eddie Hart Returns to San Quentin
S.F. 49ers Football Players Tour San Quentin
“The day is about perspectives and choices,” said San Francisco 49ers Chaplain Earl Smith to 19 rookie football players. “Choices that can lead one to prison or a National Football League career,” he added, at the start of a tour of San Quentin on June 14. “It was mandatory, coming on this tour,” said rookie linebacker Aaron Lynch. The San Quentin trip was part of an effort to encourage the young players, ranging from ages 20 to 23 years old, to make smart choices that keep them out of trouble and playing ball, according to … [Read more...] about S.F. 49ers Football Players Tour San Quentin