The OGs beat the Youngsters, 5-3, in another summer evening San Quentin soccer match; this one with members from the San Francisco Delta on both teams. The Aug. 29 match was a bit unexpected because the prison had just come off a lockdown that had severed communication with the outside. But, by 6:30 p.m. both teams had begun the battle of putting the ball into their opponent’s net. The Youngsters led by Delta goalkeeper, Alex Mangels, took a two-goal lead in minutes 15 and 22. Adrian “Güero" Montez of H-Unit scored the first goal, which was … [Read more...] about Experience trumps youth once again
Sports
A loss to Bittermen makes SQ Kings record 8-7
After starting the basketball season in dominant fashion, the San Quentin Kings lost their third straight game. Bitterman Ryan Steer led his team with 40 points in the blowout 68-55 victory. “We had too many defensive lapses” Steer iced the game with a look-off finger roll and a big smile at the buzzer. “Good shooting by Ryan,” said Kings Head Coach Orlando Harris. “Terrible defensive by the Kings.” The Kings began the 2017 season with the goal of going undefeated, or at least improving on last year’s .500 record. They were 8-4 until the … [Read more...] about A loss to Bittermen makes SQ Kings record 8-7
Some incarcerated support for Kaepernick
Cheers erupted throughout the cellblock as the Kansas City Chiefs scored another touchdown on the New England Patriots in the National Football League opener. As Ronald Bruce “Sky” Carter, a NFL fan for 30 years, heard the celebrating from inside his cell, he felt a temptation to turn on his personal television set to watch the game. Then he shook his head no, picked up a black history book, and stuck to a decision to support Colin Kaepernick. “I thought it would be a hard sacrifice, but it’s the least I could do,” Carter said. “It might not … [Read more...] about Some incarcerated support for Kaepernick
H-Unit takes over Becky tournament
On Sept. 4, on the San Quentin Lower Yard, Asian Pacific Islanders held a holiday basketball tournament, this time for Labor Day. Three teams pitted their best players against each other, North Block, West Block and H-Unit, in five 36-minute games under sweltering heat and, at one point, rain. H-Unit, the returning champions from the Fourth of July competition, two-peated, winning 31-11. “They may have won twice, but we three-peated,” said North Block’s Vi Chau. North Block, who lost by two points to H-Unit in the previous Independence Day … [Read more...] about H-Unit takes over Becky tournament
San Quentin’s baseball program honors AW Baker
The passions, struggles and rehabilitative power of San Quentin’s baseball program were captured during a week of videoing by a film production team of two future football Hall of Famers. “Everyone I have met has been friendly. You can see the humanity,” said Mike Gattanella, film producer for The Religion of Sports. The executive producers are New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and retired New York Giant and television personality Michael Strahan. The crew filmed the real heart of the program when the SQ A’s took on the visiting San … [Read more...] about San Quentin’s baseball program honors AW Baker
Second is the new first in 1000 mile two-hour run
Whenever the 1000 Mile Club holds a track meet on San Quentin’s Lower Yard, everyone knows Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor will take first place but second comes down to a race between Chris Scull and Eddie Herena. In the Two Hour Race, Scull took second by a lap. “Markelle was only a mile ahead of me,” Scull said. “My sights are on first place.” The two-hour race will be followed by a three-hour race to prepare for the yearly marathon in November. The cool overcast day proved comfortable weather to run in, but coming off a three-week lockdown … [Read more...] about Second is the new first in 1000 mile two-hour run
Green Team sweeps in doubleheader against Kings and Warriors
Despite both San Quentin home teams playing great basketball, the visiting Green Team swept them. They beat the Kings 87-79 and the Warriors 67-60. “They’re strong defensively; we just adjusted in the second half,” said Evan Fjeld, a former NBA D-Leaguer. The San Quentin Warriors played without starters Allan Macintosh (suspension), Tevin Tourette (injury) and Anthony Ammons (out to court). The Green Team showed up with Fjeld (University of Vermont Catamounts) and former All-Americans Chris Blees (Claremont-McKenna) and Blake Schultz … [Read more...] about Green Team sweeps in doubleheader against Kings and Warriors
Giants ends season with 3-8 loss
In the season finale, the visiting Bay Area Cubs baseball team out-played the San Quentin Giants for an 8-3 win. The Giants took to the field a little flat. The team struggled securing ground balls and overthrew bases. Giants starting pitcher Mark Barger walked in three runs in the first inning. After two high pitches close to the head of a batter, Barger was relieved by Gary “Cool Aid” Townes. “You have to have a work ethic,” said Terry Burton, Giants inmate head coach. “We weren’t in shape this year; you have to practice and work out to get … [Read more...] about Giants ends season with 3-8 loss
Lincoln Hill beats SQ Kings by a block
Lincoln Hill Community Church (LHCC) basketball team blocked the San Quentin Kings’ final shot attempt and secured a 72-70 win. “I heard around halftime that Pep (Oris Williams) was one of their strongest players,” said LHCC’s Dominique Thompson, who made the block. “With the clock ticking down, I know I had to play him tight.” A minute and 30 seconds preceding the block, LHCC was down by three. But they surged ahead, sparked by 5-foot-10 guard Brandon Hargrave. He jumped up and tipped in a teammate’s missed shot to make the score 69-70 with … [Read more...] about Lincoln Hill beats SQ Kings by a block
Coach Ruona help runners complete half marathon
Under the coaching of 1000 Mile Sponsor Frank Ruona, improved running helped 20 out of 21 men complete a 13.1-mile race around the San Quentin prison yard. Ruona, 71, remembers when Ronnie Goodman, since paroled, suggested the 1000 Mile Club hold a marathon at San Quentin in 2008 or 2009. “Ronnie was the only finisher the first two races,” Ruona said. Since then, Ruona has helped the men improve, and it showed at the July 28 half-marathon race. “John Levin dropped 15 minutes from his time,” Ruona said. “Steve, Tommy and Keeyes also … [Read more...] about Coach Ruona help runners complete half marathon