Tommy Wickerd, Steven Brooks and Alvin Timbol For an incarcerated American that is housed at the venerable San Quentin State Prison, the ability to be involved with sports activities is priceless. At The Q, the currently incarcerated, each weekend, have the ability to showcase their talents against members of the greater Bay Area community; from Basketball to Tennis, Soccer to Baseball, the inside and outside community play in games that are just as competitive as any game on the street. The following individuals are housed at The Q, and … [Read more...] about Running principles apply inside and outside the classroom
Sports
Paul Oliver retires from basketball at 62
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
New handball duo dominates tournament
Handball tournament winners David Clout Wilson and Eric Post A New Year’s Day handball tournament on the Lower Yard at San Quentin led to new doubles champions. “They couldn’t stop the left,” said David Clout Wilson, as the sun radiated down on his smiling face. Clout, and handball partner Eric “E-Man” Post went undefeated in the tournament to take first place over the top four best teams. Their trophy was a statuesque box of granola bars. Jeff Williams and David Mageo took second place. Williams, partnered with various other … [Read more...] about New handball duo dominates tournament
Several new faces added to the Kings roster for the 2019 season
Earl “The Pearl” Wilson joins the 2019 Kings team Some of the top San Quentin athletes showed their talents for the annual tryouts for the prison’s age 40 and older basketball team. The Kings coaching staff picked a mix of returning veteran players with several new faces, putting the scrimmage teams in scenarios that tested each player’s ability to gel in adverse situations. “These situations are done to test how players respond emotionally, as well as to see what their basketball IQ is like,” said Head Coach Orlando Harris. “We have … [Read more...] about Several new faces added to the Kings roster for the 2019 season
Neang’s 64-yard reception wins MLK Jr. Tournament
Kevin Neang and Chai Saetern Kevin Neang caught a 64 yard touchdown pass up the left side of the field to win the MLK Jr Holiday Tournament, and seal himself as the back-to-back Most Valuable Player. “Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t just fighting for the rights of Black people; he was fighting for the rights of all people,” Neang said as all the players and game officials enjoyed sodas and snacks at the conclusion of the game. This was Neang’s second win and his second MVP award as well. Four teams consisting of five players each … [Read more...] about Neang’s 64-yard reception wins MLK Jr. Tournament
Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs
Mike Kramer and Anthony Redwood got an award The triumphs, defeats and the power of fellowship were on full display at San Quentin’s Inaugural Athletics Assn. Banquet. Kevin Rumon, volunteer track coach for the 1000 Mile Club and cancer survivor was honored. He was recognized for his resilience. While battling cancer and going through chemo, Rumon defied the odds and returned every Friday for the club races. “I believed I had to surround myself with positive people,” said Rumon. “I get a hundred times more out of this than I give and … [Read more...] about Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs
For incarcerated player Carlos Ramirez, fútbol is a lifeline
Carlos Ramirez playing soccer on the Lower Yard Sports is often said to be a metaphor for life. For Carlos Ramirez, soccer has been a thread that has followed him through poverty, war, immigration and prison. For those familiar with the San Quentin soccer community, Ramirez is a beloved figure; a streaking, goal-scoring forward, appropriately nicknamed “Venado,” which in Spanish means “Deer.” What most don’t know however, is that Carlos has been running, on and off the field, long before he ever saw the San Quentin lower … [Read more...] about For incarcerated player Carlos Ramirez, fútbol is a lifeline
Incarcerated athletes celebrate the new year through sports
Darren Settlemeyer leading 1000 Mile running Club members on the Lower Yard Men at San Quentin watched the New Year come in on small television sets locked inside their cells, but when the yard opened the following morning, basketball players and runners celebrated 2019 through sports. “It’s a great start to a New Year,” said SQ Warrior Dontaye “Twin” Harris. “It’s like being out of prison for an hour.” The championship game for a full-court basketball tournament took place on the Lower Yard on New Year’s morning. Team “Put It … [Read more...] about Incarcerated athletes celebrate the new year through sports
1000 Mile Running Club’s record breaking marathon finishers
Neither delays, wet weather or injuries prevented 1000 Mile Running Club members from recording breaking performances at the 12th Annual San Quentin Prison Marathon. “It was an extraordinary performance by the club after all the obstacles that we encountered trying to finally run the 12th Annual San Quentin Marathon,” Coach and Sponsor Frank Ruona said. Two records were broken under a cloudy sky with off and on light rain. Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor, who hopes to parole in February, broke the Club record he set in 2015 with a … [Read more...] about 1000 Mile Running Club’s record breaking marathon finishers
Evaluating the impact of Black activist athletes
Dr. Harry Edwards speaking at a Roundtable event at San Quentin with Forty-Niners in the audience including Eric Reid For over 50 years Black professional athletes have used their platforms to fight for equality, often at the cost of their careers, but are they making a difference? “I’ve been talking about this s--- for fifty years and ain’t nothing changed since Mexico City in 1968. Nothing!” John Carlos told a Sports Illustrated writer in a 2018 telephone interview. On Oct, 16, 1968, during the start of the The Star-Spangled … [Read more...] about Evaluating the impact of Black activist athletes