Chandler with close friend Alfred Cinnie Imagine being a back-up point guard on a high school basketball team that also has a future Hall of Fame Baseball Player on the roster... Now imagine needing that player to write a letter that says you’re ready to return to society 35 years later. This is the connection of Leesester “Papa” Chandler and Hall of Fame baseball player Kenny Lofton. Chandler and Lofton both grew up in East Chicago, Ind. Chandler grew up in the West Calument Housing Projects, while Lofton lived just outside the … [Read more...] about Hall of Fame baseball player offers support to a childhood friend
Sports
One man’s journey to inner freedom occurred through sports
Brian Holliday Brian Holliday, 25, from Orange County, Ca., is serving a six-year sentence for a robbery. Holliday also had issues with race relations based on being placed in a facility where the inmate population self-segregated. Since arriving at The Q and getting involved with the San Quentin Athletic Association (SQAA), his thinking has evolved... SQN: What’s it been like being a college student here at The Q? BH: It’s given me an opportunity to be enrolled in college. I wasn’t going to do this on the street. It’s a chance to … [Read more...] about One man’s journey to inner freedom occurred through sports
Sports Pics around the Q
2018 Intramural League Basketball game 1,000 Mile Track team member during an evening practice If your state or county facility has a sports program, and you’d like to see your stories mentioned in the SQNews Sports section, have the athletic director email the story to sqnews@gmail.com. Please include first and last names of everyone involved as well as photos. … [Read more...] about Sports Pics around the Q
San Quentin Warriors have a new head coach
Anthony Evans, Warriors New Head Coach The San Quentin Warriors come into the 2019 season 3-4 against the Golden State Warriors coaching staff—the biggest game of each season, and also having the coach for the last two seasons step down to attempt to become a player on the team again. On 2/10/2019, while watching the Lakers v. Sixers on ESPN/ABC, we touched on these issues with the new coach of the San Quentin Warriors, Anthony Evans, in the following interview. SQN: Coach, what’s your philosophy for upcoming season? I’ve heard that the … [Read more...] about San Quentin Warriors have a new head coach
71 year old breaks new record in rainy three-mile race
Mike Keeyes, 71, the oldest 1000 Mile Club, runner ran three miles in 21 minutes and 40 seconds Despite the torturous weather conditions on Feb. 15, Markelle Taylor, who was fighting off a cold, still managed to come only 27 seconds short of beating his own record. He had a finish time of 17:14 on the 3 mile (5k) run that the 1000 Mile running club hosts annually. “Even though I run because it’s therapeutic, I dedicate this run to my daughter, who has lupus,” Taylor said. “I hope to not only race in prison but I want to represent the men … [Read more...] about 71 year old breaks new record in rainy three-mile race
Robert Polzin loves different sports for more reasons than the game
Robert Polzin on the mound at San Quentin Robert Polzin aka “Big Smooth” is one of the most active persons in sports at San Quentin and he will tell you it’s not simply for the love of the game. “It’s hard for some guys to learn things out of a book. It’s often the real life situations that help us develop real life skills,” said Polzin. Polzin plays baseball for the SQ Oakland Athletics, the SQ Kings, and he even coaches the “Hardtimers” softball team. He said coaching and playing are equally enjoyable and help him further develop … [Read more...] about Robert Polzin loves different sports for more reasons than the game
Amid a turbulent life basketball surfaced as a guiding force for good
Golden State Warriors Assistant GM Kirk Lacob (green jersey) guarding Jamal Harrison (Warriors #3) on the San Quentin lower yard as Patrick Lacey challenges Delvon Adams Oakland, Calif., has a rich, storied history of basketball talent that stretches from Bill Russell (McClymonds High School) to Damian Lilliard (Oakland High School). From iconic playgrounds like Moss- wood Park, to Harmon Gym on the UC Berkeley Campus, where Oakland native Jason Kidd earned his stripes, “The Town” brand of hoops has left its mark. Jamal Harrison grew up in … [Read more...] about Amid a turbulent life basketball surfaced as a guiding force for good
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
Trevor Woods returns to Kings for second season 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