Jeffery ‘Paranormal’ Dumont
For the most prolific pitcher in The Q’s baseball history, it’s focus and technique. It’s how he maintains a 200 pitch count. However, it’s the eyes that tell you why I nicknamed him “Paranormal.” … [Read More...]
In-Depth: Thaddeus Fleeton
G.S. Warrior Coach Kerr, C Festus Azele, Fleeton, GM Bob Meyers and Kings guard Tare Beltranchuc, 2014 Warriors v. Warriors. Thaddeus Fleeton is nicknamed “The Beast” because of his offensive low-post game and his intense physicality defensively. … [Read More...]
An unusual family visit at San Quentin
On the first day of 2020, Marion Wickerd --wife of 1000 Mile Club member Tommy Wickerd—shared a special moment with her husband of 15 years: The Wickerds were spending a family visit together at The Q. However, instead of watching the New Year’s … [Read More...]
The Big One That Got Away
Winning “The Big One” and being successful in a sports career aren’t the same thing. Sound confusing? It’s not. There are players in all sports who have had successful careers, however, they haven’t won “The Big One.” Think of Jim Kelly and … [Read More...]
Hit Squad: “Now? They respect our game”
Anthony Torres (#22) loves sports. In 2019, he formed an SQ Intramural League team called “Free Bands.” Starting 0-4, they didn’t get their first win until they defeated the winless Knicks, coached by Rahsaan ‘New York’ Thomas. After that, the team … [Read More...]
When sports turn an eye toward prison
Scott Budnick, Vivek Ranadive and Trevor Ariza inside Folsom housing block The Sacramento Kings showed love to Folsom State prisoners during a special night of community healing. In a circle within the prison chapel, they shared life experiences … [Read More...]
In-Depth: Charles ‘Pookie’ Sylvester striving to be part of SQ’s sports program
When we are thinking of iconic athletes that have been housed at The Q, there has been only one who has personified what it actually means to be a teammate. Charles Sylvester – also known as Pookie – made his mark in sports at The Q in 2012 when … [Read More...]
Strong turnout and finish for the 13th Annual 1000 Mile Club Marathon
On a clear and crisp Friday morning, 30 of The Q’s 1000 Mile Club members started the race at 8am for 13th Annual SQ Marathon. One of the runners was going to be crowned a champion because the five previous winners were no longer housed at … [Read More...]
SQ News 2019 Sports Writing Team
It takes more than one person to cover all the sporting events that take place weekly at The Q. From celebrities to the weekly volunteers, to the once a year appearances, The Q has events that it takes a team to fully cover. The sports writing team … [Read More...]
In-Depth: From Eastern Europe, Alexandru Singuru
Alex is an Eastern European native of Moldova, and his family migrated to Sacramento when he was ten. He went to Highlands High School, playing volleyball, tennis, soccer and cross country running – his favorite sport. At 15, he started … [Read More...]
Sports Trivia Quiz Winner
By Chris Marshall, Contributing Writer This month’s sports trivia quiz is brought to you by Chris “I Got This” Marshall The only person to get every answer correct over the previous 3 quizzes. Let’s see if you can crack his … [Read More...]
Flag Football Round Up
By Dre’Quinn Johnson, Contributing Writer Play Marin-14 All Madden-40 (1-1) Play Marin, from the local area, came into The Q with 7 players and added a few of the men from the yard to play with them. Riddle-Terrell threw for … [Read More...]
2019 Prison Sports Ministries All Star Winning Coach: Hamisi X. “Ski” Spears
In the 2nd annual SQ All Star Basketball Tournament, Coach Spears – who goes by the name “Ski,” won the title, defeating last years champion, Coach Caesar. Ski is a Old School Hip Hop aficionado, having an in-depth knowledge of rap and hip hop … [Read More...]
Voluntarios promueven el tenis en San Quentin
Por Pedro Espinal Reportero Todos los sábados por la mañana, la cancha de tenis de San Quentin se vigoriza con la presencia de tenistas de ambos sexos que traen y comparten ese deporte con las personas encarceladas, El tenis se juega en la … [Read More...]
San Quentin Athletics: 38-2
The San Quentin A’s finished the regular season at 38-2, having a 33-0 win streak to begin the year. This is the best sporting record at The Q, ever. Below are the San Quentin Athletics coaches, general manager, players and game officials. Anthony … [Read More...]
San Quentin’s 2019 Championship Basketball League Draft
Mekhi “Fly-Khi” Williams was the first pick in San Quentin’s 2019 Championship Basketball League (CBL) draft. “It’s a cool feeling, being picked number one,” Williams said. “Now I gotta show and prove.” Aaron “Showtime” Taylor created the CBL, … [Read More...]
Coco Guaff, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams
Good sportsmanship, among the current millennial generation, is lacking in today’s social media environment. The impact that we have on a person or team that we’ve played hard to defeat, followed by the humility to uplift the defeated as one worthy … [Read More...]
All Madden 0-1 against Michael Vick’s Georgia United team
By Dre’Quinn Johnson Contributing Writer San Quentin’s Flag Football program opened the 2019 season in late September with All Madden playing Georgia United (GU), a team put together by former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports co-host … [Read More...]
In-Depth: Warriors’ Emerald “The Ghost” Kemp-Aikens
By Malik Ali Journalism Guild Writer Emerald “The Ghost” Kemp-AIkens on the court Emerald Kemp-Aikens is a 25-year-old man from Berkeley, Calif. He was on the San Quentin Warriors basketball team and enrolled in the education department in … [Read More...]
La meta no es solo ganar un maratón sino ganar una batalla de vida
Voluntarios y miembros del 1000 Mile Running Club y miembros del Skid Row club de Los Angeles en la Lower Yard de SQ El 1000 Mile Running Club llevo a cabo la octava carrera anual de tres horas de entrenamiento con miras al maratón del mes … [Read More...]
What does Sports @ The Q mean?
Prison Sports Ministries has been involved with the sports program at CSP-SQ for almost 18 years. It began with Pastor Earl Smith and the San Quentin Pirates Baseball Team in 2002. That evolved into the San Quentin Warriors Basketball Team in 2004, … [Read More...]
Cousins get MVP & MOP at I.B.L. All Star Game
Keiandre Arrington and Ronny Murillo are cousins who are housed in West Block at The Q. They both play for the Intramural League team “Hit Squad.” However, in the All-Star game, they played against each other. Murillo scored 32 points, three … [Read More...]
What drives Fidelio?
Fidelio Marin was born in 1970 at the San José farm, near the city of Izucar de Matamoros, Puebla in Mexico. His childhood was one of poverty, limitations, and chores around the house without time to study. Marin grew up without learning how to read … [Read More...]
SQ A’s end streak; 35-2
It was a normal Saturday evening at The Q during an ab- normal baseball season. A team came in for the second game of a double header. Earlier in the day, The A’s won the game by their usual double digit margin. Except, this evening, Au- gust … [Read More...]
Sports Quiz Answers for July, August & September
‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler ‘Downtown’ Freddie Brown Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini Roberto Duran ‘Hands of Stone’ David Klinger ‘The Gun- slinger’ Andy ‘The Red Rifle’ Dalton Pete Rose: ‘Charlie Hustle’ Randy Johnson: ‘The Big Unit’ Roger ‘The … [Read More...]
In Depth: Kenneth Dozier Sr.
Kenneth Dozier Sr. is 49 years old from Los Angeles. He was convicted for attempted murder in 1997 and is serving a 38-to-life sentence, having served 24 years thus far. He and I met on an unusually hot Saturday morning on West Block yard to do … [Read More...]
San Quentin Hardtimers Round Up
Prison Sport Ministries, 16 vs. SQ Hardtimers, 23 Hardtimer Oscar Acost swinging away Prison Sport Ministries took an early lead against the Hard- timers, and fell 23-16 in the end. Richard Zorns led the way with a home run in the bottom of … [Read More...]
Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
Judge Craig Mitchell with Coach Frank Ruona (back) An award winning coach, a humanitarian judge, and two former San Quentin residents came together at The Q July 20, 2019 to participate in the 2nd Annual Skid Row Running Club One Hour San … [Read More...]
The other “Jerry Brown” offers some insight
Jerry Brown is the head coach of the Intramural League team Hit Squad. Before Brown arrived, the team was a group of players that didn’t have any direction. After he agreed to coach the team, he taught them the fundamentals of playing a 2-3 zone … [Read More...]
A competitive spirit reigned during the Fourth of July celebration at SQ
San Quentin’s Lower Yard opened on Independence Day to a carnival-like event that kept hundreds of prisoners entertained all day. A Christian coalition of young incarcerated men, Graced Out Ministries, sponsored the festivities. “The idea was to … [Read More...]
The ReBirth of Cool
The United States Women’s Soccer team are champions of the world again. It’s the fourth time. ’91, ’99, ’15 and ’19. Their co-captain, Meagan Rapinoe, is the coolest of them all. No, not the Swaggiest, she’s the Coolest. Meagan Rapinoe … [Read More...]
Imago Dei routs the Warriors … but our very own G. Derrick is the star
George Derrick and Leonard King From a wheelchair on the sidelines, Leonard King got to watch veteran San Quentin Warrior Allan McIntosh put up 32 points but still fall short to Imago Dei, 119-102. King got to attend the game because Inmate … [Read More...]
Correr le ayuda a superar la vida en prisión
Fidelio Marin corriendo detrás de Markelle Taylor Fidelio Marin nació en 1970 en el ejido San José, cerca de Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla en México, y su niñez fue muy parecida a la de otros niños de su pueblo, con pobreza, limitaciones y … [Read More...]
Reñido partido entre SQ Earthquakes y el equipo de administración de SJ Earthquakes
El equipo visitante con los Earthquakes de SQ en la cancha de fútbol de San Quentin Los representantes del equipo de fútbol profesional San Jose Earthquakes visitaron por cuarta vez en dos años la Prisión Estatal de San Quentin para enfrentar a … [Read More...]
The A’s Are Undefeated 17-0!
Robert Polzin on the mound at San Quentin I have a lot of opinions about sports, especially on the professional and collegiate level. However, I’m going to use this opportunity to talk about a team inside The Q. For the past several seasons, … [Read More...]
Eddie Hart returns to The Q
Ralph Ligons and Eddie Hart at San Quentin, 2017 Since 2012, the 1000 Mile Running Club honors Olympic Gold Medalist Eddie Hart with an annual track meet on the lower yard at SQ. This year Eddie Hart is honored to see his old friend, Ralph Ligons, … [Read More...]
Fidelio Marin comes in 1st in the 10-MileRun
Fidelio Marin On a sunny Friday morn- ing in mid May, the 1000 Mile Club completed their 4th annual 10-mile run. Fedilio Marin once again took an aggressive pace as he ran 5:59 for his opening mile and 12:05 for his first two miles. This … [Read More...]
In the KidCat Softball game, everyone is a winner
Brandon Riddle-Terrell Two teams of young offenders launched their Kid CAT softball festival with smiles and laughter and a 17-4 score. “The same skills used in softball are the same skills applied by the Kid CAT organization, such as when working … [Read More...]
Sports Quiz
Test your knowledge of sports players by matching them to their nicknames. Names: Marvin Hagler Freddie Brown Ray Mancini Roberto Duran David Klinger Andy Dalton Pete Rose Randy Johnson Roger Staubach Fran Tarkenton Stacey Augman Chauncey … [Read More...]
Kings & Warriors Round Up
SQ KINGS 5/25/2019 The Outsiders lose 82-60, moving to a .600 winning percentage at 3-2. SQW was led by Emerald ‘The Ghost’ Kemp-Aikens with 14pts 11rbs 7asts and 4stls, followed closely by Allan ‘PTSB’ McIntosh with 13pts 7rbs 2asts and 3stls. Image … [Read More...]
In Depth: Helder Alveraaz
Helder Alveraaz Helder Alveraaz, 42, is one of the better defenders in the intramural basketball league at San Quentin, is also proficient in other sports, as I found out in the following interview. I recently caught up with him while he was … [Read More...]
The documentary Q Ball premieres at San Quentin
Members of the San Quentin general population, Heist Projects and CNN watching Q Ball. “My first visit to The Q with the Warriors was an experience I will never forget” On a rainy Wednesday evening in the middle of May, Q Ball premiered in the … [Read More...]
In depth with All Madden Football’s Dwight Kennedy
Dwight Kennedy Dwight Kennedy, 45 years old, from San Diego, was convicted of Possession of a Firearm and received 25 years-to-life under the California Three Strikes Act in 1999. As of the date of this interview, he was still awaiting his Prop … [Read More...]
Henderson hits a homer in San Quentin on her first pitch
Emily Henderson Emily Henderson, on her first visit to San Quentin State Prison to play softball, hit a 300ft home run into left field. She set a record as the first woman to ever hit a home run in softball at The Q. Henderson, a high … [Read More...]
California NFL Draft Picks
National Football league OAKLAND RAIDERS 1st Round: #4 Colin Ferrell DE Clemson #24 Josh Jacobs RB Alabama #27 Jonathan Abram S Mississippi State 2nd Round: #40 Trayvon Mullen CB Clemson 4th Round: #106 Maxx Crosby DE Eastern … [Read More...]
Did he really say that? Nick Bosa's tweet about Colin Kaepernick
So, the #2 overall first round draft pick, defensive end Nick Bosa, as a high school student, supported then candidate Donald J. Trump. Is that bad? No, of course not. There are many people who supported then candidate Trump, who just wanted to … [Read More...]
Reñido partido de futbol entre Earthquakes y Outsiders
Outsiders Dario Abramskehn breakaway Desde muy temprano se sintió el ambiente amistoso en el parque deportivo de San Quentin State Prison (SQSP). Los integrantes del equipo de futbol los “San Quentin Earthquakes” se prepararon para recibir al … [Read More...]
SQ Kings & SQ Warriors Round Up
SQ Warrior on tip-off game SAN QUENTIN KINGS SQ Kings records: 1-3 .250 4/22/2019: In the fourth game of the season, the SQ Kings loss to The Bittermen 60-54. The Bittermen were lead once again by Ryan “The Rifleman” Steer, who dropped 20 pts, and … [Read More...]
Throwback Pic from the Q June 1980 Handball Champions
Ronnie Acosta and Juan Gomez Ronnie Acosta and Juan Gomez … [Read More...]
San Quentin A’s Season Opener
Lt. Sam Robinson receiving his Ahtletics’ jersey With 2 ceremonial pre- game pitches, one by an octogenarian, and a national anthem complete with the presentation of the Stars and Bars, the San Quentin Athletics opened their season with a 16-3 … [Read More...]
Jack ‘Big Body Benz’ Benford Student Athlete of the Month
Jack Benford Jack ‘Big Body Benz’ Benford has been a sports staple at The Q since his arrival from CTF-Soledad in November 2011. He began his sports career at The Q with the All- Madden team. “All Madden Flag Football was kind of soft here,” … [Read More...]
San Francisco Glens vence a los Earthquakes de San Quentin 8 a 2
Jugadores de SF Glens y SQ Terremotos muestran compañerismo después del juego El equipo de San Francisco Glens puso una extraordinaria goliza a los Earthquakes de San Quentin en un partido en el que los jugadores de ambos bandos trataron a toda … [Read More...]
“The Facets of Markelle: Past, Present and Future”
Markel For the last several years, Markelle Taylor has become synonymous with the San Quentin 1000 Mile Running Club. Now that he has completed the Boston Marathon, and is off to conquer the world of competitive running, it seems like a good … [Read More...]
Shocking 3-0 victory for the Earthquakes
The Quakes scored their first victory of the season, crushing the Outsiders 3-0. On April 30, the Outsiders walked into the SQ field with a squad of 16 players for their second match of the sea- son. After being warmly welcomed, each team … [Read More...]
Physical Education teachers meet at The Q to hear about rehabilitation through sports
Physical Education (Recreational Coordinator) instructors from various CDCR institutions visited San Quentin on March 12 to check out The Q’s recreational program and see if any of it can be replicated at their institution. The group of 10 … [Read More...]
Sports Pic’s Around The Q
Sports Pic’s Around The Q
Rookie members of the San Francisco 49ers, 2014 All Madden Football 11-3-18 … [Read More...]
SQ Student-Athlete of the Month: Jason Robinson
Robinson and Warriors Power Forward, Draymond Green Jason “The Panamanian Panther” Robinson has played for both the SQ Warriors and Kings. He’s coached a team (No Fair Ones) to a championship in the half-court 38-and-over Championship … [Read More...]
Finding freedom on the field with soccer on Lower Yard
San Quentin earthquakes Fútbol Club 2019 Aguilar in a game against Team Black Oscar ‘Flaco’ Aguilar is a member of the San Quentin Earthquakes Soccer Club. He was convicted of murder and given a life sentence, how- ever, he’s eligible for early … [Read More...]
Various Bay Area clubs represented for Lower Yard tennis opener
Paul Oliver (L), Paul Alleyne (R) and tennis club members The opening day of the 2019 Tennis schedule could not have been better. The outside visitors from Bay area tennis clubs once again expressed their tennis camaraderie and friendship with the … [Read More...]
Former US National Team Captain scores Hat Trick against the Earthquakes
Former 2006 U.S. National Soccer team captain Jimmy Conrad having fun at SQ Lower Yard Former 2006 U.S. National Soccer team captain Jimmy Conrad scored three goals in the San Francisco Glens 8-2 victory over the SQ Earthquakes. “I haven’t had a … [Read More...]
Hall of Fame baseball player offers support to a childhood friend
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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, … [Read More...]
Oldest starting San Quentin Kings player still has it
Oris “Pep” Williams trying to block Ryan William’s shot At 57 years old, Oris “Pep” Williams is one of the oldest players on the San Quentin Kings and one of the best. For him, basketball has been life changing. “I love the camaraderie of … [Read More...]
SQ All-Madden Football making best of short season
SQ All-Madden Football On Nov. 3 the home team gave the Chosen a 44-20 beat down worthy of crime-scene tape. All Madden and Chosen “San Quentin has absolutely no shortage of athletes to fill the roster but this year has been difficult getting … [Read More...]
Green Team recruits two men off the yard to beat Warriors
A road closure left the Green Team with only five players, including the 65-year old Don Smith, for a full court game schedule against the San Quentin Warriors, so they picked up two guys off the prison yard and won 99-92. “I was worried coming in … [Read More...]
New SQ Athletic Association sees sports as a rehab program
Brian Assey Brandon Riddel-Terrell For decades, sports at San Quentin involving outside community members have been separate recreational programs. Now two incarcerated men have a vision to unite the platforms under one banner – the San Quentin … [Read More...]
Apply Pressure win Intramural Basketball League Championship
a “We came together,” Coach Sholly Kehinde said after winning the finals over the Dream Team. This year was his first time as a head coach of an Intramural League basketball team. The Intramural League follows a format similar to the NBA. … [Read More...]
El deporte es un medio de rehabilitación para los prisioneros
Michael PulidoJuan Alfredo Navarro “El béisbol me ha ayudado a mantenerme alejado de los acciones disciplinarias (115’s), comentó Juan Alfredo Navarro de 31 años, quien actualmente se encuentra en la Prisión de San Quentin cumpliendo una … [Read More...]
Rival teams join forces for All-Star basketball game
Wives, fathers, girlfriends, sons, fiancés, brothers, and old friends surrounded an outdoor basketball court bordered by barbwire to experience the community atmosphere at San Quentin State Prison during its first annual All-Star game. The team … [Read More...]
Los Outsiders siguen invictos contra el equipo B de SQ
Con una genialidad del goleador Jared Berastein, los Outsiders confirmaron su supremacía sobre el equipo “B” de San Quentin al derrotarlos 3-2. Eran las 9:30 de la mañana cuando el escuadrón de los Outsiders hizo acto de presencia en la Prisión de … [Read More...]
Canceled All-Madden game turned into flag football scrimmage
The All-Madden flag foot- ball 2018 season kick off with a scheduling conflict. When the outside team didn’t come in, the game turned into an All-Madden offense verses defense scrimmage. The offense scored six touchdowns — the defense had two … [Read More...]
Husband and wife coaches motivate runners to finish three-hour race
Running on a track with six 90 degree turns is hard on a runner’s body, but the 1000 Mile track Club runners made it look easy as they did the three hour race on October 5th. “Alright Michael,” Coach Diana Fitzpatrick said as Michael Ybarra ran at … [Read More...]
Los Angeles Running Club races at San Quentin
Known for running marathons around the world with homeless people, Judge Craig Mitchell visited a state prison with about 20 other runners for a race with the San Quentin 1000 Mile Running Club. “This was an experience none of us will ever … [Read More...]
SQ Earthquakes keep clean sheet in 2-0 win over the Outsiders
Acting as goal keeper for the San Quentin Earthquakes, Don Spence kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over the visiting Outsider soccer team. “This is the first game all year we haven’t scored,” soccer program sponsor Andrew Crawford said after … [Read More...]
San Quentin alumni returned for baseball season finale
The red-hot San Quentin A’s baseball team wrapped up their season with a fierce battle against an alumni in late October. After 20 years, Brain McGrath walked back into San Quentin with his Fresno HardCor team. The game ended with a stunning finish, … [Read More...]
Old fashion baseball revived on the Lower Yard
The San Quentin baseball program was transported back to 1886 to close out its season. The Bay Area’s Vintage Baseball League transformed San Quentin’s Field of Dreams with old-time uniforms and baseball mitts resembling gardening gloves. Old … [Read More...]
Runner’s challenge to track club record stymied by alarms
A 40-minute disturbance at San Quentin State Prison blew incarcerated runner Eddie Herena’s chance to take back first place in the 1000 Mile Running Club’s two- hour race Sept. 7. “It would have been the ideal ending to my difficult but triumphant … [Read More...]
Prison Sports Ministry PSM edges Hardtimers, 36-34
On a picture-perfect Sept. 9 day, the Prison Sports Ministry (PSM) softball team finally got to celebrate a second victory by defeating the San Quentin Hardtimers, 36-34. The Hardtimers had triumphed in five of the last six meetings. “It was a great … [Read More...]
San Quentin Warriors take visiting Lincoln Hill in overtime
The visiting Lincoln Hill basketball team took the San Quentin Warriors into over- time but fell short, 77-66. “Great game; one of the best games we had,” Lincoln Hill center Dominique Thompson said. “A lot of lead changes—tight until the … [Read More...]
Seattle spend 4 days with A’s on the Lower Yard
Nicole S. grounded out to the pitcher, but she made history. Accompanying a Seattle baseball team on a visit, Nicole became the first woman ever to bat a hardball at San Quentin State Prison, which was established in 1854. Holding her baseball bat … [Read More...]
Kings reign unseated by Outsiders basketball team
Over the Labor Day weekend, several basketball players from different Prison Sports Ministry teams teamed up for a game against the San Quentin Kings and won 76-74. “It was tough because everybody had to learn how to play with each other,” Outsider … [Read More...]
A’s triumph over LA Bulldogs in doubleheader
The visiting Southern California Bulldogs ran into a red hot San Quentin A’s baseball team in an Aug. 25 double- header that was described as “magical,” even though the hitters dominated the pitchers. In game one, Bulldog Jake Garvey smacked a … [Read More...]
San Jose Earthquake staffers can kick it on Lower Yard
Quentin fell to the Quakes, 3-1, Sep. 11, the second meeting since the San Jose club joined the prison’s soccer program earlier this year. “Success is not about winning; it’s about learning and improving,” SQ forward, Jonathan Rivas said. Rivas is … [Read More...]
Running principles apply inside and outside the classroom
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, … [Read More...]
S.Q. Warriors take trophy back
The San Quentin Warriors won again! For the second straight year, the prison’s premiere basketball team beat the Golden State Warriors squad of staffers 93-85 in a community atmosphere that featured NBA-playoff intensity. The victory had particular … [Read More...]
San Jose Earthquakes – EQs visitan SQ
El Equipo Profesional De Futbol San Jose Earthquakes Visita la Prisión de San Quentin. Los representantes del equipo de fútbol profesional San José Earthquakes (EQs) aceptaron la oportunidad para hacer vibrar el campo de fútbol de la Prisión … [Read More...]
SQ Warriors team up on Imago for 98-84 win
People on the sidelines often criticize San Quentin Warriors head coach Rafael Cuevas, but his team played like a well-oiled machine in a 98-84 victory over the visiting Imago Dei basketball squad. “When Bear told me I was going to get this job, I … [Read More...]
SQ Hardtimers over Prison Sports Ministry, 25-22
In a close match, the San Quentin Hardtimers beat the Prison Sports Ministry softball team in a nine-inning game, 25- 22. The last time Prison Sports Ministry (PSM) players tested their faith on the San Quentin softball field, they came up short. The … [Read More...]
SQ A’s down Sonoma Birds
The visiting Sonoma Birds locked horns with the San Quentin A’s baseball team in an Aug. 22 defensive battle. The Birds, however, fell to the home squad 7-3, after a late inning meltdown. “These guys are good,” said Steve Solis, Birds head coach. … [Read More...]
San Jose Earthquakes shake it up at Quentin, 4-1
Representatives from the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team jumped at the chance to shake the field at San Quentin State Prison and left with much more than a 4-1 victory over the home team. “Soccer is more than a sport,” SQ player/coach Tare “Cancun” … [Read More...]
Kings over Shoe Palace basketball team, 86-68
The San Quentin Kings, who normally play teams visiting from the Bay Area on Saturdays, played a special game on Sunday, Aug. 12, against Shoe Palace, from the Coast Side – Half Moon Bay, in Pacifica. The Kings won 86-68. The victory improved the … [Read More...]
Counting 52 laps at 1000 mile club race
Twenty-eight 1000 Mile Running Club runners started the Ninth Annual San Quentin Half Marathon under blue skies on a beautiful August 10 day, while community volunteers kept track of every lap. Twenty-one men completed the full 52-1/2 laps around the … [Read More...]
Casey Affleck and LA Love split doubleheader
It was a star-studded event on San Quentin’s Field of Dreams as the visiting L.A. Love baseball team did battle against the home team A’s. Oscar award-winner Casey Affleck, actor and producer, returned and added retired NFL quarterback Matt Moore to … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Valley Boys teach Warriors to guide loss into power
The Valley Boys, nine basketball players from Marin, came into San Quentin and beat the Warriors 81-75 in a thrilling game that came down to a blocked shot and last-minute turnovers. “It was awesome, a good opportunity for everyone to have fun,” said … [Read More...]
SQ soccer team looks good losing
Dressed in brand-new San Quentin soccer jerseys, the A-Team came back from a two-goal deficit against the visiting Outsiders, but lost in penalty kicks, 7-4. “This is another part of the program developing,” sponsor Andrew Crawford said about the new … [Read More...]
SQ soccer extends winning streak
With new talent added to its roster, San Quentin’s revamped soccer team extended its winning streak to two games by beating a tough Outsider squad, 3-2, June 21. “Our plan was to attack on offense and pressure the ball on defense,” SQ team captain … [Read More...]
Kings basketball team survives Outsider rally, 71-70
At halftime, the visiting Outsider basketball team was losing 40-25 against the San Quentin Kings, but they came back to within two points in the fourth quarter and missed three chances to win the game. “We turned it up!” Outsider guard Brandon … [Read More...]
Father-and-son team sweeps A’s 10-8, 13-3
Victory, a baseball team made up of fathers and sons from Southern California, ventured into San Quentin State Prison for a doubleheader against the A’s and lived up to their name. They won the morning game, 10-8, and the evening game, 13-3, on a day … [Read More...]
Eddie Hart shares his gold medal experiences
Eddie Hart, a 1972 Olympic gold medalist, likes to go where he feels the love. He returned to San Quentin State Prison July 20 for the 11th annual Eddie Hart-Ralph Ligons Track Meet to share his time, story and running tips. “When I first came here, … [Read More...]
A’s shipwreck Sacramento Pirates seniors, 8-4
Strong pitching by the San Quentin A’s easily knocked off the visiting Sacramento Pirates 8-4 in a late July contest. The game marks the first visit for the Pirates, who are part of the Sacramento Senior Men’s League for those 35 and over. “I’ve … [Read More...]
SQ Warriors lose a squeaker to ex-pros, 70-66
The San Quentin Warriors hung with a Green Team stacked with former pro basketball players but their valiant effort fell short in the final minute of a 70-66 loss. “They’re good,” Evan Fjeld, who played for the NBA D-League and led the Green Team … [Read More...]
SQ Kings give Stanford team the business, 54-50
Several graduate students from the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) tried their hand at basketball against the San Quentin Kings 40-and-over team. The Kings outmaneuvered them to a 54-50 victory. “When they heard about the games here, they … [Read More...]
Quentin soccer loses to Outsiders…but still smiling
The San Quentin Soccer B-team was shut out 4-0 by the visiting Outsiders, but the players were still smiling because the soccer program has grown enough to have two teams. New volunteers have lined up to play and even coach. “Thanks for a great … [Read More...]
Hardtimers softball team rallies over Prison Sports Ministry
The Prison Sports Ministry softball team jumped out to an early lead but the San Quentin Hard Timers rallied back to win 18 to 11. In the 1st inning of the June 17 game, Prison Sports Ministry took a 5 to 3 lead. Three year veteran Tyler Moore of the … [Read More...]
Champion running coaches honored at San Quentin
A night of training runs for the 1000 Mile Club at San Quentin turned into an opportunity to honor coaches Diana Fitzpatrick and Dylan Bowman for their accomplishments and dedication to the program. After serving three and half years as a volunteer … [Read More...]
A’s spilt double-header with Dodgertown visitors
A sea of Dodger blue jerseys entered hostile white-and-green A’s territory June 9. The visiting Los Angeles Dodgertown baseball team traveled hundreds of miles to battle the San Quentin A’s in an annual doubleheader. In the first game, Dodgertown … [Read More...]
St. Mary’s Alumnis score 59 on SQ Warriors
Despite 27, turnovers, two St. Mary’s College Alumni combined for 59 points to lead the visiting Imago Dei basketball team to a 90-84 victory over the San Quentin Warriors. “It’s bigger than basketball,” Warriors Coach Rafael Cuevas said. “I … [Read More...]
SQ A’s nearly shutout Rockies
The San Quentin A’s nearly shut out the visiting Rockies, beating them 13-1, by playing as a team. “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. It’s a team sport, and we play for each other,” A’s Short Stop Brandon Terrell, who … [Read More...]
New cleats help SQ soccer team win 10-7
The San Quentin Soccer A-Team beat the visiting Outsiders 10-7 and you can blame it all on the goalie. Sponsor Andrew Crawford, who played goalie for the Outsiders, arranged for a donation of cleats for the inside guys. Before the cleats, San … [Read More...]
Fasting doesn’t slow Muslim participants in race
The 1000 Mile Club held a 10-mile race during the holy month of Ramadan. Several Muslims competed, including Bruce Wells, who managed to finish, although far behind Markelle Taylor, who took first place. “All glory to Allah, I was able to finish,” … [Read More...]
Club Mexico baseball team spilt double headerm
The San Quentin A’s baseball team spilt a double header with the visiting Club Mexico who traveled from Stockton to do battle for its third year. Club Mexico dominated the first game winning 10-5, but the A’s smoked Club Mexico in the late afternoon … [Read More...]
University of San Francisco visits SQ's Tennis Team
The University of San Francisco Tennis team loves returning to prison – not in handcuffs, but to visit with the San Quentin Inside Tennis Team. “It’s always good to come back and share with those who love the sport,” USF tennis team player Paul … [Read More...]
University Pacific visits SQ's Tennis Team
Students from the University of Pacific Tigers Tennis program came into San Quentin for a second time to play the SQ Inside Tennis Team (ITT). San Quentin’s Earl Williams teamed up with Orlando Harris began the first match. They served the ball … [Read More...]
Tennis helps SQ lifer cope with missing his daughter
Tennis is a complex rehabilitative sport. You have to return the ball that is served. But, there are hundreds of ways to hit the ball, and there are a thousand places it could land. For an incarcerated father, it’s a metaphor for life. Paris Williams … [Read More...]
Warriors nail season opener with defense, 60-59
The San Quentin Warriors won their season opener over the Green Team 60-59 with a clutch turnaround jumper in the face of a defender, a lot of help from their bench and closeout defense. “This game was all defense,” said Warrior Tevin “Cutty” … [Read More...]
Ultra runner see parallels between cancer and prison
Members of San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Club ran as many miles as they could in one hour in preparation for a marathon in November. As the usual cast of characters took first, second and third place, Coach Kevin Rumon shared his thoughts on how running … [Read More...]
San Quentin baseball as Elliot Smith retires
San Quentin opened its 2018 baseball season with both joy and sadness. San Quentin’s A’s defeated the visiting San Francisco Mission 11-8. But the retirement of long-time sponsor Elliot Smith was bittersweet for the free and incarcerated ballplayers. … [Read More...]
Hermanos Unidos wins, 8-0, over SQ soccer team
San Quentin’s B-Team opened its season with an 8-0 loss in a friendly match against U.C. Berkeley’s Hermanos Unidos (United Brothers). Both A and B teams — formally the OGs and Youngsters — have lost five consecutive matches dating back to last … [Read More...]
Father and his sons minister through football
To the Jackson family, it’s about God, fatherhood and football. The three men will get in the mud – literally – to minister to San Quentin prisoners competing in flag football. For the past eight years, Andre, Antoine and their father, Pastor Wayne … [Read More...]
ROOTS Solidarity Run helps spirits of the community
While community volunteers ran in the Oakland Run Festival to raise money for an ethnic studies program at San Quentin State Prison, 33 incarcerated men ran in solidarity with them. The Asian Prisoner’s Support Community (APSC) ran to raise funds for … [Read More...]
The passion of running stretches beyond the prison walls
From the yard inside San Quentin State Prison, Chris Schuhmacher used to look up over the walls at Mt. Tam, thinking one day I’m going to get there. Now on parole, he’s arrived and he continues using the two things that got him through his … [Read More...]
Tennis season at San Quentin
Mill Valley and Lagunites Tennis Club came into SQ opening day San Quentin Tennis team’s opening day matches were a mixture of wins and losses with visiting community participants. Members of the Mill Valley Tennis Club and Lagunitas Tennis Club came … [Read More...]
Tamalpais Runners Club help runners in six-mile race
During a six-mile race, the sun beamed down through the clear blue sky onto the San Quentin yard, making the runners thankful to have new caps donated by the Tamalpais Runners Club. “It was a rough day but I did better than I thought I would do” “I … [Read More...]
SQ Kings look good in loss to Trailblazers
The San Quentin Kings looked good in their pre-season opener. But, they lost the March 24 game 62-53 to the visiting Trailblazers. The Kings took the green-blue outdoor basketball court dressed like professional players in brand-new jerseys, white … [Read More...]
New volunteers to referee games but still face the same complaints
A new cast volunteered to take on one of the toughest jobs at San Quentin—refereeing basketball games. “It’s challenging,” Antonio Manning, new ref and former SQ King, said about refereeing. “You have to deal with different attitudes and … [Read More...]
New soccer season kicks off San Quentin Lower Yard
The visiting Outsiders soccer team out-kicked the San Quentin squad, 5-3, in the season opener. “I’ve been missing San Quentin soccer all winter,” said Outsider Dario Abramskiehn. “There’s a special bunch of guys here.” SQ player Miguel Martinez … [Read More...]
Los Outsiders comienzan la temporada de soccer con el pie derecho
Los Outsiders, equipo visitante de fútbol soccer, vencieron al equipo de San Quentin por 5-3 en el primer juego de la temporada. “Extrañe durante el invierno al equipo de fútbol soccer de San Quentin”, comentó Dario Abramskiehn, del equipo visitante. … [Read More...]
Two NBA players assist Kaepernick in donating
Colin Kaepernick’s political activism continues to generate momentum and controversy. This January, Steph Curry teamed up with the embattled NFL star to help complete his year-long pledge to contribute $1 million to various charities, including … [Read More...]
San Quentin Kings recruit new talent
The talent and hustle displayed during full-court scrimmage basketball games helped coaches of the San Quentin Kings decide who will replace players leaving the prison. “We need to improve in all areas,” Orlando Harris, the King’s head coach, said. … [Read More...]
Formerly incarcerated man helping others on parole
While serving a life sentence, Nighiep Ke Lam promised to help restore the community. Now on parole, despite several struggles, he is keeping that promise. Lam overcame incarceration, deportation, the daily struggle, and other barriers the formerly … [Read More...]
Basketball Graced Out Ministries
An exceptional idea in 2013 inspired San Quentin inmates to find a way to reach out to younger incarcerated men; the result, Graced Out Ministries. “Mother Mardi Ralph Jackson had the vision for something geared to the youth,” said incarcerated … [Read More...]
Record holder reminisces during three mile race
As a chilling wind blew across the prison yard on Feb. 23, members of a running club prepared for a 12-lap race around San Quentin’s lower yard. Some runners stretched and ran laps to warm up, then signed in one by one. At 8:58 a.m., as everyone … [Read More...]
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, … [Read More...]
Retired NFL Player Devon Still visits SQ
Just weeks after Defensive Lineman Devon Still retired from the National Football League at 28 years old, he visited San Quentin State Prison to record an episode for his new podcast, Undefeated. Undefeated features the stories of people who overcame … [Read More...]
‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison
San Quentin Warrior Montrell Vines goes by many nicknames on the basketball court. Some people call him “Mad Defense” for his lockdown dee. Other’s call him “Jack that thing up” for his quick release three-point attempts. His coach, Rafael Cuevas, … [Read More...]
Living the good life after prison
What does it take for a man coming out of prison to be successful in society? It took moral support from community members for formerly incarcerated Nathaniel A. Johnson, support such as that from Pastor Steve “Big Red” Sanderson. “The state … [Read More...]
SQ New Year’s activities
Tournaments held at San Quentin over the holiday weekend secured the winners as champions going into the New Year. The tourneys included Scrabble, tennis, dominoes, handball, three-on-three basketball, soccer, Ping-Pong and horseshoes. Both first and … [Read More...]
Runners renew bonds in the new year
In the name of honoring community, members of the 1000 Mile Club held a half-marathon run on New Year’s Day. “What better way to kick off 2018 than in solidarity,” said Tommy Wickerd, one of the organizers. “It was a good showing. Almost 20 people … [Read More...]
Good luck follows SQ visit
Visiting San Quentin State Prison may be good luck for a professional sports team that wants to win a championship. The San Francisco Deltas soccer team became the third sports organization to experience the magic. On Oct. 24, SF Delta team members … [Read More...]
Final soccer game
The San Quentin Youngsters soccer team was eager for some “get back” against the visiting Hermanos Unidos team but ended the season with another loss. Hermanos Unidos won, 7-5. Two weeks prior, The Youngsters lost 6-5 to Hermanos Unidos. The … [Read More...]
Handball tournament builds camaraderie
San Quentin’s handball court consists of a corridor wall outside a gym entrance, where there is only room for one game at a time. Some of the yard’s best handball players lined up along that wall for the camaraderie of the Thanksgiving Holiday … [Read More...]
Holiday tournament winners
During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, incarcerated people celebrated with tournaments in dominoes, pinochle, chess and three-on-three basketball for granola-bar prizes. “It’s something to do that’s outside the routine,” said Jairo Pedroza, who … [Read More...]
OG soccer team blown out
Christian Cervantes and Nikhil Kanade scored three goals each as their team, The Outsiders, crushed the San Quentin OGs, 10-2, in the OGs’ final match of the season. Jared Bernstein (who scored two goals), Adrian Subercaseaux, and Reid … [Read More...]
USF Tennis Team revives player’s dream
For the San Quentin Inside Tennis Team (ITT), playing tennis on a prison yard with the University of San Francisco Tennis Team is like a reunion, but for newcomer Chester Boddie, the day was like being blessed with a second chance while still … [Read More...]
Trailblazers win, yet end season tied with Kings
The visiting Trailblazers seized the final game of the season with a 74-60 win over the San Quentin Kings. The triumph brought the combined Trailblazer/Bittermen team record to 7-7 against the Kings. The Nov. 18 game was the last for Aubra-Lamont … [Read More...]
Former professional basketball player drops 50 points
Prison Sports Ministry (“Green Team”) overcame the San Quentin Warriors’ surging fourth-quarter comeback and a head referee overturning a foul call to win in double overtime, 90-82. Dan Wohl, a former overseas pro, led the “Green Team” with a career … [Read More...]
Kingdom Warriors win Basketball Championship
Prison Sports Ministry (“Green Team”) overcame the San Quentin Warriors’ surging fourth-quarter comeback and a head referee overturning a foul call to win in double overtime, 90-82. Dan Wohl, a former overseas pro, led the “Green Team” with a career … [Read More...]
H-Unit 3-peats, but Becky trophy confiscated
H-Unit three-peated in the Asian-Pacific Islander Holiday Tournament with a 32-30 win over North Block, the prior three-peat Champions. H-Unit’s Dahvee “Sleep” Sophal iced the game from the free-throw line. In past tournaments, the housing units at … [Read More...]
Runner breaks two records coming in last place
In full view of a film crew, numerous hecklers, fellow runners, ultra runners who coach us and a flock of geese, I, Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, broke two 1000 Mile (running) Club records by completing my first marathon at San Quentin on Nov. 17. The … [Read More...]
All-Madden victorious over The Chosen 27-12
The San Quentin All-Madden flag football team snagged four interceptions, including two in the second half by Jason Jones, to beat The Chosen 27-12. On an overcast Nov. 4 day, All-Madden took the field hungry for a comeback. The week before, The … [Read More...]
San Quentin Kings win in overtime over surging Bittermen
The San Quentin Kings, Age 40-and-Over basketball team won, 87-85 in overtime, after they withstood the visiting Bittermen’s surging comeback from down 15 points. Oris “Pep” Williams led the Kings with 32 points and 16 rebounds. “Too many turnovers; … [Read More...]
Oct’s win for Warriors gave 3-8 record
Tevin Fournette led the San Quentin Warriors to a 75-73 victory over the Prison Sports Ministry’s Green Team, despite a 28-point performance by David Liss. Fournette, back from a high ankle sprain, led the Warriors with 19 points. You could tell it … [Read More...]
Green team comes back with a smash
The visiting Prison Sports Ministry (“Green Team”) basketball team improved to a 9-3 record versus the San Quentin Warriors with a 60-46 win using its former college basketball player talent. But, General Manager Robert “Bishop” Butler remembers when … [Read More...]
Former Raiders quarterback makes his debut on the Lower Yard
Former Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter made his San Quentin debut with the visiting Chosen Sports Ministry flag football team and led them to a 28-20 victory over the SQ All-Madden, in a tense battle. “We are all people,” Walter said. “You have to … [Read More...]
Avenal prison softball championships
Avenal State Prison Coach Eric LaBlanc honored the prison’s sports champions. On Facility C, the Softball League Champions were Valley Fever. “They were better than ever,” Coach LaBlanc said. “The Warriors did a fine job to finish in second … [Read More...]
48 and over team proves they still have it
In a 48-and-over full-court basketball game, several older men, like 50-year-old Brad Shells, who slam dunked with one hand, proved they still have it. Old English beat Fully Loaded, 81-77. “I have a lot of respect for the OGs,” Fully Loaded Coach … [Read More...]
SQ Warriors fall to semi-pros
Semi-Pro basketball talents Josh Hatcher and Teohn Conner combined for 62 points on Sept. 23, in a 104-90 victory over the San Quentin Warriors. Hatcher plays for the Oakland Bayhawks, a semi-pro team. “Nate told me to come,” said Hatcher, who is … [Read More...]
Kings come back to win against military veteran basketball team
The San Quentin Kings basketball team battled back from a four-point deficit with 45 seconds on the clock to defeat the visiting Domiciliary Team. “I’ve been playing basketball for 60 years, and these two games in prisons have been the best-spirited … [Read More...]
Hardtimers do better job after loss to the Diego Brothers
In the season opener, the Diego Brothers softball team torched the San Quentin Hardtimers by 24 runs, but since then the Hardtimers improved. In their last match for the season on Sept. 22, the Diego Brothers won 21-17 after a last-inning Hardtimers … [Read More...]
Crawford helps SQ fútbol program grow
The soccer program at San Quentin is becoming more than a weekly pick-up game played by prisoners; it’s attracting support and competition from beyond the prison’s walls. Since June, the prisoner teams have consistently played games involving the … [Read More...]
Aaron Taylor shows why they call him Showtime on the court
Years ago, Aaron “Showtime” Taylor stood on the sidelines of a prison basketball game and started doing play-by-play a cappella. Now he has co-host Damon L. Cookë , a support crew, and he uses audio equipment borrowed from the state. Plus, this year, … [Read More...]
SQ A’s ends season on high note
The San Quentin A’s premier players Anthony Denard and Branden Terrell whacked big homers to coast past the visiting Bay Area Barons 7-4, ending the season on a high-note. “It’s all about patience, you have to wait on your pitch,” Denard said. “It … [Read More...]
SQN staffers take 2nd and 3rd in three hour run
In the 1000 Mile Three Hour Race, Markelle Taylor took first, and San Quentin News staffers Eddie Herena and Jonathan Chiu took second and third. Chiu surprised many people, including himself, by taking third place ahead of Chris Scull. “It’s all … [Read More...]
San Quentin Warriors victory over Golden State
The Golden State (GS) Warriors are national champions, but after their sixth annual road game behind the walls of San Quentin State Prison. They lost 103-102 despite Bob Myers’ 32 points and 31 rebounds performance. The “home team” celebrated the … [Read More...]
Experience trumps youth once again
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Some incarcerated support 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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
The San Francisco Delta return to SQ for another soccer match
For the second time this summer members of the Delta, San Francisco’s professional soccer club, participated in a match between San Quentin’s two soccer teams: the OGs and the Youngsters. Delta defender, Andrew Lubahu, coached the OGs while Pablo … [Read More...]
Olympic gold medalist visits SQ
The 1972 Olympic Gold Medal winner Eddie Hart shared tips about running and overcoming adversity with the runners of San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Club. “No matter where you are in life, you have to deal with adversity – that’s life,” Hart said. “I trained … [Read More...]
Top 49ers rookies tour prison
Meeting Forty-Niners first-round draft pick Solomon Thomas motivated Deshonnte Jones, 21, an incarcerated standout high school running back, to keep pursuing his NFL dreams. The tour of San Quentin State Prison gave the San Francisco Forty-Niners … [Read More...]
San Francisco Deltas plays fútbol on a prison yard
For the first time in memory, professional soccer club members visited San Quentin Prison for a clinic and game with about two dozen incarcerated players. The owner, general manager, several coaches and active players Cristian Portilla and Tyler … [Read More...]
Suns beat the San Quentin A’s and Giants in double-header
The visiting Santa Monica Suns outshined the San Quentin A’s and Giants baseball teams in an intense double-header. The Suns edged the A’s 14-12 and held off the Giants 15-10. “As a visitor it’s good for you to come here. It helps you remember what’s … [Read More...]
The Green Team beats the new 2017 Warriors, 79-67
The visiting Green Team basketball players encountered something unexpected when they came to San Quentin’s Lower Yard. What they noticed was a youthful bunch of new players for the San Quentin Warriors. Only two older men, Allan McIntosh and Brad … [Read More...]
Sports Ministry sweeps SQ Warriors and Kings
The visiting Prison Sports Ministry’s Green Team swept the San Quentin Warriors and Kings. They beat the Warriors for the third straight time this season, winning 79-76. The Kings fell short at the buzzer, losing 62-59. “The Kings are not as athletic … [Read More...]
Warriors hard-fought battle ends in a loss, 74-72
The San Quentin Warriors fought a hard battle from beginning to the end but they could not overcome the visiting Imago Dei basketball team’s fluid ball movement. There were a lot of exciting plays, blocks, dunks and crossovers, but when it was over, … [Read More...]
Delayed flight did not stop Oscar winner's team Love from coming
A delayed flight and an absent academy award winner did Znot prevent the visiting Los Angeles Love baseball team from torching the San Quentin Giants 15-6. "Manchester By the Sea" Oscar winner, actor and producer Casey Affleck had a prior engagement … [Read More...]
Independent filmmaker documents the lives of the 1000 Mile Club
Independent documentary filmmaker Christine Yoo ventured into San Quentin to film how incarcerated runners in the 1000 Mile Club create a life out of life sentences. When I hit the yard that Friday just after 7 a.m., several fellow runners were … [Read More...]
Sonoma Stompers crush San Quentin All-Stars, 10-4
The San Quentin All-Stars baseball team fought hard against the visiting Sonoma Stompers, but too many mental errors against a professional team caused a 10-4 loss. The 2016 Pacific Association Baseball League champion Stompers opened the game with a … [Read More...]
Richmond Soulful Sunday seeks unity through softball
The visiting Richmond Soulful Sunday’s softball team returned bigger and faster but still couldn’t handle all the big hits from the San Quentin Hardtimers, falling 22-15. Soulful Sunday’s team includes community activists who engage in curbing … [Read More...]
Intramural Basketball League begins 2017 season
In the 2017 Intramural Basketball League season’s first game, Kingdom Warriors beat Them Boyz 79-63 with a surge in the final minutes, despite the 25-point effort of guard Donta Fields. The game kicked off with an announcement that all basketball … [Read More...]
SQ Kings’ improve record with victory over New Guys
The SQ Kings crisp team basketball improved their record to 3-1 with a 77-65 victory over the visiting New Guys coached by Ryan Steer, a man who two years ago wouldn’t reveal his real full name to prisoners. Ryan Williams Steer announced that he … [Read More...]
Hard work and determination helps to improve running records
Thanks to the training of well-known runners from the outside community, members of a San Quentin running club improved their records in the annual one-hour race. Markelle Taylor broke his 2015 One Hour 1,000 Mile Club record but just missed his goal … [Read More...]
A’s lose season opener
In the season opener, a double header, the visiting Club Mexico baseball team outsmarted the San Quentin A’s to win game one 4-2. But a 45-minute alarm ended the game against the San Quentin Giants with Club Mexico up 5-1. The A’s John Windham was … [Read More...]
Tennis season starts in San Quentin
The Inside Tennis Team (ITT) split the matches, 2-2, with an outside guest in the San Quentin Tennis Season opener, where the only thing that mattered was community and having fun. Ronnie Mohamed, the ITT captain since the club started in 2003, … [Read More...]
Rick Barry’s free-throw style didn’t look cool…it just worked
If you saw a man shooting free throws differently than everybody else — like by holding the ball below his waist, crouching down slightly and launching it underhanded or shooting the ball one-handed—you might think they looked weird. However, being … [Read More...]
Graced Out Youth basketball tournament begins
As 30 Black men gathered at half-court on March 25, the noise level in the San Quentin Prison gym dropped. Dwight Kennedy discussed the rules for the basketball game about to begin, including: the first team to score 11 points wins. Then the men … [Read More...]
The young lead the old in Asian championship games
In a San Quentin basketball tournament where the youth were team captains, Team Charlie beat Team Wilson, 30-23. Young men in the Youth Offender Program go to lower-security prisons to serve their time under the mentorship of older men who are group … [Read More...]
Teamwork helps 72-year-old complete six-mile race
More than two dozen members of San Quentin’s running club ran 24 laps around the prison yard in a six-mile race, while a 72-year-old runner showed how coming in last could feel like coming in first. Steve Wilson, 72, was the last runner on the track. … [Read More...]
San Quentin Kings starts off season with a win
In the season opener, the San Quentin Kings senior basketball team mounted a spectacular comeback to defeat the visiting Bitterman in overtime, 76-73. The Kings overcame a 16-point deficit with the solid play of Kings’ new recruits Damon Cooke, … [Read More...]
Warriors’ coach institutes no players left behind policy
On an chilly overcast day, 33 men tried out for the San Quentin Warriors, and none of them were cut from the team. “I love that a lot of people come to try out,” veteran Warrior Montrell “Mad Defense” Vines said. “I ain’t seen this in three … [Read More...]
Spring training brings new talent to the diamond
At least 40 men showed up for the San Quentin baseball spring training tryouts. The veteran players were in rare form, demonstrating their batting and fielding skills. They showed the newcomers the proper baseball mechanics while the outside … [Read More...]
Oliver’s duty to country trumps his childhood dreams
Paul Oliver grew up with dreams of playing in the NBA. When his father, a full-bird colonel, sent him to West Point Military Academy, he ran off. “I didn’t want to go to West Point because I wanted to be in the NBA,” Oliver said. “I had a … [Read More...]
Quarantine staggers 3-Mile Race, changing the results
Skull’s first place was short lived; Taylor gains top spot on second day With West Block locked down, this year’s 1000 Mile Club three-mile race happened on two different days. Chris Skull took first place in the initial three-mile race with a time … [Read More...]
Commissioner’s addiction won’t affect Intramural League season
‘I regret letting a lot of people down who counted on me. Now I’m clean’ Last year’s San Quentin Intramural Basketball League ended in controversy after the commissioner missed several games due to disciplinary issues tied to drug addiction. … [Read More...]
Warriors’ guard turns coach
Cuevas’s new post is ‘Great new beginning’ After five years of leading his team from the point guard position, Rafael Cuevas is now the head coach of the San Quentin Warriors. “Great new beginning,” said Warriors backup center Donte Smith. The former … [Read More...]
SQ Kings search for new talent in tryouts
Older men made up the new talent trying out for the San Quentin Kings’ 40 and over basketball team. On Jan. 28 and 29, the Kings held tryouts for the 2017 season schedule that begins March 11 against the Bittermen. Bittermen Coach Ted Saltviet … [Read More...]
SQ aims to share fútbol’s worldwide growth
The Federal Internacional Football Association is adding 16 new teams to its international soccer tournament. Meanwhile, soccer players at San Quentin hope their 2017 season expands to playing more than just one outside team. FIFA currently has teams … [Read More...]
Looking back on the history of SQ baseball
Kent Philpott and Earl Smith played leading roles When you talk about San Quentin baseball history, you cannot leave out 75-year-old coach and sponsor of the old San Quentin Pirates, Kent Philpott, who took over the team in 1997. Philpott played … [Read More...]
Barnes rekindles his sports passion while pursuing coding.
In most prisons, you won’t find a tennis court, mini-college campus, Microsoft Certification, coding program or a newspaper written and run by incarcerated men, as you do at San Quentin. Robert Barnes, 54, took a class to learn how to play tennis in … [Read More...]
Pastor brings more than just sports to inmates
Even when Pastor Miguel Rodriquez (CQ) was recovering from surgery for a burst appendix in 2015, he stayed involved with the Prison Sports Ministry. From his sick bed he recruited teams to visit the prison. For 10 years Pastor Rodriquez has been a … [Read More...]
First place in handball wins more than granola bars
On Christmas Eve, four pairs of handball players met in the alley on San Quentin Prison’s Lower Yard to compete in a holiday tournament for granola bar prizes. “The prize doesn’t so much matter; it’s coming out here for the fellowship and being part … [Read More...]
The 2016 SQ Warrior’s losing season still a win
The San Quentin Warriors started the 2016 season with high expectations. They recruited new talent, including a former Memphis University player, but ended the season 5-8 against Christian Sports Ministry, their worst record in years, yet they are … [Read More...]
North Block keeps Becky after Christmas tournament
A slow start, a late opposing West Block team surge, a closed gym and playing outdoors in cold weather didn’t stop North Block from barely three-peating in the Asian-Pacific Islander Holiday Basketball Tournament where the prize was keeping the Becky … [Read More...]