Remembering Vin Scully: Legendary voice of the Dodgers dies at 94
Vincent Edward Scully, affectionately known to the world as Vin Scully, passed away on Aug. 2, 2022. He was famously known as the sportscaster for Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers since the 1950s, when the franchise was in Brooklyn, … [Read More...]
SQ sports program speaks the language of self-help
San Quentin sports programs produce many replay-worthy highlights, and while everybody has their personal favorites, the size of the crowd for each suggests a ranking order. Judging by the size of the crowds, sports enthusiasts’ top sports team … [Read More...]
BASKETBALL COMES BACK TO THE Q
The San Quentin (SQ) Warriors finally faced fresh competition on Aug. 13 as the first outside basketball team came in for a scrimmage after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The Lower Yard was filled with sports activity on that sunny day, but it … [Read More...]
TIER TALK: Life-long boxing enthusiast Raymond Estrada reflects on coaching
One of San Quentin’s oldest sports is boxing, but the sport is not practiced here anymore due to its violent reputation. However, the residents can still use the punching bag and get training from some of the prison’s self-proclaimed boxing coaches, … [Read More...]
Los Angeles Sparks: First WNBA team to hit 500 wins
Sports history was written this past summer when the L.A. Sparks took down the Dallas Wings 97–89 to secure the team’s 500th win, making it the winningest team in WNBA history. What makes this accomplishment even more historic is the fact that … [Read More...]
FIRST 5K HELD AT THE Q SINCE COVID
A 5K-run was held at San Quentin in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic to celebrate overcoming hardships due to program modifications and restrictions and commemorate those who were lost during the outbreaks, which have changed the prison and the … [Read More...]
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: CHAMPS RETURN TO THE Q
The Golden State Warriors, champions of the NBA, sent members of their organization to San Quentin to support the incarcerated population and resume their basketball rivalry with the San Quentin Warriors. The visiting team won the Sept. 16 game, … [Read More...]
LV Raiders made history with first Black female president
The Las Vegas Raiders has made history by hiring the first African American female as its franchise president. Sandra Douglas Morgan, 44, has only been hired for a short time as president, but she is not new to football and business … [Read More...]
U.S. Tennis Association returns to The Q
Members of the San Quentin Tennis Club slapped rackets against tennis balls in a series of matches against outside volunteers in August for the first time since the pandemic let up. Pat Leog, Janie McCauley, Margie Moran and her 19-year-old son, … [Read More...]
Basketball world loses another legend
Legendary Boston Celtics Center Bill Russell passes at age 88 The professional sports world has lost the legendary Bill Russell, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He died July 31 at the age of 88 after reports of … [Read More...]
Volunteers flood The Q for day of fun and games
After two-and-a-half years of on-and-off COVID-19 lockdowns, volunteers flooded the San Quentin (SQ) Lower Yard in late August to play sports with the incarcerated in a day filled with emotion, competition, and fun. Warden Ronald Broomfield … [Read More...]
BREAKING BARRIERS: Mike Grier makes history as the NHL’s first Black GM
The general manager of the San Jose Sharks, Mike Grier, 47, made the history books by becoming the hockey team’s first Black general manager after spending almost two decades in the league. Grier is not the first Black player to ever have graced … [Read More...]
SQ athletes prove the power of perseverance through Covid setbacks
Since this COVID era began and hit the San Quentin population with its brutal force and unrelenting prominence, sports at The Q have been a missed presence on the Lower Yard. Normally there would be all sorts of games happening — baseball, … [Read More...]
THE LOWER YARD MISSES HER ATHLETES
Since 2020, San Quentin’s Lower Yard has been transformed into a veritable ghost town due to multiple quarantine lockdowns, on-again-off-again programming, and the day-to-day uncertainty of the Covid era. Bereft of the enthusiasm and spirited energy … [Read More...]
SQ A’s continue tryouts despite Covid setbacks
The crack of the bat deafened the sound of the gun range as the San Quentin baseball diamond auditioned residents for the San Quentin A’s team’s 27th consecutive season. During spring tryouts, the prison fell victim to COVID-19. Players and … [Read More...]
TEIR TALK – Michael Pulito and Lamar Paschall on their new roles in SQ softball
The San Quentin Hard Timers softball team has been rocking balls across the SQ Field of Dreams for decades now. One man’s journey from being the equipment manager to becoming the now general manager of the team is a story within itself to make the … [Read More...]
SPORTS MEMORIAM: Fast-pitch softball Hall-of-Famer Joan Joyce
Hall of Fame fast-pitch softball legend Joan Joyce died on March 26 at the age of 81 in Boca Raton, Florida. Joyce was named one of the best softball pitchers of all time, according to The New York Times. She won the World Series of women’s … [Read More...]
FREE BRITTNEY GRINER
Sports communities across the nation campaign in support of WNBA star’s release More support is needed to free WNBA All Star Brittney Griner, who is locked up in a Russian prison for a cannabis violation, reported the Daily Beast. She has been … [Read More...]
San Quentin athletes suffer during sports lockdowns
You can count the incarcerated athletes of San Quentin among those who will be the happiest whenever “normal” programming resumes. The ongoing COVID saga is putting the hurt on them in more ways than one – from their practices and games, to … [Read More...]
FRESH OFF THE PRESS: Wall City magazine’s special Sports & Rehabilitation edition
It has been a long time coming, but the SQNEWS Wall City Sports Magazine is finally here! It’s an exciting time for sports lovers at San Quentin and around the prison system so they can see themselves represented in a rehabilitative … [Read More...]
The Golden State Warriors: More than just champions
The Golden State Warriors pulled off their 4th championship win within eight years. But to those at the San Quentin, the GSW are more to them than just NBA Champs. Incarcerated resident Kelley E. said, “To pull off four national championships … [Read More...]
Q&A with new IBL commissioner Jamal Green
At the time of this interview San Quentin prison was on quarantine because of COVID. I had the opportunity to catch up with the new commissioner of the Intramural Basketball League (IBL), Jamal Green, and get his thoughts on what he plans to do with … [Read More...]
DUB NATION RISES AGAIN!
Golden State Warriors add another championship to their glorious dynasty While the Golden State Warriors were stomping over the court when they won the 2022 NBA Championship against the Boston Celtics, 103 – 90, fans at San Quentin were stomping … [Read More...]
Milwaukee Bucks share trophy with prisoners
The Milwaukee Bucks, two-time NBA Championship winners, shared their Larry O’Brien Championship trophy with the incarcerated residents of the Milwaukee County House of Corrections, USA TODAY reports. Just like the Golden State Warriors, who … [Read More...]
Intramural basketball kicks off at the Q
San Quentin’s Intramural B-Ball League kicked off on a hot Sunday morning on the Lower Yard with a tight-scoring contest. The SQ Celtics triumphed narrowly, 45-43, over the SQ Bulls, as known for their Islamic name, Deen Al-Haqq. It was … [Read More...]
SQ athletes, fitness buffs find innovative ways to stay in shape
Athletes at San Quentin are finding alternate ways to get physically fit and maintain their health while doing their time in prison. And guys miss the camaraderie that heavy lifting brings. Some residents use just about anything they can find … [Read More...]
ALL-MADDEN TRYOUTS TAKE THE FIELD
San Quentin’s All-Madden Football team got cracking for tryouts on April 15 and Head Coach Brian Underwood and Defensive Captain Jermaine Gurley were not making tryouts easy on the Madden hopefuls with their workout regimen. “I’m not going to … [Read More...]
TIER TALK: Talking tennis with Hung Pham and James Duff
Tennis at The Q has helped Hung Pham and James Duff find themselves, all while building their friendship and confidence in the sport they both love. Pham, 42, and Duff, 40, have been at The Q since exiting the prison transportation bus only months … [Read More...]
The NBA’s first-ever female draftee
Hall of Fame inductee and the only woman to ever be drafted into the National Basketball Association passed away earlier this year. Lusia Mae Harris, known as one of the greatest centers to ever play women’s basketball, passed away at age 66 on … [Read More...]
Markelle the Gazelle goes to Boston
Former San Quentin 1000 Mile Club runner Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor took center stage in the first wave of runners at the Boston Marathon in April. Stepping off the plane with his running gear at Boston’s Logan International Airport, the … [Read More...]
Southern Marin Broncos youth football team tours SQ
On April 4, eight members of the Southern Marin Broncos football team visited The Q with their parents and went on a tour of the prison that turned out to be very informative for the youth—potentially even life changing. “It [the tour] helped me … [Read More...]
What time is it? SHOWTIME!
OVER THE WALL People parole from prison every day. Some even find jobs and turn out to lead good lives. Some might fail. But no parolee had ever become a broadcaster for the Golden State Warriors basketball game – until Aaron “Showtime” Taylor … [Read More...]
Chalklines
Long before most of the Q's modern players were even born, San Quentin's gridiron was a battlefield where players faced off against their greatest foe - the inner self. San Quentin’s gridiron (football field) is possibly the only place in the … [Read More...]
A Journey of 1000 MILES
Two men from disparate backgrounds run side-by-side, battling hate and prejudice under the watchful gaze of the prison guard towers Most days, I begin my morning next to a baseball scoreboard, beneath a gray sky and a sun just poking out through … [Read More...]
Reaching for the STARS
Austin Thurman rises above a legacy of inequality to follow in Ron LeFlore's legendary prison-to-pros footsteps In 1973, Ron LeFlore was signed to play professional baseball, even while still incarcerated at Detroit’s Jackson State Penitentiary. … [Read More...]
Warriors… Come Out and Play!
Every September for seven years straight, the Golden State Warriors came walking down the hill, descending onto San Quentin State Prison's Lower Yard. The last two years, General Manager Bob Myers carried the actual Larry O’Brien NBA Trophy followed … [Read More...]
Futbol & Freedom – dreaming of redemption
Teams from the free world pass through San Quentin's gates to do battle on the dusty scrub of the lower yard — bringing with them a sweet glimpse of liberty. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Juan Espinosa, left striker for the San Quentin … [Read More...]
Wall BallTherapy
Among prisoners, one rare sport is often used to find euphoric relief: a good ol' game of handball. On the handball court, skilled players test out their hand-eye coordination, beating a little blue ball up against the prison’s batter-yellow painted … [Read More...]
Rehabilitation through Sports
How physical wellness contributes to the rehabilitation of former felons The physical health benefits of sports and exercise are widely known: from managing one’s weight and strengthening muscles to reducing the risk of diabetes and heart … [Read More...]
Stepping Back from the Stress of Covid
How a deadly virus helped one man realize the power of basketball As I laid in an emergency room bed after collapsing in the doorway of San Quentin’s H-Unit dormitory, I thought about all the life choices that caused my health to take a sudden … [Read More...]
EDITORIAL – It’s More Than Just Sports
For the incarcerated, athletics and physical wellness can become a pathway to rehabilitation and renewal Sports are more than just sports. The reason why? Guys in prison use sports not only for health and physical fitness, but also as a tool to … [Read More...]
SPORTS THROWBACKS
North Block punishes H-Unit on the court
SQ mainline buildings had a basketball competition where North Block emerged as champs and put a grown man whooping on the young H-Unit B-Ball competitors when they beat them in a match on Friday March 25th. The score, 72 - 50. Jeff Brown … [Read More...]
SQ Warriors team holds tryouts
On April 2, 24 men gave it their all to become a member of the SQ Warriors B-Ball team, a program that have been going strong for about 15 years. And former Head Coach Anthony Evans is confident that the program will continue to thrive. “I’m … [Read More...]
Demetrious Mitchell crowned king of the West Block chess tourney
San Quentin’s West Block held a chess tournament right before Christmas and there was only one chess king left standing at the end of the 32-contestant entry – Demetrious Mitchell. “When I play chess, from my perspective, I do not lose,” … [Read More...]
Silverbacks take SQ football championship
In a grueling December championship battle, a back and forth football brawl, team Silver Backs took on undefeated team Hit Squad on the SQ field of dreams and won a narrow victory, 35-34. Football fans watched under the hot sun as the Silver … [Read More...]
American sports’ rich Black history
African Americans have been contributing to American sports and taking intricate steps towards trying to mend the fabric of social injustice for many years. According to the novel The 40 Million Dollar Slave by William C. Rhoden, Black athletes’ … [Read More...]
The day we lost an icon
Remembering the late, great John Madden In December 2021 the sports world lost a legend: the former head coach of the Raiders, Super Bowl Hall of Famer and trail-blazing commentator, John “All Madden” Madden. He was an icon to the football … [Read More...]
The resurgence of the March Madness brackets
The month of March brings together all 64 NCAA college basketball teams for one reason: to see who will win the NCAA Championship. To keep track of the teams’ match-ups, the NCAA created what’s called the bracket. SQ sports fans have created their … [Read More...]
Finding Dreams Through the Comfort of Futbol
The American dream for some people is to connect with your family, live life in the simple manner, buy a house, keep a job, get a dog, and raise your kids. But, for San Quentin resident Francisco Sajuan, he found that dream through the sport of … [Read More...]
Word on the Tier is That….
Superstar point guard Steph Curry has broken the three-point record with the Golden State Warriors, beating out legend Ray Allen by a comfortable margin. Curry broke the record when he and the Warriors faced the New York Knicks in December … [Read More...]
San Quentin’s Baseball History
San Quentin baseball dates almost to the beginning of the prison’s 167-year existence. During that long history, a laundry list of great pitchers have hurled on the Field of Dreams. One of those was Blackie Schwamb, one of “the greatest pitchers in … [Read More...]
Strange leads pack in 3-mile race
After a strange start to the day, runner Jay Strange, 46, obliterated the competition at the San Quentin 1000 Mile Club’s first three-mile race since the COVID-19 shutdown. With smooth, easy strides and the long lean body of an ultra-runner … [Read More...]
Ishmael Freelon steps down as IBL Commissioner
Intramural Basketball League (IBL) Commissioner Ishmael Freelon is stepping down more than a decade after he co-founded the league. He hopes that whoever replaces him can handle the responsibility. “I’m stepping down as commissioner because it’s … [Read More...]
WNBA coming to the Town?
On November 16 the Oakland City Council voted unanimously for the African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) to enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA), for the group to buy the City of Oakland’s half interest in the Coliseum … [Read More...]
All-Madden’s exhibition game
SQ’s All-Madden Football team tried to kick off a season this year, to no avail. However, it held one exhibition game with intertwining messages of inspiration and social justice recognition, all in honor of Coach Dwight “Sleepy” Kennedy scoring a … [Read More...]
Markelle the Gazelle breaks barriers again
Markelle Taylor, formerly incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, has broken the three-hour marathon barrier, according to the Marin Independent Journal. Running 26.2 miles at such a rapid pace, averaging 6 minutes and 50 seconds per mile … [Read More...]
1000 Mile Club hosts six-mile race
The 1000 Mile Club runners once again leaned into the starting line on the first Friday of October for a six-mile race. J. Strange did not get out hard and fast this time. But he did not disappoint. He did just enough to win the race in a … [Read More...]
Bidding ‘farewell’ to Chucky
Raiders’ head coach calls it quits as leaked emails create controversy Longtime Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden, affectionately known as “Chucky,” has resigned from the Raiders, and fans around The Q have mixed emotions about the reasons … [Read More...]
San Quentin Giants and Athletics face off in exhibition game
All fun and games on the baseball diamond On Oct.15, one day after the S.F. Giants lost to the L.A. Dodgers, the SQ Giants and the SQ A’s held their last exhibition game of the 2021 baseball season, 8–4 A’s. Adorned in their uniforms, … [Read More...]
Getting yo’ money
Fitness buffs find their strength with bodyweight workouts San Quentin’s athlete today is more than just a football, basketball, soccer, or baseball player. He is a guy who spends his free time at the work-out pile, “getting money.” SQ … [Read More...]
SQ WINTER SPORTS UPDATE
After delays, athletics programs gaining traction On Sept. 18, the San Quentin Prison exercise yard was shining bright with the sun and its resident athletes at 10 a.m. Games were happening in just about every corner and on every field of play. … [Read More...]
Sports film director Liam Hughes visits SQ
Local sports film director Liam Hughes visited San Quentin on Oct. 1 to get a sense of how it feels being inside of prison, for a documentary he is planning. “Thoughts of darkness and the challenges they might face inside of prison were my … [Read More...]
Jamal versus Jamaal: Intramural basketball goes into double overtime
Finally, after a long on-again off-again season due to COVID shut downs, the Intramural Basketball League held its championship game, and team Cookies won the “ring” over team Planet of the Apes 69 – 65. In a close game that went to … [Read More...]
Hardtimers issue 35-to-8 beatdown, maintain champion title
The SQ Hardtimers clobbered the Hardhitters 35-8 in a crushing contest to let the older team know that they are still the softball champs of The Q. It was a warm sunny Friday morning on the field of dreams where the two teams were uniformed … [Read More...]
TIER TALK: Q & A with Demetrious Mitchell, one of San Quentin’s top futbol players
I was curious, probably like most San Quentin residents who may not follow the sport of soccer (or futbol, in Spanish): What are the game’s rules and what are the ways it might help a person? I got the opportunity to ask those questions of a soccer … [Read More...]
Kings and Warriors clash
Annual rivalry brings heat to the court The San Quentin Warriors outscored the San Quentin Kings, 56-48, in the basketball program’s season opener. But the game was tighter than the eight-point margin of victory. “No matter where you’re at, … [Read More...]
From beginners to pros: All can find peace at the pit
Tim Fielder, 55, Freddie J. Lewis, 68, and E.Vick, 85, have almost seven decades of combined experience playing the game they all love: horseshoe pitching. They found their place of peace and became comrades at the horseshoe pit behind the San … [Read More...]
Update: track, court and field
On September 18, the SQ prison yard was shining bright with the sun and its resident athletes at 10 a.m. Games were happening in just about every corner and on every field of play. There was a hardcore scrimmage game of basketball underway and the … [Read More...]
TIER TALK: SQ resident Terrence Varner is a true fan of Olympic track and field
The world Olympics got underway and one of the most coveted wins is in Women’s Track and Field. Jamaica stacked the deck in the 100 meters with three talented runners, Elaine Thompson Herahs (gold medal), Shelly Ann Frazier Pryce (silver … [Read More...]
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Since the 2021 seasons of all sports at The Q have been suspended due to COVID and the variants that followed, the commissioner and coaches have been innovating and finding ways to keep sports relevant at the prison. SQ has been partially open … [Read More...]
Grudge match: Two old B-ballers go one-on-one
On July 9, two SQ B-ballers challenged each other to a one-on-one game of basketball. The 2020 DuPont Award-winning and Pulitzer Award-nominated Ear Hustle co-host Rahsaan Thomas, 50, and Trevor Woods, 54, the older brother of Earlonne Woods, the … [Read More...]
San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Club
Whether it’s wildfires or pandemics, the San Quentin (SQ) 1000 Mile Club faces challenges getting its running events back on track. “A lot of us caught COVID and we were worried about how the virus would affect our lungs, so our training got off … [Read More...]
Tier Talk with San Quentin A’s veteran pitcher
I talked to the San Quentin A’s pitcher Gary “Cool Aid” Townes about him being compared to one of the old-time greats and oldest pitcher to ever pitch baseball in the Negro League, Satchel Paige. Townes has been with the SQ A’s since 2012 and he is … [Read More...]
RISING FROM THE ASHES
Football legend, Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl Champ, star cornerback, and member of the hard-hitting defensive backs called the “Legion of Boom” is now SQ resident Brandon Browner. San Quentin Prison houses another great star who was once at … [Read More...]
Passing the torch to new All-Madden coach
SQ resident Bryant Underwood, 36, is the new All-Madden Football head coach. He is taking over the position that long-term resident Dwight King, 47, held for three years until he recently became eligible for parole. “I'm passing the torch to a … [Read More...]
Spring tryouts commence for SQ Kings and Warriors
Tryouts for the SQ Warriors and the Kings got underway in June and through July with a mixture of talent that coaches have to choose from. Young and older residents scrimmaged against each other and the game revealed those who may make it … [Read More...]
San Quentin’s Rec Shack manager, Garvin “JoJo” E. Robinson transformed his life
The conversations and human connections made during his time as San Quentin’s Rec Shack manager helped Garvin “JoJo” E. Robinson transform his life. “Interaction is very important to me,” said Robinson, 66. “It helped me with the (parole) … [Read More...]
Aug 2021-Sports Tier Talk With Tim Hicks
The New York Knicks could not get out of the first-round playoffs and got put out by the Atlanta Hawks. After almost nine years of not being in the playoffs and spending almost a decade building a team after Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks finally had … [Read More...]
MORE THAN BASKETBALL-Prison Sports Ministry
Prison Sports Ministry (PSM) representatives Don Smith and Bill Epling visited the Media Center at San Quentin on June 30 and had a conversation with a circle of 11 men about activities inside and outside the prison. One of those topics was the … [Read More...]
Plan to Elevate the San Quentin Warriors Game
Coach Jeramiah “JB” Brown said he intends to elevate the San Quentin Warriors basketball team with skills that take the squad to another level. “I love this game. I love basketball. To me it’s bigger than just B-ball though,” said Brown, … [Read More...]
BASEBALL RETURNS TO SAN QUENTIN
It was like the clouds parted and the sun shone through as baseball returned to the San Quentin Lower Yard after more than a year of lockdown. The streak of 25 consecutive seasons played at the “Field of Dreams” was interrupted by the … [Read More...]
Rehabilitation through tennis
Orlando “Duck” Harris finally got found suitable on Feb.2, 2021, after serving 38 years in prison. He credits the Tennis program for his rehabilitation and changing him into a better person. Harris was denied parole four times in the past and … [Read More...]
The benefits of sports after Covid
After a year of suffering through the deadliest outbreak of the disease in history, the sun is finally shining for SQ sports. The exercise yard is full of vaccinated people, and sports have been resurrected at San Quentin State Prison on the third … [Read More...]
Veterano de la NBA sufre racismo en la cancha
Nativo de San Francisco y de la NBA Jeremy Lin aguanto racismo en la cancha de baloncesto, reporto el Daily Jornal. Lin está en la Liga G del los Warriors y izo un comentario en las redes sociales dirigiéndose sobre la cruel terminología de ser … [Read More...]
SQ residents celebrate as Juneteenth becomes America’s newest national holiday
San Quentin residents joined Americans everywhere observing the new national holiday, Juneteenth, celebrating the formal end of slavery. “I think it came at perfect timing for our small world here,” said K. Bhatt, teacher-coach. “To re-open our … [Read More...]
Ready for sports
Most restrictions are lifted and the athletes at the Q are ready to get back to doing what they love and that is, playing sports. The Q has been on COVID-19 hiatus for over 14 months and it shows in the athletes. Most athletes are eager and … [Read More...]
Sports Tier Talk With Tim Hicks
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving sparked a conversation about changing the NBA logo to Kobe Bryant on Instagram earlier this year. The Detroit Free Press published an article on March 1 saying Irving told his 14 million followers that it’s “Gotta … [Read More...]
IT’S SHOWTIME! WITH AARON TAYLOR
Being prepared boosted Aaron “Showtime” Taylor from being a sports announcer inside San Quentin to doing the public address announcing at a game for the Golden State Warriors on April 10. “I was prepared for the moment when I got the unexpected … [Read More...]
Texas considers renaming its stadium after Heisman Trophy winner
The state of Texas considered re-naming the field at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium after Heisman trophy winners Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams reported The Daily Journal. Calling the thought merely a moderately warm start. Black people as a … [Read More...]
Speaking with SQ’s intramural basketball league championship legends
There’s only one person at The Q that can boast the following: Intramural Basketball League (IBL) Championship three of the last six years, two as a player and one as a coach. 4 on 4 Championship Basketball League (CBL) Title winner as a player, … [Read More...]
Hall of Famer Hank Aaron remembered
The sports world lost a legend and praised Hall Of Famer, Henry 'Hank' Aaron (86), recently. The retired baseball star passed away in his sleep at home, according to local news stations. Born in 1934, Aaron lived during the times when just being a … [Read More...]
First women’s event basketball hosted
On Jan. 31 Fox hosted women’s basketball in the Big East Sports event. It was the first time, according to its commentators. Led by Hall of Fame Head Coach Geno Auriemma, the UConn Huskies beat the DePaul Blue Devils, 100-67. Coach Auriemma is … [Read More...]
Tough seasons ahead for San Quentin A’s
Last season, the San Quentin A’s finished with a 38-2 record, placing the team in the upper echelons of SQ sports history. Going into the 2020 calendar, the team will be facing tougher competition. The word has spread to several local semi-pro teams … [Read More...]
Q Ball nominated for Emmy Awards in 2020
San Quentin–filmed Q Ball was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Long Sports Documentary, making it the first Sports Emmy-nominated prison documentary film in California’s prison history. “They didn’t see our clothes or our … [Read More...]
Kap’s kneeling legacy continues in the NFL
“No justice, no peace!” is voiced by those still protesting against the social unrest in the world. Protests for social justice continue in the NFL. Players still take a knee to show solidarity in the fight against police brutality and racial … [Read More...]
Now ‘Black Lives Matter’ is everywhere in American sports
Who would’ve thought four years ago, in 2016, that then-49ers QB Colin Kaepernick and defensive back Eric Reid would start a movement by taking a knee during the national anthem? In 2016, this form of peaceful protest was seen by many Americans as … [Read More...]
The future of San Quentin sports
Sports are back in season all over the world except in San Quentin prison. Fans of all sports are able to cheer on their favorite teams and players now that all professional sports leagues are in the swing of things again. LeBron James can … [Read More...]
Youth Coaches Told Why They Are So Important
A team of prisoners met with youth coaches from the San Francisco Bay Area in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel on Feb. 28. They talked about young people’s understanding of masculinity and the role coaches play in their lives. Coaching4Life aims to … [Read More...]
Looking at 2020 and beyond
It’s a new year, the start of a new decade, and where is San Quentin sports going? During the month of February, there were tryouts for the San Quentin A’s, Kings and Warriors. These are some of the teams that represent the prison and, in doing … [Read More...]
Willie O’Ree: 1st Black NHL player
Willie Eldon O’Ree, (born Oct. 15, 1935) a former professional ice hockey player from Canada, is called the “Jackie Robinson of Ice Hockey” for having broken the color barrier in the National Hockey League, https://www.nhl.com/ or NHL. O’Ree, who … [Read More...]
San Quentin Kings hold tryouts for the 2020 season
The 40 and Over San Quentin Kings held their annual tryouts to pick their team for the 2020 season. After running drills and scrimmages against pick up teams made up of younger players who were watching the tryouts, head coach Orlando “Duck” … [Read More...]
NFL players identify an urgent need to transform the youth justice system
“Youth of color are more likely to be targeted in the school-to-prison pipeline...” Criminal justice reform has becomes a key issue in the 2020 presidential race, but some National Football League players say the candidates are not addressing the … [Read More...]
Dear Kobe,
Dear Kobe, You don’t know me. I’m a fan speaking for fans that asked me to send this letter to you from The Q. Here, there are Laker fans that love and miss you, alongside Warrior fans that respected you. We are going to miss what you meant to … [Read More...]
The Q reacts to Kobe Bryant news
The death of Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter Gianna – along with the other seven people on that fatal crash – has had an impact on the San Quentin community as whole. Many within the population wanted to offer their condolences and say a … [Read More...]
League MVP listens to the incarcerated
The Milwaukee Bucks and league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo entered a Wisconsin prison facility with a lot more at stake than just basketball. They came to listen to the voices and stories of the incarcerated. Organized by film producer Scott … [Read More...]
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
Thaddeus Fleeton is nicknamed “The Beast” because of his offensive low-post game and his intense physicality defensively. He is, arguably, one of the best undersized big men that I’ve seen in my 25 years inside CDCR. He was born in Mobile, … [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
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 before celebrating Folsom’s newly renovated outdoor basketball court. Kings … [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 The … [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. … [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 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 pursuit of his GED when he received some very … [Read More...]
La meta no es solo ganar un maratón sino ganar una batalla de vida
El 1000 Mile Running Club llevo a cabo la octava carrera anual de tres horas de entrenamiento con miras al maratón del mes de noviembre. Un promedio de 25 corredores se anotaron para participar y batir sus propios records. La carrera comenzó a las … [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 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 the 2nd inning, followed … [Read More...]
Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
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 Quentin Fun Run. The Skid Row Running Club was founded by … [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
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 Disability Assistance Program worker … [Read More...]
Correr le ayuda a superar la vida en prisión
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 quehaceres en casa sin tiempo para estudiar. El creció sin … [Read More...]
Reñido partido entre SQ Earthquakes y el equipo de administración de SJ Earthquakes
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 los San Quentin Earthquakes, el martes 23 de julio. Entre los visitantes se … [Read More...]
The A’s Are Undefeated 17-0!
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, San Quentin State Prison had two baseball … [Read More...]
Eddie Hart returns to The Q
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, and to pay homage to members of the 1000 Mile … [Read More...]
Fidelio Marin comes in 1st in the 10-MileRun
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 was the fastest … [Read More...]
In the KidCat Softball game, everyone is a winner
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 together planning and … [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, 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 shaving on the 5th tier … [Read More...]
The documentary Q Ball premieres at San Quentin
“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 Protestant chapel. The documentary chronicles the lives of some members of the San Quentin … [Read More...]
In depth with All Madden Football’s 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 57 updated … [Read More...]
Henderson hits a homer in San Quentin on her first pitch
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 school coach, said she came … [Read More...]
California NFL Draft Picks
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 Michigan #129 Isaiah Johnson … [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
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 equipo visitante, los “Outsiders” del área … [Read More...]
SQ Kings & SQ Warriors Round Up
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 the Kings were led by Joshua … [Read More...]
Throwback Pic from the Q June 1980 Handball Champions
Ronnie Acosta and Juan Gomez … [Read More...]
San Quentin A’s Season Opener
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 thrashing of the San Francisco Mission on 4/20/2019. … [Read More...]
Jack ‘Big Body Benz’ Benford Student Athlete of the Month
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,” Benford stated. … [Read More...]
San Francisco Glens vence a los Earthquakes de San Quentin 8 a 2
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 costa de imponerse sobre sus rivales EL Partido dio inicio a las 5:45 p.m. del … [Read More...]
“The Facets of Markelle: Past, Present and Future”
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 opportunity to … [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
SQ Student-Athlete of the Month: Jason Robinson
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 Basketball League (CBL) at The Q, and he’s also this … [Read More...]
Finding freedom on the field with soccer on Lower Yard
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 pa- role due to his age (23) at the time of his crime; in 2015, the voters in … [Read More...]
Various Bay Area clubs represented for Lower Yard tennis opener
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 San Quentin Tennis team at the season opener the morning of … [Read More...]
Former US National Team Captain scores Hat Trick against the Earthquakes
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 hat trick since high school,” Conrad said with a huge smile after the game. The team … [Read More...]
Hall of Fame baseball player offers support to a childhood friend
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 … [Read More...]
One man’s journey to inner freedom occurred through sports
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 … [Read More...]
Sports Pics around the Q
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 … [Read More...]
San Quentin Warriors have a 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 … [Read More...]
71 year old breaks new record in rainy three-mile race
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 … [Read More...]
Robert Polzin loves different sports for more reasons than the game
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 … [Read More...]
Amid a turbulent life basketball surfaced as a guiding force for good
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 … [Read More...]
New handball duo dominates tournament
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” … [Read More...]
Several new faces added to the Kings roster for the 2019 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 … [Read More...]
Neang’s 64-yard reception wins MLK Jr. Tournament
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; … [Read More...]
Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs
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 … [Read More...]
For incarcerated player Carlos Ramirez, fútbol is a lifeline
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 … [Read More...]
Incarcerated athletes celebrate the new year through sports
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,” … [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
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 … [Read More...]
Oldest starting San Quentin Kings player still has it
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 the game and it keeps me in good health,” Williams said. … [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. “San Quentin has absolutely no shortage of athletes to fill the roster but this year has been difficult getting teams from the outside in … [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
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 Athletic Association – to get sports … [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
“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 sentencia de 40 años por robo. Para él, … [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. San … [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
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 … [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 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) … [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...]