On a cloudless Saturday morning, 12 members of the St. Mary’s College tennis team put on a net clinic for San Quentin’s best players.
They left undefeated.
“We’re a little disappointed that we didn’t win. This team is the most talented that we’ve played next to the Bryan brothers,” San Quentin team captain Ronnie Mohammed said.
Chris Schumacher and Rick Hunt faired the best with a 4-3 match; however, the Inside Tennis Team was overmatched in the Nov. 16 competition.
“I was here two years ago,” said Jesse Kiuru of Finland. “It’s exciting to come back and play some tennis,” Kiuru said smiling.
“When they told me I was coming to San Quentin State Prison, I went online to check it out,” said Joakim Norstrom of Sweden, laughing. “I admit I was a little nervous. Nevertheless, I just played a game and the nerves eventually settled. It’s tennis, no matter the court.”
The visitors represented many parts of the globe: Australia, Egypt, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hawaii, Washington state, and California.
During the games and in between matches, the two teams stood around and talked tennis and techniques. Coach Michael Wayman stood to the side with his arms folded like a proud father.
“I bring them in here to show them about people,” said Coach Wayman. He has been coming to San Quentin for several years to play tennis, as well to speak to inmates who are of English nationality as a representative of the British Embassy. “That any of us could have simply made a left turn instead of right, and ended up here, is entirely real. I also think that it is great that San Quentin has a tennis team,” he stated in his crisp British accent.
“It’s a great experience,” said Sam Bloore of Australia. “I heard about San Quentin back home, and it’s my first time coming inside of a prison to play tennis. Definitely a different type of atmosphere.” Bloore ranked #8 in the junior’s category in Australia before coming to St. Mary’s.
“I was really excited about coming in to play,” said Seif El’Sherbani. He has been playing tennis for 14 years in his homeland of Egypt. “It’s my first time being inside of a prison and I thought it would be a good experience to come and play.” Seif played for the Misr Language School in Egypt and is in his second year at St. Mary’s.
On this day, the Inside Tennis Team lost every match; however, many of the visitors expressed admiration of the San Quentin team.
