The University of San Francisco tennis team returned to San Quentin to see old Inside Tennis Team friends and teach them some lessons.
“It’s such a great experience, not only for the guys, but for all around,” said USF Tennis coach Pablo Pires. “It’s a relationship now.”
The USF team started coming into San Quentin six years ago, after being asked by community volunteer Leslie Lava and ITT coach Don DeNevi. Pablo said he agreed because, “One of the missions of our school is to be in the community.”
In addition, Pires grew up in Marin County hearing about San Quentin. He actually visited the prison on a tour while in high school.
“Every year we have to do this,” said Pires.
Former USF assistant coach Charlie Cutler agreed.
“I started coming in two years ago and I really like it,” said Cutler. “It is great to play with men who are tennis enthusiasts.”
“It’s really nice to meet you guys and hear your stories,” said USF player Thomas Takemoto. “We like that you guys get excited to play us.”
USF’s tennis team is ranked 50th in the nation. They shared their skills by doing drills and playing doubles matches. In some, they mixed with ITT players.
ITT player Clay Long paired with USF’s Nil Skajaa against his normal partner, Chris Schuhmacher, and USF’s Vasco Valverde. Long and Skajaa won, 4-2.
“I felt sorry for my partner on the other side,” said Long.
“I aced him the first serve, but that must have been a fluke because I didn’t do it again,” said Schuhmacher.
In another mixed doubles match, Tim Thompson and Pires played against Orlando Harris and Cutler, winning 4-3.
“I learn more about cultures and socialization than tennis from the USF team,” said Thompson. “The way those youngsters kick our butts lets us know we have a lot to learn – it’s a humbling experience getting whipped by an 18-year-old.”
“It’s been close,” said Nic Valko.
Other USF participants were Alex Santiago and Marco Barretto.
–By Rahsaan Thomas
