San Quentin’s sports programs
survived a fluctuating and sometimes
stagnant COVID-19 protocol
era that disrupted athletic
events for almost three years.
SQ Earthquake Soccer team finished the year at 2-1.
San Quentin A’s baseball squad completed its season at 6-1.
Hardtimers softball team ended its short season 3-1.
San Quentin Warriors finished the year 8-3, even after retiring the number 10 jersey of the best defender in the league, veteran M. “MD” Vines, and losing to the Golden State Warriors.
SQ Kings had a short season and didn’t make it to 500. They were 2-5 against the outside teams. Head Coach Ish Freelon said, “We had a good season, but we will have a better one next season.”
Intramural basketball team Deen Al-Haqq won the championship, beating out the Pistons.
All Madden football tackled its short season before the soon-to-be name change to San Quentin 49ers.
Team All-In went undefeated in the intramural football league, 6-0. Team All-In knocked out the Grizzlys and ran circles around Team Hurricanes during the season.
The SQ Tennis Club had no season, but volunteers came into the prison to scrimmage with the players. Longtime volunteer Charlie Cutler said he looks forward to a full season once things come back to normal.
Warriors Coach Jeremiah “JB” Brown named these standout basketball players:
“Steez” Strickland, who led the team with a 21.5 points per game.
Center, Big Rick Hale, with a 13 PPG and 10 rebounds.
Sadiq Davis, who had a 14 gpa and 9 rebounds. Brown also pointed out newcomer Tyler “Drizzy” Cooper as a great addition to the team with his 10 PPG and 10 rebounds in the last four games, contributing to the Warriors’ good record.
Coach Brown had this to say: “From my experience, players get better during the off season, not in the season. That is why all the coaches incorporated the Sunday brunch and the off-season workout program — in order to test the players’ commitment to the team. This will allow me as the head coach to determine who I can count on when we are in the trenches.”
Standout players for Team All-In named by Coach Carlos Smith: Quarterback “Pookie” Sylvester, who had a whopping 32 touchdowns. “Y-G” Hatcher and “Smooth” Starks, who came in second with nine receiving touchdowns each.
Smith said, “The season started during the pandemic. I went around West Block asking guys to play. My vision was to give back and show the guys that even in the tough times, greatness can shine bright. That’s when Team All-In showed up and showed out. By coming together on and off the field and being supportive to one another even through tough times, with hard work and dedication, we can stick together. I’m proud of these men for their commitment and hard work. Together we can overcome every obstacle on and off the field in the name of rehabilitation through sports.” He signed off with the team chant. “I’m All In, You All In,” All In on three, 1, 2, 3, All In!”
What a way to end the seasons. To the players and coaches at The Q; Thanks for providing live action and entertainment, and most of all, showing what transformation and rehabilitation come from playing the sport you love, or just being an athlete.
