By Mark Meredith/TVCC Public Information
Trinity Valley Community College men’s basketball team got a surprise tour of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Coffield Unit and engaged the prison basketball team in a game held January 3. The team was treated to a tour of the unit and lunch before playing a scrimmage game, which the Cardinals won 53-41. TVCC Associate Vice President of TDCJ Correctional Education Dr. Sam Hurley arranged for the visit and basketball game.
“Warden (Jeffrey) Catoe and his staff were first class. I appreciate them taking their time to spend with us,” said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Jay Kinzer. “The entire day was a very good experience for me and I believe our student-athletes benefited from it as well. We toured the entire facility and saw, first hand, how life really is for the prisoners. If that doesn’t get your attention, nothing will.”
“It was certainly an eye-opening experience that my guys will never forget,” said Head Basketball Coach Guy Furr. “After spending a couple hours behind bars our dorm rooms, cafeteria food, and daily schedule started looking a lot better. At the end of the day, I feel it was a positive experience for all involved.”
TVCC’s Trinity Prison Project has provided vocational and academic training for prison inmates at the TDCJ units at Tennessee Colony since 1969.