David Hayashi

Capital Crew was the dream of one man, Dave Hayashi. While a student at California State University of Sacramento in 1987, Dave recognized a need to develop an alternative sports program for high school students. He always had a love for the sport of rowing and, as a college student, had been a part of the rowing program at Sac State. He was also affiliated with the Aquatic Center. To make his dream a reality, he turned to his college buddy and rowing teammate, John Aquino, for help.

Over the next two years, Dave and John worked tirelessly to make Capital Crew a reality. Dave cut back his college schedule from full to part-time to give him the time needed to work out the logistics for the high school rowing program that he and John saw coming together. Dave delayed his graduation from Sac State by two years. Once Capital Crew was started in 1989, John Aquino accepted a position as the women's rowing coach for Sac State.

Capital Crew started with 14 athletes from various high schools in the area. The only time the team could practice on Lake Natoma was from 5:00 to 6:00 am Mondays thru Fridays. Dave's determination to make Capital Crew successful became clear when he began picking up and dropping off several athletes to practice. At the time, Capital Crew did not own any boats, but its athletes were permitted to use the boats that Sac State housed at the Aquatic Center.

The name for Capital Carew came from a very informal discussion that took place among the first group of athletes. After hearing many suggestions, a girl yelled out "Capital, not like the State Capitol with an 'o,' but with an 'a' like the letter." The group thought about her suggestion and they agreed that the name would be: Capital Crew. The group then decided to adopt the colors of the Masters Rowing Club that rowed out of the Aquatic Center, deep blue with white as the accent.

	The Old Sacramento State Aquatic Center

In its first year, Capital Crew was not viewed as a threat by other rowing programs in the Southwest Junior Region. By the end of its first rowing season, however, Capital Crew had proved them wrong by winning a silver medal at the Southwest Junior Regional Championships with the Novice Women's 4+.

At the start of its second year, the number of athletes at Capital Crew had increased to 23. By its third year, the program grew to 34 athletes. Enrollment increased steadily over the years while. Dave continued to coach and guide the athletes, always maintaining his philosophy, "It is not about winning, it's about teaching the kids to develop the skills they need for life."

In 2002, the Aquatic Center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. During the 2002-03 season, Capital Crew changed its colors from blue and white to green and gold, mirroring the colors of Sac State. Today, Capital Crew athletes number in the hundreds. Practices are held from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Mondays thru Fridays.

Each year, the number of athletes joining Capital Crew grows, a testament to the program and its outstanding coaches. The athletes of Capital Crew have won a vast array of medals and trophies at various regattas, including those held at Newport Rowing Autumn Festival, San Diego Crew Classic, Head of the American, Head of the Charles, Southwest Junior Regional and US Rowing Youth Nationals. Capital Crew is considered one of the foremost rowing clubs in the nation.

Capital Crew is especially fortunate to row on Lake Natoma in Gold River, California, one of the best venues for rowing in the world. Below appears a picture of the Sacramento State Aquatic Center.

The New Sacramento State Aquatic Center