OUR HISTORY

Santa Barbara oarsman Richard Sundquist transferred to UC Davis and founded Men’s Crew at UC Davis. Shortly thereafter, team members drove the first UCD racing shell from the East Coast to West Sacramento to fully establish the Men’s Crew team. Hanging in the boathouse, this wooden boat is a reminder of our origins and of the torch that we have chosen to carry for past and future Davis rowers. 

 Through the years, our team has been formed by dedication, passion, and hard work. The names of past rowers who built the Curt Rocca Boathouse by hand can be seen etched into the concrete foundation. Year after year, students of various athletic abilities enter the family of rowers that have been created here at Men’s Crew. We’ve produced inspiring Olympians, national-level athletes, diligent leaders, and team players. Some of the hardest working people and most unique personalities you’ll ever encounter have likely been a part of this incredible sport. Rowing has given us some of our fondest memories and many of our lifelong friends. We thank all of the past UC Davis Rowers for their passion and effort in helping to build us into the team we are today.  

As part of this history of shared commitment to the team, our alumni founded Friends of Davis Rowing (FODR), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the team’s continued success. Their fundraising enables the team to purchase new equipment and upgrades, allowing for as many athletes as possible to find their home at UC Davis Rowing. Visit their website at davisrowing.org.