Hubert Augustus Caldwell (1907–1972): Hall of Fame Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist

Hubert Caldwell and his Family Crypt

Main Mausoleum Section 8, M8J 

Oakland-born Hubert Caldwell was an American rower and Olympic champion who rose to prominence as a member of the University of California, Berkeley crew team during the late 1920s. University and Collegiate Rowing 

Caldwell was part of the University of California, Berkeley Class of 1929 and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. As an oarsman on Cal’s varsity crew, he competed under the legendary coach Ky Ebright, whose program established the Golden Bears as one of the leading rowing powers in the United States. 

In 1928, Caldwell helped lead the California crew to victory in the national championship, cementing their place as the premier collegiate team in the country. That triumph secured their selection to represent the United States at the Olympic Games. 1928 Amsterdam Olympics 

1928 US Men's Rowing Team (NY Times)

At the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Caldwell rowed in the men’s eight as part of the California crew representing the United States. The team won the gold medal, a victory that underscored the dominance of American collegiate crews on the international stage. That same year, they also claimed the U.S. National Championship title. 

His contributions to the sport of rowing were honored with induction into the Helms Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame, recognizing his place among the great American oarsmen. The Foundation was created in Los Angeles in 1936 to celebrate and promote amateur athletics and sportsmanship across the United States.

Following his athletic achievements, Caldwell built a professional career with the United States Steel Company, where he worked for 22 years. 

Sources: New York Times, Oakland Tribune, Find a Grave,