SEATTLE — Richard "Dick" Crews, the first African American player to play basketball at the University of Washington (UW), died Monday at the age of 89.

Crews, a three-time letter winner, made program history in 1955 when he played for the UW basketball team. He lettered three years, earning the team's most inspirational award twice. Crews also served as the first African American student body vice president.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Crews' family moved to Bremerton in the 1940s. After graduating from Garfield High School, Crews joined the Huskies basketball team as a non-scholarship player.

Crews began as the team's sixth man in 1956 before he earned a starting guard spot. 

Current Huskies head coach Danny Sprinkle called him one of the most important players in program history.

"The Washington basketball family shares its deepest condolences and well wishes to Dick's family and loved ones," Sprinkle said. "While I did not get to know Dick personally, I've heard several stories about what a great, kind man he was. It's safe to say that he is one of the most important players in our program's history who truly paved the way for future generations of Huskies."

After graduation, Crews continued to leave his impact in Purple and Gold, working as an assistant director of development at UW, serving as a trustee with the UW Alumni Association and sitting as president of the UW Quarterback Club Board.