Hayashi Has Interim Tag Removed

Glendora, CA - After an extensive and thorough search, the Citrus College Athletics program is pleased to announce that they have selected Brandon Hayashi to lead the Citrus College Football program moving forward. Hayashi served as the program's Interim Head Coach during the 2021 season, leading the Owls to a 6-4 overall record.

"I would like to thank Citrus College Superintendent/President Dr. Greg Schulz, Citrus College Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Junior Domingo, and the rest of the Citrus College administrative team for giving me this opportunity to be the full-time head coach moving forward," Hayashi said. "As a former community college student-athlete and more importantly a former Citrus College student-athlete, I have a unique passion for this level of sport and campus. I can't wait to continue the hard work that we put in last season, and have been putting in this off-season to make sure that the football program is one that the campus, city, and region can be proud of."

Hayashi took over the reins of the Owls in August of 2021, just four-weeks prior to the start of the 2021 season. The Owls went 6-4 under his guidance, including a season opening win over regional rival and National Division member Chaffey College, 21-16. The Owls would go on to finish 4-1 (2nd Place) in the American Division Metro League, just missing out on a post-season bowl. At season's end, 10 Owls would earn All-Metro League honors, including sophomore Kendal Henderson who was named the Metro League Defensive Player of the Year. Henderson and two others (Kasmir Dina & Ronnie Mendez) would also go on to be named All-Americans. 

"Brandon proved a lot to the department, administration, and staff, by taking over the program late in the off-season and guiding the team to a winning record," Domingo said. "Throughout the hiring process, Brandon's passion for the campus, leadership abilities, and vision for the program stood out. Citrus College pride runs deep within Coach Hayashi and we know it will be shown in his leadership of the team. We are thrilled that we are able to remove the 'interim' tag from his title, and are looking forward to supporting him, his coaching staff, and our student-athletes any way possible over the next several years."

Hayashi was a standout defensive lineman at Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, CA before coming to Citrus College to start his collegiate playing career from 2014-2016. At Citrus, Hayashi was a two-time All-Conference selection, before earning a scholarship to finish his playing career at Montana State. 

After finishing up his playing career, Hayashi returned to Citrus in the Fall of 2018 to serve as the Defensive Line Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Owls. In 2019, Hayashi took over Defensive Coordinator duties full-time. That season the Owls posted the top scoring defense in the SCFA American Division Mountain League, allowing just 19.2 points per game. That mark also proved to be the fourth best in all of Southern California. 

"Mr. Hayashi did a phenomenal job leading the Fighting Owls during the 2021 season, and I am excited that he will serve as our head football coach," said Dr. Greg Schulz, Superintendent/President of Citrus College. "As a former player who has held many titles within the football program, Mr. Hayashi is perfectly suited to mentor our scholar athletes both on and off the field. Under his guidance, I am confident the team will soar to new heights."