In the fourth installment of our summer “Where are they now” series we interview past member, admin, and staff member Jake Ryan
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
Marched 1985-1987 (Tenor Line 1985, Snare Line 1986-1987)
Administrative Staff 1988
Visual Staff 1990 – 1991
What are you doing now?
I am a Vice President for Pyramis Global Advisors, the institutional asset management arm of Fidelity Investments. Additionally, I married my wife, Marie (BAC 1990), 17 years ago. We now have four boys between the age of 8 and 16. In my spare time (if that is what you can call it) you might find me coaching a soccer team, coaching a baseball team, helping out with Boy Scout activities, traveling to a high school concert and recently, following my oldest son who is experiencing his first year of marching in drum corps with the Spartans.
How did you get involved with the corps?
My first exposure to Drum Corps was when my father brought me to the CYO Nationals at Harvard Stadium in 1977. The very next night, we learned that there was a smaller drum corps in Framingham, only one town over. I joined that week. After marching in Framingham through the 1982 season, I jumped to the Valley Airs of Northbridge for two great seasons. In the spring of 1985, the Valley Airs realized they were not going to be able to field a corps. After looking at our options, a large number of our members were welcomed to join Boston. For me, the chemistry was perfect. I stayed with the corps through my last season in ’87. Following my marching seasons, I was fortunate enough to work with Tony Smith and Joe Ricci in the Operations Management of the Corps in ’88. I rejoined the Corps in 1990 as part of the Visual Staff.
What are your fondest memories?
I have many great memories of my Corps’ days. My closest friends throughout my lifetime have always been those from corps I marched in.
Finals happened to be in Madison in each of my three Boston years, and I recall the sense of accomplishment following our final show in each of those three seasons. In particular, I remember very clearly the day we received the full corps name back, being announced as the Boston Crusaders in 1986.
Looking back, I would have to say that it isn’t any one memory (there are so many), but more a sense that I was part of the corps in the 80’s that would not give in, that helped bridge the years for better things to come that provides a sense of accomplishment. It is remarkable to see so many of the members I marched with taking leadership roles within the Corps and driving the corps forward still today.
What are you favorite BAC traditions?
Like many others, I think of Giant first. I would also add that wearing the uniform that connects so many generations of the corps was always a big deal for me.
Who do you keep in touch with?
Unfortunately, with four boys and all of their activities and schedules, I am not the best at keeping in touch with people. I do speak with or exchange e-mails with Steve Dolley and Danny Greer. I am not really a facebook user, but do have an account. Funny thing is, I got a facebook account to see what my boys had on their accounts, but they wouldn’t “friend” me. While it is true that my boys wont “friend” me, it did turn out to be a nice way to find a lot of people from the past.
What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?
I would love to be able to say that my favorite show was my final show in 1987, however the 2000 show was absolutely remarkable and absolutely my favorite show of all time. That was just an outstanding job by the members and staff that year. My congratulations go out to everyone involved that helped put that show on the field that season.
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