Each week this summer, we will feature a former member or instructor in our "Where are they now?" series.
In the second installment of our summer series we interview past member Jeff Whitman.
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
Marched 1979 to 1985 – fan ever since.
What are you doing now ?
District Fire Chief with the Boston Fire Dept, Married w/ 3 kids (my wife Marsha marched 1986-1988 & 1991). It seems like we live in a hockey rink and a gymnastics gym all year but sprinkle in lacrosse, baseball, soccer as well as coaching and refereeing youth hockey and it keeps us pretty busy. I still play hockey as well and get in as much golf as possible.
How did you get involved with the corps?
I guess you could say being in the Crusaders was in my blood, as my grandfather Joe was a Quartermaster with Most Precious Blood Crusaders for five years. He then became the Director of the Crusaders in 1957 with MPB and became the Hyde Park Crusaders. He actually remortgaged his home to help buy the corps new uniforms, the now famous red & black uniforms. My father Don marched from 1948-1959, my mother Alice marched in 1959. I also had aunts and uncles that were members of the Crusaders well into the 60’s, and my two brothers both marched in the 80’s.
What are your fondest memories?
Being a 14 year old kid and showing up at a practice for the 79 season not ever having played an instrument in my life and working hard enough to be a soprano for the next 7 years. I will always remember my first show in 79 and my last show in 85. Being part of a 3rd generation with the BAC. Becoming a better corps, not because of placement, but by overcoming the many challenges that we faced in the early 80’s. I will say this, in any year, scores and placements fade with time, but it’s the people you march with and those friendships you develop that last way longer than any 76 you got in some show in Blitzflick, Ohio.
What are you favorite BAC traditions?
The obvious, Giant & Conquest come to mind. I love the feeling I get when I see the Crusaders coming into a stadium or across a parking lot in full uniform and seeing the same history ,tradition, confidence and dedication in the faces of today’s members as the previous members before them.
Who do you keep in touch with?
The list is long. But most often would be Steve “ DUKA “ Dolley and Billy “ BOZO “ Costa.
What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?
1979 and 2000. Its’ a toss up.
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