In the fourth installment of our summer “Where are they now” series we interview past member, instructor, management team member, and Hall of Fame member Jim Cronin.

What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?

I marched with the Crusaders from 1986-1990 (Contrabass and Drum major)........I then taught the brass line for 3 years (91-93)....I helped recruit and do Admin for a few years and took a year off.  I came back in 1996 as the Assistant Director and was Director of the corps from 1997-2000.

I am a currently a fan (as work does not allow for more  :-))

What are you doing now ?

Currently I am a CEO for Unitedhealthcare.  I am responsible for the Mid-Atlantic (MD, DC, VA, WVA and DE) I am sucessful because of what I learned in the Crusaders!!!!!!!  It helped shape me, my beliefs and my work ethic.

How did you get involved with the corps?

I was a member of the Billerica High School Marching band, and a friend (Laura McLaughlin) marched in 1985 and convinced me to come to a camp......once I heard the sopranos and saw the intensity/discipline.... I was hooked

What are your fondest memories?

When I marched, I loved the corps and was constantly frustrated that we could not beat the Cadets, Blue Devils, Madison, etc....  I would watch finals and say "some day that will be us".  For one reason or another we had  barriers that caused us to not realize our potential as an organization....my fondest memory (and personally my proudest moment) was (as Director) getting the corps into the top 12,  and in 2000 finish 5th!!!!!.... being "live" on the broadcast, and re-establishing the Corps as a perennial powerhouse....and simply realizing the dream that started in 1986.  I was proud that the current members could have the same pride that I had as a member, without any limitations....I remember in 2000 the night of finals.........the power of our History with us....singing Giant, outside the stadium....under the lights..... .....the roar of the crowd that night as we entered the stadium.....as the crowd felt the same joy as we did...bringing the Crusaders back into the top 5......knowing the corps had endured like no other.   The pride that knowing "a winner never quits and a quitter never wins"....and the 2000 corps was an embodiement of all those members from prior years who's tradtion and perserverance made it all possible.

What are you favorite BAC traditions?

I loved the uniform traditions.  Personally it was about committment, respect and excellence...polishing the bucks for hours on end...... while the uniform was 15 years old and looked like it had been run over by numerous trains.....you treated and handled it with such care and reverance because you did not have much and you honored those before you.  How you lined up the shako and how you folded the uniform when not worn.  It was about a committment to excellence with the smallest of details.

Who do you keep in touch with?

I keep in touch with Michael Woodall, Steve Dolley, Dan and Melissa Greer, Rich Perrier, Greg Gowern, and many more....

What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?

History - I love the 1979 show.....great intensity. As a member - 1990 Boston (I was Drum Major...how could I not love it) As Director....and all time favorite show.....   2000.....the night we made top 5.  The show "red" was simply outstanding!!!

Read more on Jim in this great article.