PRESIDENT’S AWARD
ADMINISTRATION HISTORY
Boston Crusaders – 1958-1970 – Manager, Director and Owner
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Under Joe’s leadership the Boston Crusaders won the following titles.
2 Time World Open Champions
3 Time C.Y.O. National Champions
2 Shriners International Champions
1 North American National Championship
7 Time Massachusetts State Champions
7 Time Eastern Mass Circuit Champions
1st ever to design a harness to support the carrying of the new “Double Bass” drum. A design and technique that is still used today!
In 1958 when the Hyde Park Crusaders folded, Joe and his wife Felicia stepped up and kept the corps alive. Joe then designed a master plan.
He acquired a home for the corps through the Fire Department of
Boston. He contacted Senator John Kennedy and obtained the old West Point uniforms. He assembled an all-star staff of Ed Denon, Gerry Shellmer and Paul Palange, and gave them the freedom to create and be innovative.
In 1962 he brought into the corps 25 local kids with no experience and let them participate as “spares”
In 1963 he formed a feeder corps that would be taught by members of the Crusaders.
By 1964 his plan was in place, and the Crusaders beat the World Champion Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights and Joe also took the corps on a 1st ever “Mini-Tour” to the Midwest to compete against all of the best corps from the Midwest. The Crusaders won both shows and now were on their way to being ranked in the top 5 for the next 7 years and the top ranked corps from the East. The highlight of Joe’s leadership was in 1967 when the Boston Crusaders competed in 30 shows, placing 1st in 28 shows and 2nd in 2 shows. The Crusaders ended the season ranked first in the country.
Without Joe Dowling’s bold vision and actions of many years ago, the 2025 Boston Crusaders would not have survived to win the D.C.I. World Championship.
* Deceased
