Doug Stemmet

Doug Stemmet’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime of service to the corps as a founding member, performer, instructor, designer, administrator, advisor, volunteer, Board member, and devoted member of the Crossmen family.

Doug’s drum corps journey began in 1967 at the age of twelve. By 1974, he was among the leading members of the 507 Hornets and Keystone Regiment who believed in a bold idea: bringing the two organizations together to create a corps strong enough to compete in Drum Corps International. That vision, courage, and willingness to help build something new led to the formation of the Crossmen.

As a charter member of the Crossmen, Doug marched through his age-out season in 1977. In fact, had he been just one day older, he would not have been eligible to march that final year. His years as a performer placed him at the very beginning of the corps’ history, helping establish the identity, work ethic, and spirit that would carry the Crossmen forward.

Doug’s service did not end when his marching years were complete. In 1978, he was invited to join the brass staff, beginning a long period of instructional and leadership contributions to the corps. By 1981, he became Staff Coordinator, and the following year he took on the role of Program Coordinator. During the 1983 season, Doug joined the administrative team while continuing to serve as Program Coordinator. He also contributed as a member of the visual staff, giving the corps the benefit of his knowledge across multiple areas of the organization.

One of Doug’s most significant contributions came in 1983, when the corps faced a major challenge just before the start of first tour. The drill designer left after writing only the opener, leaving the corps without a completed visual program. Over the next several weeks, Doug and Bob Yarnall worked through many all-nighters writing drill, then turned around and taught it to the corps the next day. Their dedication, creativity, and determination quite literally helped keep the Crossmen on the field that season.

Doug’s Crossmen experience shaped the rest of his life and career. His roots in the corps helped lead him to continued work as a drill designer, clinician, adjudicator, and teacher in Kansas. The Crossmen also became part of his family story. Doug met his wife through the corps, and his children went on to march in the Crossmen as well — a true Crossmen family across generations.

Over the years, Doug has remained closely connected to the organization. He has served as an advisor, a volunteer, a supporter, and, more recently, as a member of the Crossmen Board of Directors. In that role, Doug has continued to help guide and support the corps with the same perspective that has defined his entire Crossmen journey: respect for the past, care for the present, and belief in the future.

Whether offering guidance, volunteering his time, helping behind the scenes, or showing up with a van full of corn on the cob, Doug has always been willing to lend a hand. His service reflects what makes the Crossmen community special — people who stay connected, give selflessly, and continue to support the members long after their own time on the field has ended.

Doug Stemmet represents nearly the full arc of Crossmen history: from the merger that created the corps, to the early competitive years, to staff and administrative leadership, to family legacy, alumni support, and Board service. He is a shining example of what it means to be part of the Crossmen family.

For his role in helping form the Crossmen, his years as a charter member and performer, his contributions as instructor, coordinator, designer, administrator, advisor, volunteer, and Board member, and his lifelong commitment to the corps and its members, we proudly honor Doug Stemmet as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame Class of 2016.