Rico Gomez

Rico Gomez’s induction into the Crossmen Hall of Fame recognizes his extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to the corps as a marching member, instructor, administrator, tour director, Director of Operations, and true embodiment of the Crossmen spirit.

Rico marched with the Crossmen cymbal line in 2007 and 2008, becoming part of the first generation of members to help establish the corps’ identity in Texas. Upon aging out, he immediately gave back to the organization by joining the instructional staff, bringing his Crossmen experience, culture, and pride directly to the next generation of Bones cymbals. In doing so, Rico helped carry forward the standards, traditions, and sense of family that had shaped his own member experience.

In 2009, the corps needed Rico to expand his role beyond instruction, and he stepped into the administrative side of the organization. From that point forward, he became a critical part of the corps’ daily operation and long-term success. Rico began working full time for the Crossmen in 2012 and continued taking on greater responsibility, eventually serving as Tour Director and later being named Director of Operations in 2019.

As Tour Director, Rico handled one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in drum corps. The role requires constant planning, communication, flexibility, problem-solving, and calm under pressure. Rico executed that responsibility with quiet determination and excellence. He became known for setting the standard for “getting the job done” — never complaining, never seeking attention, and always focused on what mattered most: the success and well-being of the corps.

Rico’s leadership style reflected the best of the Crossmen. He handled issues in a calm and decisive manner no matter the hour, the challenge, or the level of exhaustion. Whether something fell directly within his job description or simply needed to be done, Rico stepped forward. His reliability, humility, and work ethic made him an invaluable asset to members, staff, volunteers, and leadership.

Over more than a decade of service, Rico consistently accepted more responsibility and carried it with growing efficiency and professionalism. His impact was felt in the rehearsal schedule, on the road, at housing sites, in logistics, in member care, in staff support, and in the countless behind-the-scenes decisions that allow a World Class drum corps to function. Much of his work happened out of public view, but everyone inside the organization understood how essential he was.

Rico Gomez also holds a special place in Crossmen history as the first Crossmen alumnus from Texas to be inducted into the Crossmen Hall of Fame. That distinction reflects the success of the corps’ move to San Antonio and the new generation of alumni who embraced the Bones tradition, carried it forward, and gave themselves fully to the organization.

Rico has given his entire being to the Crossmen. As a member, teacher, administrator, Tour Director, and Director of Operations, he has served with passion, humility, discipline, and loyalty. He is a true inspiration to members, staff, and volunteers, and his example shows what it means to give back to the corps that shaped you.

For his years as a marching member, his service as an instructor and administrator, his leadership as Tour Director and Director of Operations, his role in carrying Crossmen culture forward in Texas, and his unwavering commitment to the success of the corps, we proudly honor Rico Gomez as a member of the Crossmen Hall of Fame Class of 2019.