Jim Coates is back as the director of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, Youth Education in the Arts (YEA!) announced.

Coates said fans don't have to worry about the corps losing its crowd appeal that it has earned over its history -- especially the last two seasons.

"I was very impressed and enjoyed the approach that was taken," last year, Coates said. "Crossmen will continue along the same lines while at the same time raising the level of interest and excitement being brought to the fans through increased challenges/goals placed on the performers."

The Crossmen were one of the most popular corps on the DCI circuit all summer in 2001, and the same design team returns for 2002. The administrative staff remains, with Christine Higgins directing drum corps operations for YEA! from the offices in Bergenfield, Deb Rogerson handling the tour and Bob Fields managing camp weekends. The first rehearsals are scheduled for November 16-18.

YEA! Director George Hopkins said he's excited to have Coates back on the staff. Coates directed the Crossmen from 1995-1999, and was the YEA! finance manager at the same time during the transition of the Crossmen and Cadets to YEA!. Hopkins said trying to juggle both jobs was one of the big reasons Coates departed two years ago.

Coates has been involved with the Crossmen as a volunteer and staff member since the 1970's. Coates won't have to be the YEA! finance guru this time around, and now can focus solely on being a corps director -- a tough challenge in and of itself. Both men agreed this situation should be an excellent one for the corps.

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