The league recently learned the sad news of the passing of Joe Crick. I am passing along the in memoriam posted by the Barclay Farm Swim Club to all here. Joe was instrumental in making Tri-County the league it is today and we are grateful for all of the hard work and dedication Joe put in over the years. He will be missed.
Barclay Family,
The club recently learned the sad news of the passing of Joe Crick who was instrumental to the Tri-County Swim League, Barclay Farm Swim Club and helping make it the wonderful swim club and team it is today.
For many, Joe was the face of BSFC swimming from when he was first involved in working the scoring table and helping the team, becoming our Tri-County representative and eventually the Tri-County Swimming Association President. Joe’s place in South Jersey summer swimming will be remembered as one focused on the swimmers and ensuring they enjoyed every experience.
For Joe, it was always about the kids. Whether it was supporting the Barclay team, advancing the Tri-County league’s growth and evolution, or promoting South Jersey swimming as an elite region for some of the best swimmers, Joe always ensured that kids, coaches, and parents felt included, encouraged, and part of the swimming community. Joe would cheer all kids knowing an 8-year-old and 18-year-old contributed equally. He would cheer the new swimmers the same as with those with the highest level of experience. For the Tri-County league, Joe advocated for an equal and fair experience for clubs across all divisions and reminded representatives that we are here for the children’s experience.
Behind the scenes, Joe helped pioneer the league in using technology for running and managing the Tri-County swim association league. Joe was instrumental in promoting various meet management technologies, training the clubs on how to use the software, and how to run an efficient and effective meet. Joe knew the rules, by-laws, processes, and history inside and out and was a “go to” person for all things Tri-County. Joe’s commitment was year-round in ensuring the team and league was prepared, coaches were supported, and the children were set up for a fantastic summer.
In the spirit of fun for the kids, Joe was the creator of the annual Barclay Farm Midi Meet fundraiser, inviting clubs’ 10–15-year-old swimmers from across the Delaware Valley to compete in a one-day meet in events different than their traditional league meets. The Joe Crick Annual Midi Meet celebrated its 30th anniversary last July and was one of Joe’s highlights. Every year, clubs returned looking for Joe at the end of the scoring table with his bucket cap, white beard and big smile.
Most importantly, Joe has left a lifetime of memories with friends and families over the years at the Barclay Farm Swim Club. The club was Joe’s swim family, one he cherished like his personal family. He ensured Barclay was represented proudly wherever he went and with whomever he shared stories. We are forever grateful for Joe’s passion and contributions to Barclay Farm Swim Club.
Here is a link to Joe’s obituary (link). Services will be held in Pennsylvania where he resided with his wife Jan and closer to his children.
We also wanted to share a couple pictures of Joe at the 2015 Cherry Bowl hosted by BFSC. Joe was proudly inducted into the Cherry Bowl Hall of Fame and escorted the team in the parade as they all dressed as Joe in his honor. Below are those photos commemorating the day and Joe’s happiness.
Joe will be missed but always in our hearts!
~William Becker, Dennis Gillooly & the BFSC Board