Chris Cruise, former Cedar Rapids Washington state champion swimmer and coach, dies at age 53

CEDAR RAPIDS — Chris Cruise was a perfect model for the "Fight Like a Warrior" mantra.

As a swimmer, coach, teacher and administrator at Cedar Rapids Washington, Cruise had a drive to succeed and nothing gave him more joy than seeing his students strive for and achieve success.

That fighting spirit was extinguished on Thursday. Cruise's wife, Kimberly, announced Thursday night on social media that the Hall of Fame coach, who had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in August, had “passed away peacefully” in hospice care.

He was 53.

As a swimmer, Cruise was an All-American, two-time individual state champion and part of three state title teams (1987-89) under Jim Voss at Washington. After a successful collegiate career at Northwestern, Cruise joined Voss’ staff, eventually replacing him in 1998.

Cruise coached the Warriors to a state title in 2008 and five runner-up finishes. It also included the continuation of an unfathomable streak of 53 consecutive district championships which ended in 2017.

Cruise retired from coaching after the 2021 season to concentrate on his new role as the school's assistant activities director, where he served until his cancer diagnosis in August.

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Voss remembered Cruise as a quiet leader. The leadership Cruise provided came by the work ethic and results.

“He was always dependable and committed to his goals but more so to the team goals,” Voss said. “Chris was instrumental in the success of the Warrior swim program.”

Voss recalled his first interactions with Cruise, when he was 7.

“He swam in my summer swim camps,” Voss said. “He was a hard worker then and this trait never changed. As a youngster he was always cold in the pool, shivering all the time but that did not keep him from working on his goal of becoming a great swimmer.”

That great swimmer turned into a great teacher and coach.

“As much of a loss this is for all involved with Warrior swimming, his impact traveled well beyond the borders of our pool,” said Chris Tyler, who was on Cruise's staff and still serves on the Washington staff. “He was an exemplary teacher and devoted family man, anyone who was lucky enough to have contact with him and a part of his circle knows that this loss digs deep.”

Matt Sinnott followed Cruise's path. He swam for Cruise, joined his staff and was named head coach when Cruise retired.

“He always taught me and so many other people to strive to always get better and to work hard,” Sinnott said. “I am the better teacher and coach because of his guidance and mentoring.”

Randy Ironside swam on Cruise's first few teams, graduating in 2001. He then joined Cruise's staff following graduation and has been with the program ever since.

“He was more than just a friend, he was like a father to me and I would not be where I am today without everything he taught me,” Ironside said. “I have heard from so many former students and parents how he was their favorite teacher and he was one of mine as well.

“The compassion he showed to every student to see them succeed was second to none. I know that the Warrior community and the swimming community are hurting right now with this loss.”

Cruise is survived by his wife, along with sons Conner and Tyler. In the post announcing Cruise's death, it was stated a Celebration of Life would be held on Oct. 7 with details to come.