The Tyrone Area School District has some of the best-maintained grounds and athletic fields of any district in the area. As groundskeeper, it has been Jeff Crofcheck’s responsibility to keep it all looking good.

“Jeff and Mark [Estright] take seriously the impression that [the grounds] make on others. This is very important, as the public sees and uses the grounds on a regular basis,” said Tyrone Area School District Superintendent Leslie Estep.

But after 29 years of service to the district, Crofcheck will retire this summer.

TASD Physical Plant Supervisor Jordan Good appreciates the job Crofcheck has done for the district over his long career.

“You can see his work when you drive by and everything looks clean and in place, as well as when you attend an athletic event and the fields are pristine and freshly lined,” said Good.

In the winter Crofcheck is usually the first person out on snowy mornings clearing the sidewalks and steps before the arrival of the students and staff, but maintaining the district’s athletic fields is probably Crofcheck’s favorite job responsibility.

“I’m going to miss keeping the fields looking good and getting them ready for game day,” said Crofcheck.

According to TAHS head custodian Randy Gorecki, Crofcheck “has a smile on his face all the time,” and will help anyone in need.

Estep recalled that Crofcheck has always been a friendly and welcoming presence in the district. “When I started as a new teacher in the mid-90’s, Jeff was the second shift custodian in my hallway. Every day when I was working after school, Jeff would stop in to get the trash and chat. I always knew that if I needed anything, he would help me out. I don’t know if he knows it or not, but I will always be grateful to him for that,” said Estep.

Crofcheck also takes great pride in his work. “Jeff is not the kind of guy who comes to work and just does his job and goes home and forgets about it. Whether he is walking around the campus or attending one of his grandchildren’s sporting events in the evening he is always looking to see what needs to be done or what could be done better,” said Good.

He is also reliable and almost never misses a day at work, “but if he does you know full well he is out chasing a turkey or he is deathly sick,” said Good.

One story that came to mind about his dedication occurred last year when Crofcheck had his wisdom teeth removed.

“I remember telling him I would see him in a couple of days. But the next morning when I pulled into work his red Jeep was up on the hill. He was definitely uncomfortable and a little swollen but he was here to work and never missed a beat,” said Good.

One of the other things that Croftcheck appreciates is the opportunity he had to see his grandchildren grow up at the school from elementary school through graduation.

Croftcheck has two children and five grandchildren, all of whom attended Tyrone. Two of his grandchildren are current students, while the others have all graduated.

“I enjoyed watching my granddaughters Carly and Lea play volleyball, along with MaKenna in the FFA, Chloe in soccer, and Gage in baseball,” said Croftcheck.

After retirement, Crofcheck plans to spend time hunting and traveling with his wife and family.

“I know that he will spend a great deal of his time in retirement in the woods in search of another trophy buck, turkey, bear, or you name it. I wish him all of the best,” said Estep.