Crack Drill

Formed in 1937, The Crack Drill Squad is one of the Academy’s longest standing traditions, dating back nearly a century. The Crack Drill Squad is a precision drill team that uses collective marching patterns and synchronized aerial gun maneuvers to embody the pride, dignity and excellence found throughout Saint Thomas Academy.

The Crack Drill Squad consists of ten seniors, five juniors, and two sophomores. These students exemplify the brotherhood of the Academy by striving for excellence, not as a team, but as a family. This special group of students represents Saint Thomas Academy at many elementary schools across the Twin Cities as well as military ceremonies, veteran memorials and even in funerals of past squad members. The Crack Drill Squad is one of the most exemplary manifestations of the values that Saint Thomas Academy instills in their students.

See the 1953 Saint Thomas Academy Crack Drill Squad perform on the Ed Sullivan Show in the video below!

meet the current crack drill team!

Oscar Berg

NAME: Oscar Berg

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Senior Speaker

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Three uncles and a cousin.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I’m part of one of the longest standing traditions at STA.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Being with my brothers and having their support when I need it.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being named top 15 and a company commander.

Giuseppe Chiovera

NAME: Giuseppe Chiovera

GRADE: 12th

RANK/POSITION: Senior Drill

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: No family/legacy connections.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I am a part of something that is truly bigger than myself. It's such an honor to be a part of one of the most known and, in my opinion, coolest clubs at St. Thomas Academy. I am also very honored to be the first person in my family to be on Crack Drill.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: The people that are on it and making friendship switch those I don't know. Bonding with my brothers is something that I find to be very special when being a part of crack drill. I also love throwing the guns and love getting better each day. It's an addicting hobby where I just want to get better at the craft as much as I can.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: My proudest moment at STA would be making it to State in lacrosse for the first time in STA history. It was such a historic year for lacrosse and it was also with a great group of guys. The seniors were awesome and the overall team was as well.

Jack Dzubnar

NAME: Jack Dzubnar

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: C/SGT

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: First year

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: First generation

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: At STA the squad is a tradition of excellence. It has been a huge tradition at the Academy and I am so excited to continue this tradition for the next two years.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Learning how to drill with the boys. I have had a lot of fun learning from the vets and watching their craft. It truly is an art form and I have enjoyed every second of learning and spending time with everyone.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: When my name was announced at formation saying that I had made the Crack Drill squad. Immediately after hearing this I was instantly overjoyed.

Danny Eldredge

NAME: Danny Eldredge

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: 2nd year; Veteran Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Tad Eldredge ‘91 LTC (Dad) Ben Eldredge ‘93 Commander (Uncle) Jack Quinlan ‘15 (Senior Driller)

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: The Crack Drill Squad is the most exemplary example of the brotherhood at The Academy. The squad is something I have
aspired to my entire life, and being able to make it with some of my closest friends is something I will always cherish. Being on squad also requires me to behave in a manner that honors and respects the squads before you. While this is a huge task for a high schooler, there is no other organization that I would want to be representing, day in and day out, than the Crack Drill Squad.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: I have two favorite parts of the squad. One, is being able to spend hours upon hours with my best friends. The second is having the
opportunity to speak with alumni of the squad about their experiences. I love to see what traditions have passed the test of time, as well as what traditions recent squads have brought
back or created.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the Crack Drill Squad my Junior year, and maintaining an Eagle Award GPA throughout High School.

Brian Goblisch

NAME: Brian Goblisch

GRADE: 12th Grade

RANK/POSITION: Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

LEGACY: Brother, Nick Goblisch - Senior Driller (Class of 2017)

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I'm proud to be on the Crack Drill Squad because: it requires a lot of practice and skill to do what we do. Also, we are super icy.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: My favorite part of Crack Drill is: throwin' with the boys.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: My proudest accomplishment while at STA is: going to the state championship two years in a
row for football.

Oscar Hrabe

NAME: Oscar Hrabe

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION:
First member of my family.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE:
I am proud to be on the Crack Drill Squad because of the relationships, passion and sense of accomplishment that it entails. The relationships that are built within squad are unable to be achieved through any other sport or extracurricular at STA. These relationships cause the passion and drive to continue to improve and ultimately perfect the drill. After icing a drill all squad members experience a sense of accomplishment that will never get old. After hours of intense practice and many late nights in the court, it brings me, along with my fellow squad members, great pride when the outcome of a drill was as we anticipated it to be.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS:
My Favorite part of Crack Drill is the strong relationships that it builds between the people on squad. Whether it be walking into school the morning and being greeted by 16 of my friends or getting food before practice and eating on the court steps, I enjoy every minute of my time on squad and the friendships that will continue after my days at STA come to an end.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA:
My proudest accomplishment is the way that I have balanced my time during my junior/senior years. When I tried out for Crack Drill at the beginning of this year I knew that this would be a large time investment. Going from football to squad practice and arriving home around 9:30pm I knew that I would have to adjust to maintain the academic standard I hold myself to. This balance has challenged my time management skills and improved my work ethic and efficiency. Learning this skill now will better myself in not only my time at the Academy but also transfer into my college experience and ultimately my career.

Henry Killian

NAME: Henry Killian

GRADE: 11

RANK/POSITION: Veteran JD

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Josh Killian Junior (1978-80), Charlie Killian Sophomores (2017-20)

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I believe it best represents the brotherhood of the school.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Having 16 best friends to go to whenever I need them

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making CDS as a sophomore

Chip Knapp

NAME: PAUL (Chip) RICHARD KNAPP JR.

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: JUNIOR DRILLER

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2019-2020,2020-2021

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Brother, Samuel Knapp

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I carry on a long and fruitful tradition with a great pride. I represent those that were before me, and everyone that will be on the Crack Drill Squad in the future.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: The brotherhood. The friendship. The connections. Drilling!

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the crack drill squad and earning my white belt. The feeling is incomparable.

Sam Knapp

Finn O’Brien

NAME: Finn O’Brien

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: Junior Veteran

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Grandfather was commander, two uncles both junior drillers, and three brothers two being junior drillers and one being a senior driller.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: It is a tradition like no other where you can become a part of a brotherhood and an icy squad.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Drilling and impressing not only my family but past generations.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Becoming closer with kids I would never picture myself hanging around.

Rory O'Meara

NAME: Rory O’Meara

GRADE: Senior, 12th grade

RANK/POSITION: Cadet Staff Sergeant, F company, first platoon, second squad leader.

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1st Year

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: I am the first person from my family on Crack Drill Squad

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Crack Drill is the embodiment of the brotherhood of STA.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: The friendships and camaraderie between all of the members.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: My proudest accomplishment is while being in three sports and many extracurricular activities, I have been on the honor roll each year I’ve been here.

Luke Pucel

NAME: Luke Pucel

GRADE: 10

RANK/POSITION: Sophomore Cadet Private First Class

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: 1 older brother from 2017-2018

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: It is an outstanding group of guys and one of the most special things the academy has to offer.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: The connection between all the boys on squad and getting icy at the drills.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being on Crack Drill Squad is definitely my proudest accomplishment at STA. I will carry it throughout my high school career and beyond.

Adam Roszkowksi

NAME: Adam Roszkowski

GRADE: 10

RANK/POSITION: Sophmore

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I love the group of boys, and making memories on the squad.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Practicing drill after and before school, meeting a lot of new people through the squad.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Academic awards

Garrison Solliday

NAME: Garrison Solliday

GRADE: 12th

RANK/POSITION: Senior Mascot

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE:
It is a position of Pride with great tradition and legacy and I am proud to carry that on.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS:
Spending more time with all of the boys and getting to know everyone better.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA:
Third place state finish for the AA state wrestling tournament.

Joseph Vascellaro

NAME: Joseph Vascellaro

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: My brother was a commander of the Crack Drill Squad.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL TEAM BECAUSE: Crack Drill is the longest standing tradition at the Academy and has a huge history.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Hanging with my 16 best friends every day at the closet, flipping guns, and wearing my white belt.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: My proudest accomplishment is making crack drill as a sophomore, and playing varsity football and basketball.

Colin Walsh

NAME: Colin Walsh

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: Lieutenant Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Uncle, Timothy Walsh
Speaker of ‘81, Father, Greg Walsh Commander of ‘86, Brother
Speaker of ‘19

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE:
Because of the tradition and the way we uphold this tradition is
something that you don’t see in many groups or activities at STA

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Going down to door 13, also known as the Crack Drill Closet, looking at all the names of past commanders and LTC’s that are inside the door.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Becoming
the Lieutenant Commander of the Crack Drill Squad and telling my dad that I did this.

Jacob Weinzetal

NAME: Jacob Weinzettel

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: C/ CPL / Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: First year

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: No family connection

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL TEAM BECAUSE: To carry on the traditions and excellence of the Crack Drill Squad.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Being a part of something all year long with the same group of people.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the 84th Crack Drill Squad