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.

If you or your organization is interested in having the Crack Drill Squad perform at your event, please contact Master Gunnery Sergeant Neil Constine at nconstine@cadets.com

Crack Drill Public Performances

RSVP Here

Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m. in the Court

Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. in the Court

Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Court

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!

Jack Chamberlain

NAME: Jack Chamberlain

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Brother Noah, who was on the 82nd Squad

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE:
It is a brotherhood inside the brotherhood that only few people get to experience here at STA.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Seeing everyone,
especially Ben Jakubowicz, everyday in the halls.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Playing
Varsity Basketball since freshman year and making the 85th
Squad

Jack Dzubnar

NAME: Jack Dzubnar

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: C/CPT

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: Second 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 have continued
this tradition for these past two years.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Being able to pass on a tradition of strategic drill moves onto younger generations. This is a very long tradition at STA and it has been an honor every single day putting on a white belt and representing an organization of excellence.

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.

John Dzubnar

NAME: John Dzubnar

GRADE: 10

RANK/POSITION: Sophomore C/CPL

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: 1 older brother Jack Dzubnar

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL TEAM BECAUSE: The strong connections I get to make with the 16
other belts on the squad.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Practicing after school and preparing to ice every drill we perform at.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Learning what is means to be a belt and working on getting better grades every semester to get into a good college.

Rex Fitzgerald

NAME: Rex Fitzgerald

GRADE: 11

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: First generation

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: The Crack Drill Squad is a perfect example of the tradition that is found at the academy. The 85 years of tradition passed down through generations is something that can’t be found anywhere else. Talking to alumni and hearing the impact that Squad had on them proves that it is timeless.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Being able to spend hours with 16 of my best friends learning new moves and putting in work to ice drills. Seeing all of our hard work pay off after drills is a feeling that nothing in my life can compare to.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being selected to the 85th Crack Drill Squad as a junior.

Tyler Grahme

NAME: Tyler Grahme

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: C/CPT Charlie Company Commander/ Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Of the great tradition and legacy that comes with squad. Also the great group of men that you are surrounded by every day.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Practicing with the guys, joking around and meeting new people through the squad.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being a part of the top 20.

Ben Jakubowicz

NAME: Ben Jakubowicz

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Mascot

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION:: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL TEAM BECAUSE: The brotherhood behind it and how much
practice it takes to feel that sense of accomplishment after a drill.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Making memories with the boys and getting that feeling after icing
a drill.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Is being part of the crack drill squad and getting into college

Henry Killian

NAME: Henry Killian

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: LT Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Josh Killian Junior Driller (1988-90), Charlie Killian Sophomore/LTC (2017-20)

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: I believe it best represents the brotherhood of the school and has done that for the longest time. And i get to participate in it with the people I enjoy spending my time with.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Having 16 best friends to go to whenever I need them and for whatever reason.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making CDS as a sophomore and getting to be on the Squad with my brothers.

Sam Knapp

NAME: Sam Knapp

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Brother who was a veteran junior driller (Paul Knapp '21). Brother who is a sophomore (Teddy Knapp '24 )

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: The Crack Drill Squad has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment, that no other club or sport at Saint Thomas Academy can provide. Last year I was taught how to drill which is something completely unique to Saint Thomas Academy, and nothing like anything I have done before. I committed myself to the squad, and took pride in being part of something bigger than myself. Tradition is one of the core values at Saint Thomas Academy, yet many traditions have faded out throughout the years. The Crack Drill Squad remains the same with the public and private traditions the squad has. This tradition and comradery is what makes the squad a perfect representation of the true values of Saint Thomas Academy. The sense of accomplishment after spending countless hours a week, and many late nights on ultimately perfecting a drill with your best friends, and then executing it is truly a remarkable and indescribable feeling. The Crack Drill Squad has been the highlight of my high school career, and where I have truly experienced the brotherhood Saint Thomas Academy has to offer. You have to hold yourself to a higher standard, being on the squad, but there is no organization and no 17 guys I would want to represent more.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Executing a drill, and perfecting a move. Seeing the rookies buy in to the squad, and helping them drill. Seeing the long lasting effect of confidence, ability, and pride in the new drillers.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Performing my first solo performance, and teaching all the new rookies how to drill.

Teddy Knapp

NAME: Teddy Knapp

GRADE: 10

RANK/POSITION: Sophomore Cadet Corporal

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: 2 brothers, Sam currently a senior, Chip ‘21.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Of the time and dedication it takes to master the craft, and how we can represent the school well.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Having a great connection with the boys and being a belt.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being on squad, and improving my grades throughout this year.

Dillon Lynch

NAME: Dillon Lynch

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Grandfather Ronald Smith ‘51

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: It is something that transcends Saint Thomas Academy, something I can carry along with me for the rest of my life. Being a part of one of the longest-standing traditions at STA and being able to carry on the legacy that past squads have made while making our own legacy is something special.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: The special bond that is made with you and the 16 other members of the squad is different in comparison to any other bond that can be made. This bond is my favorite part of crack drill and something that I cherish.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the 85th crack drill squad. Also, now having to balance athletics, CDS and the standard that I hold myself to academically.

John Murphy

NAME: Jeep Murphy

GRADE: 11th

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Junior 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: Crack Drill Squad is one of the most unique and special traditions at STA which very few cadets get to experience. Crack Drill is a great representation of Saint Thomas Academy and is an honor to be on considering its past generations of drillers.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: My favorite part of Crack Drill is the drilling itself. Learning to spin real guns was probably the coolest thing I’ve done in my high school career. Also, working hard with a great group of guys and executing drills is a great feeling. There is truly nothing like Crack Drill Squad anywhere else in the world right now.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making Crack Drill Squad my junior year

Finn O’Brien

NAME: Finn O’Brien

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

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.

Luke Pucel

NAME: Luke Pucel

GRADE: 11

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

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: 11

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

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. I also love the long lasting tradition and making sure to uphold this
standard to the fullest through every drill we’ve had.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Practicing drill after and before school, meeting a lot of new people through the squad. Making new memories with people that I haven’t fully branched out with before squad.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Academic awards

Joe Sabre

NAME: Joe Sabre

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Speaker

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: It is one of the oldest remaining traditions at STA. The CDS allows me to be a part of a smaller brotherhood that shows the rest of the metro what STA is really about. I am proud of what it stands for and to be able to represent such a key history from our school.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Having the tightest-knit group of 17 brothers around to have my back when I need it. I also love being stopped by former Squad members at sports games, school events, or in public and talking about CDS.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the 85th Crack Drill Squad.

Gabe Schreier

NAME: Gabe Schreier

GRADE: 12th Grade

RANK/POSITION: C/ 1LT Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK CRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: : Dad, Marty Schreier, Speaker '88

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL TEAM BECAUSE: It requires focus and precision to complete a task, many people don’t realize the level of effort it takes. I have not been a part of a team or club that has developed more character as each member has something unique to contribute. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to spend the year with.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Poker nights with the boys, always having people to trust and be there for you no matter the circumstances.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being a part of the 85th and icing with the boys as well as staying on top of school work and other extracurricular activities.

Jacob Weinzetal

NAME: Jacob Weinzettel

GRADE: Senior

RANK/POSITION: C/ CPL / Senior Veteran Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: Second 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

Current Families

Prospective Families

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