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

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: Senior

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

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 James Richardson and Luke Dobbs everyday in the halls.

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

Collin Dalseth

NAME: Collin Dalseth

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Mascot

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: First member of my family

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Of the long 86 years of tradition the Crack Drill Squad has, it is unique from anything else at the academy and I am proud and happy to be a part of this history. Not only is drill full of traditions but I get to make one of a kind traditions with 16 other belts.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: My favorite part about Crack Drill is spending time with the boys at practice locking in and seeing the hard work pay off icing drills. The countless memories and long lasting friendships that crack drill provided me with are one of a kind.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being selected to be the mascot of the 86th Crack Drill Squad.

Will DelDotto

NAME: Will DelDotto

GRADE: 12th

RANK/POSITION: 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 love Saint Thomas Academy and the brotherhood and traditions that are a part of the experience. The Crack Drill Squad is the even deeper brotherhood inside of our school.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Practicing drill and spending time with my brothers. I am so thankful for the great group of guys that I can depend on and trust.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Making the 86th Crack Drill Squad my senior year.

Joe Diebel

NAME: Joe Diebel

GRADE: 10

RANK/POSITION: C/CPL Sophomore

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: Dad was Lieutenant Commander of the '96 squad.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Crack Drill is one of the most distinctive opportunities in the school and I am proud to have been chosen to be a part of it. I also have been trusted to eventually lead the squad and to someday be in a position of either Commander or Lieutenant Commander.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Getting to know the older guys and making connections with people throughout the school, spending time with my fellow belts, and learning how to drill.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: My proudest accomplishment at STA is being chosen as one of the two sophomores on the 86th Crack Drill Squad.

Luke Dobbs

NAME: Luke Dobbs

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: C/SGT, Junior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Of the long lasting traditions that are passed on through the squad. The time and effort it takes to practice for the drills.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Making memories with my brothers on the squad. Working hard as a group to perfect the drills and impressing family, friends, and alumni that come to watch the drills.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being selected for the 86th Crack Drill Squad and being named a starter for the varsity basketball team as a sophomore.

John Dzubnar

NAME: John Dzubnar

GRADE: 11

RANK/POSITION: Junior C/STG

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: Second year

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: 12

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

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.

Jack Gorden

NAME: Jack Gorden

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Junior Driller, C/CPL

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’m able to be a part of a tradition that has been at the academy for 86 years and not everyone has the chance to be a part of it.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Learning how to drill and spending time and hanging out with my fellow drillers.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being selected as a junior driller of the 86th Crack Drill Squad.

Nick Henseler

NAME: Nick Henseler

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: I am able to become a part of a long standing tradition that allows me to connect more deeply with the tradition of the school, while representing other values that are ingrained in the school.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Making memories and long lasting relationships with my brothers and working hard with them to improve, accomplish goals and impress our supporters and viewers.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being selected for the 86th Crack Drill Squad and being a captain of both varsity soccer and track.

Teddy Knapp

NAME: Teddy Knapp

GRADE: 11

RANK/POSITION: Junior Driller Cadet Corporal

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: 2 brothers, Sam '22 and 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. Also the bond I build with the other boys on squad. I would not be as close with any of these kids if it wasn’t for Crack Drill.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Having a great connection with the boys and being a belt. Also hanging out with the guys after practice or a drill. As well as icing a drill.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being on squad, and improving my grades throughout this year. As well as my accomplishments on the football field.

Tyler Magozzi

NAME: Tyler Magozzi

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: None

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: It is by far the most unique experience the school has to offer, and it really represents the values of tradition, discipline, and excellence at STA.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Learning how to drill and flip real rifles, because it’s something I would have never pictured myself doing before coming to STA. Dialing in with the squad to accomplish our goals and make our performances look good is a great experience.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Playing varsity hockey and making the 86th Crack Drill Squad while being the first person in my family to attend STA.

John Murphy

NAME: Jeep Murphy

GRADE: 12th

RANK/POSITION: Veteran Senior Driller

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 2

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

Luke Pucel

NAME: Luke Pucel

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

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. The tradition of the Squad goes back 86 years. With how selective it is to be a part of it, it is very special to connect with alumni from past squads from years ago and talk about shared experiences and memories that they had so many years ago. The Crack Drill Squad is a perfect example of the aspect of tradition that is preached so hard by Saint Thomas Academy. There are traditions both public and private about the squad that go back nearly a century. There is nothing else like Crack Drill at the school, or many other schools for that matter. Also, being a completely student run organization, it gives a huge sense of pride and accomplishment when you see yourself naturally begin to progress in drilling over the years, and an even greater sense of pride when you see those you once taught progress as well.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Talking to alumni about how special Crack Drill continues to be to them to this day, as well as seeing newer guys progress in their drilling and leadership abilities as they grow on squad.

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.

James Richardson

NAME: James Richardson

GRADE: Ju10nior

RANK/POSITION: Sophomore

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: First family member to be a part of this special group of young astute men.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Of how unique an experience it is compared to anything the Academy offers. It is a unique and special bond that you make with 16 other great individuals.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Getting close with a lot of guys who I didn’t know before. Also getting to know the drill and working on it and working to get better every day.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Being chosen to be a part of the 86th 87th and 88th Crack drill squad for the next 3 years.

Adam Roszkowksi

NAME: Adam Roszkowski

GRADE: 12

RANK/POSITION: Lieutenant Commander

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 3

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 (Torch x2) and being a history day state runner up solo.

James Zavoral

NAME: James Zavoral

GRADE: Junior

RANK/POSITION: Rookie Junior Driller, C/2LT

YEARS ON CRACK DRILL: 1

FAMILY/LEGACY CONNECTION: My father Jim Zavoral ‘91 as a junior driller, Uncle Thomas Zavoral ‘97 as a senior driller, and Grandfather Thomas Merz ‘57 as the Lieutenant Commander.

I’M PROUD TO BE ON THE CRACK DRILL SQUAD BECAUSE: Crack Drill is the school's best and most precious tradition and it’s a really neat thing to be a part of. I’m also very proud that I am able to carry on the legacy of my father, uncle, and grandfather who were on the squad before me. Lastly, I’m proud to uphold the tradition of the Crack Drill Squad since 1937.

MY FAVORITE PART OF CRACK DRILL IS: Spending time learning to drill with my brothers as well as bonding with 16 other guys that are determined to uphold the excellence of the squad. Also the long lasting traditions of the squad are something that will last a lifetime of memories for all of us.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT WHILE AT STA: Playing varsity hockey as a sophomore as well as being selected to be on the 86th Crack Drill Squad.

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