Overview
Periodically, we’ll feature other contributors from around the drill team activity! These may be graduated drillers who have competed at the highest levels, coaches who have a grain of knowledge to share, or other individuals who have contributed to drill in some way!
“I Love Drill”
In my life so far, I have been many places to do many things. I have been a restaurant manager in 3 different cities, worked in school district transportation, and been a truck driver traveling coast to coast. However, no matter where I go, I always come back to drill. The only things I can claim to have done longer are draw, eat tacos, and breath. I can’t quite put my finger on how I always manage to come back, but I can at least try to explain why.
I love that there is an inherent right way to do things. You HAVE to pin your hands a certain way. Steps HAVE to be a specific length. The world is crazy, and I enjoy the order following simple rules gives me. It’s not some sort of dictatorship that tells me how to live my life. But if I drill and ask myself, “Did I do this right?” I can usually find my answer by looking at how it was meant to executed in the first place. Does it represent the military values the activity was based on well? Does it look awkward? Did I pin my hand the right way? Was my step the correct length?
I love the creative freedom I have. Even after all the rules, regulations, and “right ways” of doing things, my basic instruction is clear. “Spin the weapon.” I can do it however I want. Yes, drill can be complicated, but at the end of the day, everybody is just trying to do the same thing; look really cool while spinning a rifle. Nobody can tell me how to do that.
I love the mixing of the regulations and creativity. The “right way” gives me a boundary to push, and the creativity is my engine to push it with. I have been told, “This is how drill is meant to be conducted. Do this thing this way.” But I’m going to drill my way. And because I know how you see the “correct” way of conducting myself, I’m going to use that to make sure you like my way. I will be myself as correctly as possible, so you have no reason to dislike it.I love the people. In my years, I’ve met the people who write, teach, enforce, bend, or ignore those very regulations. They’re good people. I do my best to make time to see them, both in and out of drill, when I can. I look forward to the people I will eventually meet as I continue doing this as well.
– Zach Kennington
About the Author
Zachary Kennington is a post-HS driller and member of the DTD Coaches Network. Upon graduation from his Marine Corps JROTC program, Zach continued to compete and perform at the professional level.
Zach is most well-known for his signature blend of technical prowess, precision, and creativity. His sequences showcase what happens when an artist has the right tools at their disposal and he is widely considered one of the most technical drillers in recent history.
Zach also gives back as a coach in the San Antonio area where he resides. You can learn more about Zach and inquire about his coaching services by CLICKING HERE.