"You know, I was a regular on the Friday afternoon drill squad. Um, which... The year after I left school, I went back and thanked the sergeant major because I was so fit"

John Newcombe reflects on his school days by mentioning his involvement in the Friday afternoon drill squad. The regular participation in these physically demanding drills not only became a routine part of his life but also played a significant role in his physical development. Rather than viewing the drill squad as a tiresome obligation, Newcombe acknowledges its lasting positive impact on his fitness. Drill squads, often associated with military discipline and exercise, are typically rigorous, fostering not just physical endurance but also resilience, coordination, and a sense of camaraderie among participants.

His recollection is marked by a distinct sense of gratitude. By mentioning that he went back and thanked the sergeant major a year after leaving school, Newcombe suggests a recognition that some benefits of formative experiences aren't always appreciated in the moment. As a youth, he may have found the exercises challenging or even burdensome, but the distance of time offered him the perspective to appreciate their role in establishing a foundation of fitness that benefited him beyond school. The act of returning to thank the sergeant major demonstrates a maturity, a willingness to reflect on one's past and acknowledge positive influences that, at the time, might not have been fully understood.

Moreover, this memory may illustrate the relationship between discipline and achievement. The regularity and structure provided by the drill squad contributed to physical conditioning, which likely served him well in his later career as a professional athlete. By connecting fitness with gratitude towards an authority figure responsible for instilling discipline, the anecdote reveals how routine challenges and structured activities in one's upbringing can become the building blocks for future success. Newcombe's story captures the idea that appreciation for formative, structured experiences often comes with hindsight, and that those who demanded discipline and effort may deserve thanks for their lasting contributions.