A core part of our team spirit comes from our long standing tradition of Swim Buddies. Every swimmer is assigned a buddy. Big Buddies are generally rising middle-schoolers and older. Little Buddies are 10 & Unders, with a strong emphasis on 8 & Unders or first-year swimmers. Our goal is to have all Little Buddies assisted by Big Buddies at all swim meets.

Buddies are asked to give small tokens of encouragement and friendship throughout the season. Most buddies do some form of encouragement at every meet, like a handmade sign, a card, a healthy snack, a favorite candy… any small trinket, but this is not required. What's most important is that you make a connection with your buddy and encourage them do their best and have fun!

Big Buddy Responsibilities

• Greets Little Buddy at each meet.
• Determines Little Buddy events and heats, and assists them to the clerk of the course for each event
• Congratulates them at end of race and gives them their towel, and walks them to their parents (if necessary)
• Answers any questions and supports the Little Buddy

• Knows that Big Buddies, as teenagers and older Rockets, carry a lot of automatic respect from younger swimmers. Little Buddies will be proud to be paired with Big Buddies and will look forward to spotting their faces in a crowded swim meet.
• CHEER CHEER CHEER CHEER CHEER and more CHEERING!!!
• If the Big Buddy is unable to attend a certain meet, they are encouraged to find a sub and let the Little Buddy know about the change.

Ideas for buddies

• energy snack - candy, chips, protein bar, drink
• Playing cards, small game
• Pad of paper, markers, pens or crayons
• Playdough
• Small craft
• Hair clips
• Matchbox cars
• Ball
• Book
• Swim cap
• Water bottles
• Handmade sign or card
• Anything red/black!