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 12 & Olders. 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 a small token of encouragement and friendship throughout the season. Most families do some form of encouragement at every meet, but this is not required. It can be a handmade sign, a card,  a healthy snack, a favorite candy… any small trinket! 

Ideas for buddies

• "favorites" from the form (candy, chips, protein bar, drink)
• Red/Black nail polish
• Playing cards, small game
• Pad of paper, markers, pens or crayons
• Playdough
• Small craft
• Hair clips
• Matchbox cars
• Ball
• Book
• Swim cap
• Water bottles
• Spray bottles
• Quarters for Meet snacks
• Lip gloss
• Anything red/black!

Big Buddy Responsibilities 

• Greets Little Buddy at each meet.
• Helps Little Buddy read the meet sheet and know what they are swimming and when. 
• Congratulates them at end of the 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, 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.