FTHS XC Summer Buddy Challenge

The FTHS XC Buddy Challenge is a team-building tradition designed to help athletes connect across grade levels, welcome new runners, and strengthen the culture of Freehold Township Cross Country.

Each athlete will be paired with a teammate they may not know well. Over the course of two weeks, buddies will have the chance to run together, talk, check in with each other, and learn more about one another beyond running.

The goal is simple: build stronger teammates by building stronger relationships.

How It Works

Athletes will be paired with a buddy, ideally from a different grade level or training group. Returning athletes may be paired with freshmen, new runners, or teammates they do not usually train with.

During the two-week challenge, each athlete should try to learn more about their buddy by asking questions, running together, and checking in during practice.

At the end of the two weeks, the team will compete in a fun Buddy Challenge game to see how well each pair got to know each other.

Buddy Challenge Goals

• Help new athletes feel welcomed

• Build connections across grade levels

• Break up cliques and strengthen team culture

• Encourage athletes to support teammates outside their normal friend group

• Create a more connected and positive team environment

Things to Learn About Your Buddy

Athletes may ask their buddy about:

• Favorite food

• Favorite music

• Favorite class

• Favorite movie or show

• Favorite professional or college team

• Why they joined cross country

• Their goal for the season

• What they are nervous or excited about

• Favorite race distance

• Hidden talent

• Dream vacation

• One thing they are proud of

• One thing they want teammates to know about them

Buddy Responsibilities

Each athlete should try to:

• Learn their buddy’s name and grade

• Run with their buddy at least once

• Ask about their buddy’s goals for the season

• Learn at least three non-running facts about their buddy

• Introduce their buddy to another teammate

• Check in with their buddy during the two-week challenge

• Support their buddy at practice

Buddy Challenge Game

At the end of the two weeks, the team will play a game to see how well each pair knows each other.

Possible questions may include:

• What is your buddy’s favorite food?

• What is your buddy’s favorite class?

• What is your buddy’s goal for the season?

• Why did your buddy join cross country?

• What is one thing your buddy is excited about this season?

• What is one non-running fact about your buddy?

• What motivates your buddy?

Each correct answer earns points. The buddy pair with the most points will win a small prize and be recognized by the team.

Team Rule

All questions and answers must be positive, respectful, and school appropriate. The purpose of the Buddy Challenge is to build confidence, connection, and team unity.

Why This Matters

Great teams are not only built through mileage, workouts, and races. Great teams are built when athletes care about each other, support each other, and make every teammate feel like they belong.

The FTHS XC Buddy Challenge is one way we build that standard.

Faster Together.