Twenty-five boys from Tauranga Boys’ College’s Cross Country team are fundraising furiously to get to the USA’s West Coast this September for the trip of a lifetime.

The boys have an exciting itinerary ahead of them, which includes competing in the 2025 Prefontaine Memorial Race, exploring the famous Nike Headquarters in Oregon, visiting universities and training in some iconic locations in California.

The trip has been in the works for two years, said teacher-in-charge Adam Garner, who alongside teachers and coaches Gareth Hyett and Brad Smith has seen the team achieve many podium finishes last year – including at the NZ Secondary Schools Championships in Christchurch.

Opportunities

“We’ve got a really strong team – they show excellent commitment to their training day-in, day-out, and it will be great to expose them to overseas races and opportunities,” said Garner, who with Hyett and Smith will accompany the boys overseas.

Among the team travelling to the US is Sam Ruthe, who has grabbed headlines recently for his world-class performances on the track. Ruthe and his teammates are looking forward to taking their talent to American soil.

But such opportunities don’t come cheap. The boys, their families and teachers have been grabbing any opportunity to fundraise for the trip – from sizzling sausages to chopping firewood – since last year. All committed members of the cross country team were eligible for the trip.

The team photo of Tauranga Boys’ College 2024 Cross Country team. Photo / Supplied

Garner said the trip will cost about $215,000 in total. So far the boys and their families had raised $30,000. “Fundraising has been a huge focus for us because we want this trip to be accessible to all students, while also ensuring the boys take ownership of the process,” said Garner.

“The team has put in a massive effort [so far].. We don’t have a set fundraising target – but the more we raise, the less each family has to contribute, which is a huge help.”

Quiz night

Next month the team is hosting a quiz night at the college, and asks individuals or businesses wanting to buy tickets or donate products/services to the evening’s silent auction to get in touch.

The boys will forgo their trainers for the evening and wait on tables instead, Garner said.

The Quiz Night is at Tauranga Boys’ College from 7pm on Friday, May 9. Tickets are $280 for a table of eight. To purchase a table or donate items, phone the school on 07 578 4029.