Team Builder Hike – Wave Cave, Gold Canyon, AZ 

Building Toughness, Leadership, and Brotherhood Off the Field 

The Jr. Jaguars kicked off their weekend with a challenge far different from a typical practice — a team-building hike to the Wave Cave in Gold Canyon, Arizona. The boys arrived early, hitting the trailhead by 7:00 AM, ready to attack a full morning of effort, discipline, and teamwork.

This wasn’t an easy walk. The Wave Cave hike covers nearly 5 miles round-trip, climbs nearly 1,500 feet of elevation, and requires focus, pacing, and group communication. To make the most of the experience, the boys were divided into small hiking groups, giving them opportunities to step into leadership roles, look out for one another, and stay accountable from start to finish.

From the very beginning, the boys represented the Jr. Jaguars program with pride. They were respectful to other hikers on both the ascent and descent—stepping aside to let groups pass, offering greetings, and showing the type of character we expect both on and off the field. Several hikers even complimented their manners and teamwork.

As the trail steepened, the boys encouraged each other, rotated group leaders, and made sure no one got left behind. The final climb into the Wave Cave was tough, but the team reached the summit together.

Inside the cave, the boys had the chance to slow down, take in the incredible view, and share an experience they won’t forget — eating MREs together, laughing, comparing meals, and enjoying a moment of accomplishment before the descent.

The hike back down tested their coordination and communication just as much as the climb up. The boys continued to work in groups, stayed respectful to other hikers, and finished the trail the same way they started it — as a team.

In total, the hike took just over three hours and pushed the boys physically and mentally. But more importantly, it strengthened the bonds that hold this team together. They learned patience. They learned leadership. They learned how to be accountable to the group. And they proved once again that the Jr. Jaguars culture is about more than football — it’s about growing into strong young men.

Whether we’re running plays at practice, competing in 7v7, or hiking up a mountain at sunrise, everything we do is built around one idea:
We get better together, The Jr. Jaguars are building something special. One rep, one practice, one trail at a time.

This hike was another step forward — and an unforgettable one.

Interested in Joining the Jr. Jaguars?

We’re always excited to welcome new families into our program.
If your athlete is interested in joining the Jr. Jaguars, please use the Contact Form in the main menu or visit our Welcome Message under Parent Central to learn more about our culture, expectations, and upcoming opportunities.

We’d love to connect with you and help your athlete take the next step in their football journey.