Despite the fact that skiing is inherently an individual sport, the team championships are the most sought after titles in the state.

Telstar junior Travis Brooks finally figured that out this season. After racing hard last season to the point of falling nearly every race in an attempt best a personal record, Brooks eased off this season.

“I started skiing more for the team this year and I started getting beter personal results, too,” said Brooks. “I knew that last year I always went for a better run the second time, and I didn’t finish very many races. I’d lean into a gate too much, of slip trying to cut a corner too closely.”

This year, Brooks took a

few titles, the most important

of which was the Class A

state slalom title at Sunday River.

That kept his team in the running for the alpine title, which Mt. Blue ultimately won. He also finished second in the giant slalom behind Cheverus’ Luke Lemanski.

“He’s always had the skills,” said his coach Greg Luetje. “He’s a natural athlete. The thing that has helped him in the last couple of years is his emergence as a team skier.”

Because of his no-nonsense approach to the sport, and because he was a quality team leader unafraid to help others when they needed it, Travis Brooks is the 2002-2003 Sun-Journal Boys’ Alpine Skier of the Year.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Brooks. “My parents have been the biggest force behind being able to ski more conservatively and conentrating on the team. It’s a great honor, but I still have another year left to keep going. Hopefully I can do as well next year, too.”

Travis will be joined by the rest of the core of the Telstar team next year. His teammates, Jake and Adam Largess, are also juniors, and the three of them next season will be a force in Class A skiing.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com