Brendon Harmon

Brendon Harmon has a fierce, competitive drive on the slopes.

“I wanted to recognize this student-athlete because of his hard work, leadership and dedication to the sport of skiing,” Lake Region varsity alpine ski coach Charlie O’Brien said. “He shows up ready to work every practice and has a fierce competitive drive that shows when you see him ski.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Brendon is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Harmon File

Name: Brendon Harmon

Year in School: Senior

Town:  Naples

Parents: Tom and Sue Harmon

Sports you play: Alpine ski team

Q. Best piece of advice you have received?

BH. “Just ski the course.” At the beginning of every race, my coach tells me to just ski the course and to pretend it’s not a race. I always do better when I listen to him.

Q. Who is your biggest fan?

BH. I would have to say my little brother.  He looks up to me and wants to do the things I do. He goes to all of my races and cheers me on. I’m also his biggest fan.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when…

BH. I know I have had a good sports day when my coach tells me how proud he is of me. When he tells me how much I’m improving and when I feel proud of myself and how I performed.

Q. What is your favorite sport?

BH. Alpine ski team because I am actually good at it. I also love my team and look forward to going to the mountain every day.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…

BH. I would change my confidence level. I feel like if I was more confident then I could perform better. I am always scared of being a failure and would love to go into a race thinking I had a chance at winning.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate?

BH. To me, a good teammate is always someone who is willing to help you. To bring you up when you’re down on yourself and someone you get along with. I consider Samantha and Nicole Marucci to be the best teammates a kid could ask for. They are always there for me, and help me get better as a skier every day.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team?

BH. I believe I bring a positive attitude to the mountain every day and I am always encouraging my teammates to be the best they can be.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach?

BH. Encouraging you to do your best, always there to help you improve your skills and someone who doesn’t have their mind set that winning is everything.