Taylor Davis

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Taylor Davis is already making his mark in alpine skiing as a freshman.

He has been the Lakers’ top finishing competitor. Coach Charlie O’Brien is hardly surprised by the rookie’s early success.

“During dry land (training), Taylor showed his commitment to the team, like many of his teammates, by putting in the hard work during the beginning of the season and it is showing now,” Coach O’Brien said. “This was a hard choice because so many kids on the team have worked hard to improve as well. Having coached Taylor in the past when he was younger, I knew what kind of talent I was getting when he arrived at the high school — a consistent desire to get better, the ability to take coaching and apply it to his skiing quickly, which can be tough in a sport that demands so much focus. (Racing) is just as much about the mental preparation as it is the physical preparation.”

Taylor is starting to show, at a young age, the type of ski racer he can be, Coach O’Brien added — mentally tough, physically strong, and focused on the moment.

“Taylor, like his teammates, makes my job so much fun and enjoyable,” Coach O’Brien said. “I really look forward to seeing this young man continuing to grow as a student, and athlete, and as a person.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Taylor 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 Davis File

Name: Taylor Davis

Year in School: Freshman

Town: Naples

Parents: Scott and Stephanie Davis

School Activities/Sports: Soccer, alpine skiing, lacrosse

Q. Why did you choose this sport? TD. I chose skiing because I’ve been skiing my whole life. My father was a state champion slalom skier for Lake Region and I want to follow in his footsteps.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? TD. My goal is to get on the podium.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? TD. I enjoy skiing with my friends.

Q. What do you like the least? TD. My least favorite part about skiing is free skiing. I like to run gates.

Q. What makes you successful? TD. I think that the amount of time I put into skiing makes me successful. I usually ski seven days a week.

Q. What would your dream moment be? TD. My dream moment would be to make the U.S. Ski Team and meet Ted Ligety.

Q. What has the sport taught you? TD. The sport has taught me patience and that hard work and dedication pays off.

Q. Who has inspired you? TD. My dad has inspired me. He was the one who encouraged me to be a ski racer.