Sooner Profile: Chris Brooks

Chris Brooks \| Men's Gymnastics \| Senior
	Hometown: Houston, Texas Parents: Larry and Terry Brooks High School: Cypress Creek Club Program: Houston North Major: Business Multimedia View Interview \| Photo Gallery \| Bio

NORMAN, Okla. -- World-class gymnasts are common at the University of Oklahoma. Chris Brooks is one, evidenced by his recent appointment to the U.S. Senior National Team.

In a gym filled with elite athletes, however, individual accomplishments are not the focus. When asked to name his favorite gymnastics memory, the senior captain has just two words: national championship.

A four-time All-American, Brooks has earned his fair share of hardware during his college career. It is also safe to say he has plenty more to look forward to. In Brooks' mind, all of the individual stuff can wait, however, because it all takes a backseat to helping his team accomplish something bigger.

More than any individual award, being a part of this team and doing his best for his teammates has provided the greatest satisfaction. So as he looks forward to the remainder of this season, Brooks has just one goal: national championship.

On how it feels to be named to the U.S. Senior National Team:
"I'm pretty excited to make it and represent the United States as well as OU. It didn't sink in at first but it's starting to a little bit. I haven't really done anything yet, but just the thought of getting to go and represent my country is a pretty cool feeling."

On how long that has been a goal of his:
"It's been a goal ever since I was on the junior team. The opportunities I've had to make the senior team, something always came up with small injuries or a bad performance. With this being my last year at OU, I definitely trained my hardest to get ready for that competition."

On having three gymnasts from OU on the national team:
"It says a lot about our program. We don't just make college gymnasts here, we make gymnasts that are great on every level. It's also good having those guys in the gym because it pushes everyone else to rise up and come to their level."

On how much his gymnastics has developed since arriving at OU:
"A ton. Before I came here, I had a lot of good stuff but consistency was my main issue. Being here on a team with a bunch of guys, every routine mattered not just to myself but to all my teammates. Working with [Coach Williams, Coach Sharipov and Coach Furney], they definitely helped my get my consistency up."

On what he still wants to accomplish in his college career:
"Just get that national championship. That's always the goal for the team. I just want to my best for them, for the coaches and everybody else here at OU. Individually, I just want to earn as many All-Americans as I can, and I'd personally like to have another perfect season. We got that my freshman year so I'd like to go out my senior year the same way."

On his greatest memory here so far:
"I think my freshman year when nationals was hosted here at OU. Competing as a freshman in front of the hometown crowd with all the alumni guys in the stands, it was just a totally different feeling than anywhere else I've competed."

On what's it like being a part of this team, both in and away from the gym:
"It's like a family with 15 of my closest brothers here with me. At any time any one of these guys will drop anything to do something for you. It feels good because you have a support group all the time. I've always been on a small team, but it was nowhere near the brotherhood we have here."

On the team's relationship with the kids at Cleveland Elementary:
"It's great. We go over there and help out as much as we can, read to the kids and help them with their math and stuff. It always feels good to feel like you're helping and being a part of some kids life. Then to see them come and support us at the competition, it makes you realize that hour we put in once or twice a week really does make a difference to these kids because you can hear it in the way they cheer for us."

On being one of the senior leaders on the team:
"I think I'm a good leader. I don't really have a lot of inspirational words, I just try to lead by example by working hard and making every turn count. The leaders of this team are the entire senior class. We have a big senior class and anybody in that class can say anything to any one of the other guys and it will definitely motivate them. We're all leaders as a group."

On how the senior class wants to go out:
"National champions. Undefeated."

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