The display of good sportsmanship in victory or defeat is a quality that has been valued highly by the Brooks athletic tradition. Good sportsmanship reflects grace, consideration for fellow athletes and an important sense of perspective about the outcome of the athletic contest.

The possession of natural athletic talent and skills is to be admired. However, it is the presence of such talent in combination with desire, hard work and determination that leads to exceptional and memorable performances that create new standards for determining athletic excellence. While the demonstration of athletic excellence as a Brooks student is the primary focus, consideration should also be given to ongoing performance after leaving Brooks.

Despite the trend in the modern athletic era toward specialization, the Brooks athletic tradition still values the versatility and perspective of the multi-sport athlete. The athlete who participates in more than one sport displays broader athletic abilities as well as a general affection for athletics.

Character is a broad term that is difficult to define in the abstract but easy to identify in practice. Maturity, commitment, unselfishness and perseverance in the face of adversity all evidence a sense of character that the Brooks community seeks to foster in its students.

Commitment to excellence, to teammates, to Brooks and finally to oneself demonstrates a strong will and determination. Such commitment reflects an understanding of the overall value of the Brooks athletics and academic experience and engenders a desire to support and perpetuate the Brooks experience for the benefit of future generations.

Whether by example or by enthusiastic encouragement, leadership is a necessary component of any successful athletic team. The development of leadership talents on the Brooks playing fields has provided many Brooks students with a sense of responsibility and a willingness to lead later in life.