Joe Davenport

The Downmountain Drum Joe Davenport

In the late 1950's, Pen Tillman returns to Wyoming University after fulfilling his military obligation. Because of his impressive junior downhill racing record, he is offered a much needed skiing scholarship. He gratefully accepts, but remains stubbornly focused on getting an engineering degree. Skiing would simply be a means to that end. Much to his surprise, that focus is shattered at the first practice session with the embryonic Wyoming ski team and its ambitious coach, Rodaman. Old racing instincts return with a vengeance. A close friend persuades him to take an unwanted elective course and the beautiful woman speech instructor is drawn to him by their mutual interest in writing and self-expression. There begins a powerful romance and a harrowing downhill racing odyssey that carries him toward a surprising destiny with the U. S. Ski Team and the 1960 Olympics. Jealous detractors and fierce competitors attempt to defeat his quest for the gold and alienate the woman he loves. The force of his driving talent and will to win changes the lives of those around him forever.