Wkyons throw party for Olympian

United States snowboarder and Iron River native Nick Baumgartner attended a rally in his honor on Friday at West Iron County High School. The Wykon students came out in droves to support the U.P. Olympian.

Baumgartner talked about what its been like trying to make it back to the Olympics for a second time in his career.

“I put in a lot of hard work over the years. To see it pay off and have my dreams come true, it’s unbelievabale,” said Baumgartner.

Baumgartner first found out on Jan. 24 that he made the U.S. Snowboardcross team for upcoming games in Sochi. The first person he called was his number one supporter– his son, Landon.

“Any parent knows that it’s a constant battle to make your kids think that you’re cool so they want to hangout with you more,” said Baumgartner. “I’ve been fortunate enough to do some pretty cool things that my son really thinks is awesome. I just hope it continues to go on and he continues to want to hangout with his dad.”

Baumgartner will take off for Russia on Tuesday, Feb 4. He will first fly to Munich, Germany, then to Sochi. The Snowboardcross qualifying takes place on Feb. 16. The competition for Baumgartner’s event will be a day later, on Feb. 17.