Nick Baumgartner surprises former coach

Pictured are, Nick Baumgartner presenting the Order of Ikkos medal to Coach Jim Kralovec.  (Kevin Zini)

IRON RIVER – Nick Baumgartner, Olympic Gold Medalist, surprised a former coach during Thursday’s, Feb. 9, West Iron County girls’ basketball game.
Olympic athletes are given the “Order of Ikkos” award by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to give to an influential coach in the athlete’s life. Nick Baumgartner gave the award to his t-ball coach, Jim Kralovec.
“Through the years I was always able to keep in touch with him. I guess I made an impact. It is nice to see him doing well. He has come a long way,” Kralovec said.
Kralovec said he is humbled by the award and continues to teach elementary physical education to the next generation of Wykon athletes.
“I hope this shows people to go out there and volunteer as a coach. You don’t have to be the best coach ever, but you need to be there for the kids.
You need to inspire them and teach them discipline. It is greatly needed in the world,” Baumgartner said.