r that I was just mentally prep a ring myself for how bod the landing was going to Hu r~ . While flying planes, racing cars, hunting, deep-sea fishing, waterskiing and snowboarding may have just been dreams to many students, these extreme sports were part of everyday Iife for sophomore Christian Baughn. Growing up in Atlanta, Ga., Baughn became interested in many sports and hobbies as a young child. Since the age of 6, Baughn spent his summers at the lake learning to water-ski, slalom ski and wakeboard. At an even earlier age, Baughn could be found snow skiing and boarding on the slopes in Colorado, Canada and Utah. "I have always loved to ski ever since I was young," Baughn said. "There is just something about carving up some fresh powder or making the perfect cut across the wake that keeps me coming back for more." When he was in high school, Baughn fell off a 40-foot cliff while snow skiing in Whistler, Canada. However, after 45 minutes of struggling, he finally made his way out of the perilous situation. "When I fell off the cliff, the first thing that went through my mind was 'I hope I'm going to clear those rocks'," Baughn said. "After that I was just mentally preparing myself for how bad the landing was going to hurt." Although the extreme sports Baughn did often came with risks, sophomore Gabrielle Rowden qualified that Baughn always took precautions. "Although most of the stuff he does is dangerous, Itrust him, and I know he'll be careful," Rowden said. "He is very brave." In every way the outdoorsy type, Baughn also made hunting and fishing a large part of his life, and more than anything else, deep-sea fishing and bass fishing were his greatest passions. While deep-sea fishing a couple of years ago, Baughn was pleasantly surprised when he caught his first shark. "I was pretty excited to catch a shark, even though it was not very big," Baughn said. "I had seen other people catch a shark, but it was a special moment when I landed my first one." Being the "man of many trades," Baughn's hobbies did not end there. After converting a street car to a track car, Baughn began autocross racing a couple years ago. "What I really enjoy about autocross racing is the opportunity to improve my driving skills and to see those improvements on the timing sheet," Baughn said. Fascinated with anything with an engine, Baughn obtained his private pilot's license a year ago. He had always loved planes, going to the airport and flying around the world. "Ever since I was a Iittle boy, I have pictured myself in the captain's seat of an airplane," Baughn said. "When I climb into the cockpit Ifeel at home." While Baughn worked on attaining an international business degree, his real hope was to someday be a pilot. With so many natural talents, it was clear that Baughn had many different roads to success available to him, and Rowden agreed. "Christian is a 'man' in the fullest sense of the word and the sweetest, most thoughtful person I have ever met," Rowden said. "I think the variety of his hobbies makes him interesting. There is definitely never a dull moment." As for his own opinion, Baughn said he was open to whatever the future held. "I hope to either become a commercial pilot or to work my way into the corporate world," Baughn said. "I'll just have to see where God leads me when the time comes." Gina Cie/o -..
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