Small Wisconsin village in the spotlight after Packers first-round draft pick

 

FONTANA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The newest Green Bay Packers player is somewhat of a Wisconsinite.

Thursday, April 27, the team announced their first-round draft pick: defensive end Lukas Van Ness. The Iowa Hawkeye was surrounded by family in Fontana when he learned he was chosen. Though he grew up in Illinois, Van Ness told reporters his family owns a secondary home in the small village on Geneva Lake.

CBS 58 visited Fontana on Friday to catch up with the family. Reporter Stephanie Rodriguez spoke with the family who declined an on-camera interview and said they are overwhelmed with all the attention, turning their focus on spending time as a family and on celebrating Lukas joining the Packers.

One Fontana resident said he is happy to see his village in the spotlight and to see another Iowa Hawkeye rock the green and gold.

"It's very exciting also seeing that they were partying here in our hometown of Fontana. It is Packer country, and it's great. They seem genuinely excited, and they're already flying a Packer flag outside their house." Randy Rasmussen said. "Him being a Hawkeye also, all three of my kids are Hawkeyes, and every Hawkeye that's gone to the Packers has done very well."

Van Ness spoke to the media after the announcement telling them joining the Packers felt almost "meant to be."

"I grew up in Chicago, and I was always a hockey kid. So honestly, I was a Blackhawks fan. So, I couldn't be happier to be in Green Bay," he said.

"I'm just so happy to be a Packer, and I can't wait to get out there and wear that green."

CBS 58 also sat down with 247 Sports writer David Eickholt. You can find the full interview here.

The NFL draft continues Friday and Saturday.