Holman bound for Mt. Olive

Mason Holman has been serious about running for about four years.

With a few strokes of the pen Thursday, the South Caldwell senior signed up for four more years of his favorite sport. Holman signed a letter of intent with Mount Olive College, an NCAA Division II institution located near Goldsboro.

“It's getting me excited knowing I'll be up there next year,” Holman said.

Holman had a few options for next season. He considered going to school at UNC-Wilmington, Appalachian State and also thought of joining his brother Matt where he runs, at UNC-Asheville. In the end, however, Holman opted for Bill Hodge's program at Mt. Olive.

“I love the coach to begin with and the fact that it's a small college, I figure I'll get a better education,” Holman said.

Like most collegiate runners, Holman will participate in more than one athletic season. He will run cross country and compete in outdoor track. In high school, he's done both for four years, as well as run indoor track.

Holman was an all-county selection this fall for South Caldwell, where he was a top-seven runner on the team, typically posting 3.1-mile times near the 18-minute mark.

“The biggest thing I can say for him is how consistent he's been,” South cross country coach Jason Childers said. “You always know what you're getting.”

In track, Holman runs the 400- and 800-meter events. His top 400 time is 53 seconds. He's run the 800 in two minutes, seven seconds.

“He's our best track middle-distance runner,” Spartan track coach Mike McCall said.

Because of his versatility, Holman is often moved around to wherever the Spartans need him.

Holman will have nearly 75 percent of his college education paid for, which includes some academic scholarship money. Holman is an honors student at South, with a 4.29 grade point average.