On February 5, Linganore held its spring signing day in which students sign their National Letters of Intent to play a sport at the collegiate level. Carter Holsinger, one of eight students who signed, will become a member of the Division 1 track and field team at Mount St. Mary’s University.

Holsinger will be attending Mount St. Mary’s with almost a full ride. “I’m going to major in Forensic Accounting with a minor in Criminal Justice and those programs go hand in hand,” said Holsinger.

He has been a paragon of track and field excellence throughout his years at Linganore. He broke the school record for pole vaulting and became a two-time state champion during his sophomore year. As a junior, Holsinger qualified for nationals and broke the 3A West record with a height of 15 ft 4 in.

According to track and field Coach David Bly, Holsinger is the current state record-holder, but the two have set the goal to be the first high school student in Maryland to break 16 feet. Bly’s favorite part of teaching Holsinger has been “how humble he is with all of his success,” as well Holsinger’s leadership and how he inspires other pole vaulters to improve.

Holsinger’s mother Michele said that she is “looking forward to the next stage in his life.” Her favorite memories of her son’s high school career in track and field are the first time he won the State Championship and when he qualified for nationals.

According to Holsinger, his biggest supporters are his teammates because they always cheer him on, even when he doesn’t have his best meet. He said they encouraged him to just keep going.
At the regional track meet on February 6, Holsinger set a new personal record for indoor pole vaulting with a height of 15 ft 2 in, qualifying him for states this year.

Mount St. Mary’s is a liberal arts, Catholic university in the Catoctin Mountains. The “Mountaineers” compete in Division 1 athletics, premier, club, and intramural sports, and much more.

The university has produced such prestigious athletes in the past as David Hinton, with a pole vault record of 17 ft 4.5 in, and Harry Marra, who became the coach of a two-time Olympic decathlon and world record holder. Peter Rono also graduated from the Mount to become a 1988 Olympic champion.

“I really like the campus, the coach is great, and for the amount of money I was offered I couldn’t turn it down,” said Holsinger.

When students from Frederick County public schools graduate, they line up in the halls of Knott Arena, surrounded by track trophies from years past. Perhaps the awards of Carter Holsinger will join them soon.