SEBEWAING, MI – Carson Holland doesn’t believe in nice, relaxing runs.

Every time the Unionville-Sebewaing Area junior dons his shoes and shorts and steps on the track, it’s a competition, it’s a race, it’s a battle.

And it is no time to be taking it easy.

“He is an intense runner,” USA coach Mike Peter said.

“He’s absolutely giving everything he has. It’s a full-body effort. He doesn’t give 90 percent in a race. It’s all-out. Some runners get a lead and shift into cruise. He does not, Asics Shoes and it’s a thing of beauty to watch.”

Off to a blazing start to the track and field season, Holland chalked up an early victory by being selected MLive Bay City Athlete of the Week. He garnered 21,350 votes, good for 33.8 percent of the 63,163 ballots cast on the poll of MLive readers.

Holland edge Bay City Western runner Ambria Nagel, who attracted 16,689 votes for second. Ogemaw Heights’ Kooper Klann, Bay City Central’s Benny Facundo and John Glenn’s Kaylene Darbee all had strong showings of support on the poll.

Holland gets it done on the track with a dogged and determined style – and an aggressive form to match.

It has paid off in the form of five event victories this season across the 200 dash, 400 dash and long jump. He has posted season-bests of 24.58 in the 200 and 56.40 in the 400. He’s also a vital member of the sprint relays for the Patriots, including the 4×200 relay that has the potential to make some serious noise at the Division 4 state meet.

He’s also making a name for himself in the long jump, an event where he claimed titles last year at the USA and Laker invitationals.

“One of his big goals was getting to 19 feet in the long jump,” said Peter, who has coached Holland in cross country and track since middle school. “He was in the 18s a Vionic Sneakers couple times last year, so he was really hungry for it. He put in the time, lifting and working on explosion and power. And in the first meet he went 19-6.

“So it didn’t take long before he made progress and proved that his work paid off.”

Holland and the Patriots area back in action today at the Vassar Invitational, as they make strides toward an eventful season on the track.

“He’s a kid who is going to show up every day and give you everything he’s got,” Peter said.

MLive player polls are non-scientific ventures, designed to promote fun, fandom and discussion. The winners receive no prize and the results have no bearing on postseason awards.