By Staff
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
He ran six miles every morning for nine weeks of the summer.
Was it just to stay in shape for the upcoming football season?
Not really, being in shape for football season is just a bonus.
The real reason he ran six miles a day was because a drill sergeant woke him up at 4:30 a.m. and told him to run.
Steven Holt did what most high school age boys and girls would never think about. While they were swimming, cruising and partying, Holt was at boot camp in Fort Benning, Georgia.
"I've been thinking about going into the military for a long time," Holt. I guess since I was 12."
Holt did not wait very long. During the summer after his junior year, Holt decided to join the Army. He is now a senior at Falkville High School.
"It was pretty rough," Holt said of Fort Benning. "That's about it."
But what he has experienced will prepare him for his final year of football – and the rest of his life.
After graduating, Holt will be stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he will be in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for three to six months during the summer.
His dad, Steve Holt, said he couldn't be more proud of his son.
"When I first heard about it, I thought it was a good idea," the elder Holt said. "I think the Army is good for all young adults. It teaches discipline and respect and makes a well-rounded person."
The Army also makes a well-conditioned person.
"I can do 100 pushups in two minutes," Steven Holt said. "We would run six miles every morning, and I got used to being tired. I would only get about two hours of sleep most of the time.
"I'm in the best shape of my life."
After graduating high school and AIT, Holt plans to attend the University of North Alabama where he wants to run cross country.
"I just feel totally prepared for whatever happens," Holt said.