For the thrill of it: Brownstown senior football player, pole vaulter has continued success

October 4, 2018

Caleb Bollinger isn’t afraid to push his boundaries.

Whether he’s breaking away from the pack for big yardage or clearing a new height in the pole vault, Bollinger expects the most of himself.

Coming off of a season where he earned all-state honorable mention honors as a junior, he has continued to tear it up on the football field in 2018.

In the slot, the senior has run the ball 35 times for 353 yards and four touchdowns and caught eight passes for 228 yards and two TDs.

Playing as a defensive back, Bollinger has racked up 33 tackles (16 solo) and an interception.

“I like slot because I like being able to control the offense by getting the ball,” he said. “You get to make moves to gain yards and get to be a leader. Our safeties play like linebackers. I like being up in the contact and being able to make plays.”

Bollinger said he has played football for nine years, starting in the Columbus Police Athletic League.

“I love the contact and the atmosphere you get in the games,” Bolinger said. “I love the support we get before and during the games and Elm Street. I’m going to miss the bond that I gained with these guys. I’m going to miss the games. I like Brownstown because there isn’t a year, no matter what players we have, that coach (Reed) May hasn’t got us going far. He is always prepared.”

This spring, Bollinger returns to the track and field team as the program’s No. 1 pole vaulter.

In his junior season, he turned heads.

After earning All-Mid-Southern Conference honorable mention honors, Bollinger vaulted 13 feet to win the Bedford North Lawrence Sectional. He then placed third at the Bloomington North Regional to qualify for the state meet, where he finished tied for 22nd.

“My goal this year is to definitely get back to state,” Bollinger said. “I didn’t like where I was at last year. I want to go 14 first. From there, I want to break the school record (15 feet, set by Colton Ritz).”

Bollinger said he has loved the sport since starting in middle school.

“I like the uniqueness of pole vaulting,” Bollinger said. “Not everyone can go out and pole vault. I started in the seventh grade, and I barely was able to touch a pole, but it was really fun.

“My dad has been my No. 1 supporter since I started it. This winter, we are going to go down to Kentucky to train.”

After high school, Bollinger plans to study fire science.

“One of my dad’s best friends is a chief firefighter,” Bollinger said. “I like the hands-on experience. The second trimester for school, I’m doing an internship at the Seymour firehouse. That will get me a little more experience to see if I really do like it.”

While it is unlikely he will play football, he said if a scholarship presented itself, he would consider pole vaulting.

Bollinger has enjoyed his time at BCHS.

“I love it here,” he said. “It’s a small school where everyone knows everyone. I love all the teachers and small classes.”

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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 53-7 win against Clarksville.

Earning honors are Sam Huber, Offensive Back MVP; Bruce Spicer, Offensive Line MVP; Dustin Justice, Defensive Line/Inside Linebacker MVP; Eli Brown Defensive Back/Dime MVP; Jayden Steinkamp, Scout Team MVP.

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Name: Caleb Bollinger

School: Brownstown Central High School

Parents: Todd and Kandi Bollinger

Siblings: Kyle Whistler and Jacob Bollinger

Sports: Football, four years; basketball, three years; track and field, four years

Athletic highlights: State qualifier in track and field, regional champion sophomore year in football, all-state honorable mention junior year in football

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