MacGillivray breaking records

Not many high school athletes become state champions in two sports, and fewer accomplish this feat while still in their junior year.

Bond MacGillivray, now a senior at Fryeburg Academy, did just that last year, taking one state ski title during the winter in the giant slalom, and another this past spring in the half-mile run. He missed his chance for a triple crown when he severely tore ligaments in his ankle just prior to the regional competition in cross country last fall.

This year he's bigger and stronger and back in cross country competition, tearing up some course records in the process. Undefeated in six races going into this past Tuesday's meet with Hebron and Marshwood, Bond previously broke the course record at Gould Academy and shaved 15 seconds off the record at Traip while going for his victories.

"His performance at Traip was a good indicator of how well he is running," said John Pinto, coachy of the Fryeburg cross country team. "Traip is a course that is used regularly for meets, do breaking that record gives us some perspective when looking at Bond's running."

A participant in the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Program since he was in grade school, Bond first took up running to help with his training and aerobic conditioning for his "first" sport. "Not only is he a natural runner," said his coach, "he's also a natural athlete. I think he'd excel at any sport."

"I found that the running has really helped my skiing," said Bond, "but the years of skiing competition have really helped me for the mental toughness needed when running a race."