RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Wayland Baptist swimmer
Andrea Bond recently was inducted into Russellville High School's Cyclone Sports Hall of Fame. Bond is the first swimmer in the high school's history to receive the honor.
Induction into the high school's hall of fame is based on academics and character, as well as athletics achievements.
A freshman at Wayland, Bond ended her high school career owning five of the eight individual Cyclones' swim records: the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 fly. What's more, Bond's high school coach, Gary Knudsen, described her as a student-athlete who had all the characteristics to be successful, pointing out her work ethic and demanding schedule that showed her character, in and outside of the pool.
"She lettered in swimming all four years, (and) qualified for two individual events at the state championship meets all four years. Her last two years, she was named the outstanding female swimmer at the Rising Stars Banquet. Her junior year she was fourth – 200 Free, and district champion in the 100 fly, then at the state championships she was seventh, 200 free; and second, 100 fly. That made her 7A/6A runner-up and put her on the all-state swim team.
"In her senior year she was the district champion in the 50 and 100 free, then at the state championships second in the 50 and 100 free once again. That made her the 7A/6A runner-up and making the all-state swim team, becoming the fourth RHS swimmer to make the all-state team and the first in multiple events and multiple years."
Bond's commitment to her team also was emphasized.
"She still found time to be a volunteer swim coach for two years, volunteer for Dwight Cares after School Club for a year, and other projects through Interact and Honor Society," Knudsen said.
A two-time swim team co-captain, Bond received numerous academic awards as well, including Arkansas Activities Association Award, AP Scholar and Honor Roll member.
Bond and the rest of the Pioneer swimming and diving team begin the 2016 season at 3 p.m. Friday in Odessa in a dual against Texas-Permian Basin.
