July 19, 1999

Gary Buchanan, the 1999 Virginia State High School “AA” high jumpchampion, has signed a national letter of intent to attend the Universityof Kentucky, UK coach Don Weber announced Monday.

Buchanan, who won the state meet with a leap of 7-feet, is ranked 15thnationally in the 1999 high school rankings according to the July issue ofTrack & Field News. The St. Charles, Va., native also is an accomplishedsprinter, claiming an additional state crown in the 4×100 meter relay.

“Gary is a very talented and versatile athlete,” Weber said. “Heparticipated in football and basketball in high school in addition to trackand field. He has tremendous jumping ability, and with some refining ofhis technique, he will challenge for an SEC championship.”

At the state meet, Buchanan’s Lee County squad scored 38 points to finishfifth, with Buchanan scoring 28.25 of the points by taking two titles andposting second-place finishes in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles.