Nov. 30, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky track and field program has signed two athletes during the fall signing period, Coach Don Weber announced Friday. Jackie Wagner from Paducah, Ky., and Leah Kerstetter from Erie, Pa., have each signed national letters of intent. They will join the program in August 2002.

Wagner is a 13-time Kentucky State Champion and became only the second individual in Kentucky history to win the triple crown of distance running at the state championships after winning the 800-meter, 1600-meter and 3200-meter events. She also won the Kentucky State cross country title three times during her high school career.

The St. Mary’s High School senior has also won three Mason-Dixon Games titles and plays varsity basketball.

Kerstetter will join the Wildcats after completing an impressive career at Iroquois High School. She is the reigning Pennsylvania State champion in the 1600-meter run after running a 4:59.48 in 2001. That time ranks her among the top 15 for returning high school seniors. Kerstetter was runner up for the same title in 2000.

As a cross country athlete, Kerstetter twice qualified for the state championship as an individual since her high school does not sponsor cross country.

“Both Leah and Jackie are high-level athletes that will be very competitive for us as freshmen,” Weber said. “They have both demonstrated outstanding ability from the 800-meter event to cross country.

“Combined with the current athletes in our program, Leah and Jackie will help us reach the goals we have for our middle distance and distance running programs,” Weber continued. “They will also make their mark in the Southeastern Conference as individuals.”