May 31, 2001

COLUMBIA, Mo. - High jumper champion Jesse Sims has signed a letter of intent to compete for the University of Missouri in track and field next season.

"Jesse is a terrific kid and a great high jumper, who will continue our tradition of strong high jumpers," said track and field head coach Rick McGuire.

Sims, who is a native of Paola, Kan., won the 2001 Kansas 5A State Championship with a mark of 7-0. It was the second time this season that he cleared seven feet. He is also a two-time Kansas State Champion in the high jump.

"He is not only a great athlete, but he is a great student and he plans to major in business," McGuire said.