Buck Mayer is remembered as one of the greatest all-around college athletes in state history. A native of Norfolk, Mayer excelled at both football and track at the University of Virginia before graduating in 1916 with a law degree,
As a halfback in football, Buck was recognized throughout the South and later the East as the “South’s First All-American” and was chosen to the 1915 Walter Camp All American Team. Camp’s teams were the forerunners of the present day All-Americans.
Mayer is credited with five University of Virginia records: most points scored in one game (36) against the University of Richmond in 1915, most touchdowns (21) in one season in 1914, most points scored in one season (142) in 1914, most career touch downs (48) from 1912 through 1915. He also scored the most career points (312) over the same four-year span.
Buck Mayer also excelled in track with his best in shot put (16 Pounds) of 42 feet 3 inches; a career best of 22 feet 9 inches in the broad jump; a high jump best at 5 feet 8 inches and a 10.1 100-yard dash.
