100 Years of the
WEST SUBURBAN CONFERENCE

ATHLETES HONOR ROLL

RAY BUCHANAN -- Proviso East

A two-time state champion at the 1989 IHSA state track meet, Buchanan won the long jump and triple jump, and earned the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.  Ray played football at the University of Louisville from 1989 to 1992.  Buchanan was the Defensive MVP of the 1990 Fiesta Bowl against Alabama, as the Cardinals secured their first bowl game victory in thirteen seasons.  Buchanan was named as an All-American defensive back in his senior year.  Ray was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft.  Buchanan played for the Colts from 1993-1996 before signing with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played from 1997-2003.  In 1998, Buchanan recorded seven interceptions, made a Pro Bowl appearance, and helped the Falcons reach Super Bowl XXXIII.  Buchanan finished his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2004.  Over his twelve-year NFL career "Big Play Ray" finished with 47 interceptions, four defensive touchdowns, six fumble recoveries and 819 tackles.  Buchanan was inducted into the Louisville Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.