Kingston…The 11th Annual David “Wagga” Hunt Football Classic will take place on Saturday August 10, 2019 with three exciting match-ups that should have the Barbican Football Field humming with excitement. At 2pm two of the titans of local football Harbour View FC and newly minted Premier League Club, Molynes United FC will take the field in what is widely expected to be a thriller. The feature match, between reigning Manning Cup Champion Kingston College and Calabar will square off at 5pm. KC came out on top in last year’s milestone 10th Anniversary event. In both instances, fans will get the chance to see (what could be considered) early season previews. In-between those two highly anticipated match-ups, will be the Masters’ match between Pelicans FC and St. George's Masters which starts at 3:30pm.
Team Calabar Pose for the cameras before the 2018 Wagga Hunt MatchThe Football Classic, is named for the Late David “Wagga” Hunt of Kingston College fame and former football coach who is credited for reviving the sport at Calabar High School, coaching them in 2005 to their first Manning Cup title in 28 years and which also saw them copping the coveted Olivier Shield title. The show of support by the teams is a testament to the unifying force of David Hunt and the generosity of spirit and community which he embodied. Hunt’s mantra for the KC/Calabar rivalry was, “we can be rivals not enemies.” His dedication to working with youth is the driving force in the preservation of his legacy since his untimely passing in 2007.
The Football Classic is part of a trifecta of activities which anchor the David “Wagga” Hunt Foundation’s annual calendar of events. The prestigious Red Carpet Fund Raising Ball held in Washington DC and the Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, held in Jamaica, round out the calendar. Spearheading the effort is brother of David, Christopher Hunt who is based in Washington and who heads the Diaspora team behind the Red Carpet Ball. The Jamaica Organizing Team is led by Co‐Chair, Arnold “Dullo” McDonald. The Football Classic and the Scholarship Awards Ceremony fall under their esteemed guidance.
“It has truly been an honour to work with David’s family and other dedicated friends on this venture. It has afforded us the opportunity to serve needy Jamaican students in this way, while honouring the name of a true stalwart who has mentored so many youths along the way and left an indelible mark and legacy worthy of emulation and recognition,” said McDonald.
Established in 2009, the scholarship foundation grants awards to two grade eight students of each school in the amount of annual scholarships valued at J$100,000.00. Disbursements run through grade 13, for a total of J$600,000.00 and covers books, lunch and other related expenses. Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, participation in sport or extra-curricular activity, attendance, deportment and discipline. These criteria must be maintained throughout the life of the scholarship.
Team KC Pose for the cameras before the 2018 Wagga Hunt Match
To date, twenty five scholarships have been awarded and over J$10 million disbursed.
Through the years, corporate sponsorship support has come from; Victoria Mutual, (on board since its inception), Supreme Ventures Limited, Proven Wealth Management, Grace Foods USA and the Gibson McCook Relays Committee, along with other valued corporate and individual sponsorship support too numerous to mention. All assist to fund the scholarships on an ongoing basis.
For more information about the Football Classic or the Foundation please contact:
About the David “Wagga” Hunt Football Classic
The David “Wagga” Hunt Football Classic began in 2008 to honour the legacy of Football coach and sport administrator extraordinaire David “Wagga” Hunt. Hunt, an alumnus of Kingston College coached Calabar High to its first Manning Cup Victory in 28 years in 2005 thus resurrecting its ailing football program. He was coach of Meadhaven United FC and the National U23 Team. ‘On Hunt’s untimely passing in 2007 his family and a group of friends established the Foundation in his name designed to assist needy youth of both schools with scholarships.
