David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic returns on August 22
The annual David “Wagga” Hunt Football Classic will return to Calabar High School on August 22, bringing together some of Jamaica’s top schoolboy football teams in a celebration of the late sports administrator and coach’s legacy.
The event, which has become a fixture on the preseason calendar, was established to honour Hunt’s contribution to football and his vision of using sport to promote unity and camaraderie.
This year’s programme will feature three matches, highlighted by a clash between traditional Manning Cup rivals Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High in the feature game at 4:00 pm.
Both teams will enter the contest with new coaches and will be looking to make an early statement ahead of the new schoolboy football season.
Earlier, at 2:00 pm, reigning daCosta Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) will face St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), one of the more consistent teams in the Manning Cup competition in recent years.
STETHS captured the daCosta Cup last season despite the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa and will use the contest as part of their preparations for their title defence.
STATHS, meanwhile, will be hoping to turn their consistent production of quality teams and players into success in the Manning Cup this season.
The curtain-raiser at 1:00 pm will feature Masters League teams Pelicans Football Club and Christian Ambassadors Football Club.
Beyond the football, the event will also serve as a fund-raiser for the David “Wagga” Hunt Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational, financial, and mentorship support to deserving, high-achieving students at KC and Calabar.
This year’s honourees are Howard “Juicy” Bell, Emerson “Diggy” Henry, and Patricia Garel, who have each contributed to the development of Jamaican football in different capacities over several decades.
Fans, alumni, and football enthusiasts are invited to attend the event, which will be held under covered stands at Calabar High. Admission is $100, with food and drinks available for purchase.
The organisers say the classic is intended to be more than a football event, using the sport to bring communities together while supporting the education and development of young Jamaicans.
