Honouring a legacy: Calabar, KC clash headlines ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic

The annual David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic returns on Saturday, August 22, at Calabar High School, bringing together top-tier schoolboy football talent in a celebration of sportsmanship, passion, and community.

Established to honour the memory and legacy of the late sports administrator and coach, David ‘Wagga’ Hunt, the event has become a staple of the pre-season calendar, embodying his vision of unity and camaraderie through sport.

This year’s line-up features some of the nation’s most formidable schoolboy teams. First up will be daCosta Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) versus Manning Cup stalwarts St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), one of the most consistent teams in schoolboy football over the last decade. This game should give fans a first look at the quality of both teams.

STETHS defied all the odds last season, including a battering from Hurricane Melissa, to take the prestigious daCosta Cup. They will face off against STATHS in a battle of technical skill and tactical discipline.

STATHS have been unlucky in the Manning Cup competition, producing high-quality teams and players year after year, only to lose in the final or semi-final stage. Perhaps this is their year. This game starts at 2 p.m.

The feature game brings together Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High.

MARQUEE MATCHUP

This marquee matchup revives one of schoolboy football’s most iconic rivalries, bringing high energy and fierce competition to the pitch. Both teams will be up for the challenge with new coaches, but similar ambitions - a big win. This rivalry begins at 4 p.m.

The curtain-raiser at 1 p.m. is a contest between competitors in the Masters League, Pelicans and Christian Ambassadors.

Beyond action on the field, the event serves as a vital fundraiser and promoter for the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship Foundation, providing educational, financial and mentorship support to deserving, high-achieving students at both KC and Calabar High.

BRIDGE

The David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Classic stands as a reminder of how sports can bridge communities and empower the next generation, and as usual, some individuals will be honoured. This year’s honourees are Howard ‘Juicy’ Bell, Emerson ‘Diggy’ Henry and Patricia Garel, three individuals who have given decades of support to Jamaica’s football development, in different capacities.

Admission is $1,000. Food and drinks will be on sale.