KC, Calabar renew storied rivalry at ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic

The annual David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic returns on 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 high‑stakes action between some of the nation’s most formidable schoolboy teams. The opening schoolboy fixture pits daCosta Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) against Manning Cup stalwarts St Andrew Technical (STATHS), one of the most consistent programmes in schoolboy football over the past decade. The match, scheduled for 2 p.m., will give fans an early look at the quality of both teams.

STETHS defied the odds last season — including disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa — to lift the prestigious daCosta Cup and are expected to be strong again this year. They will face STATHS in a clash of technical skill and tactical discipline. STATHS have been unlucky in the Manning Cup, producing high‑quality teams and players year after year.

FEATURE GAME - KC VS CALABAR

The marquee matchup revives one of schoolboy football’s most iconic rivalries, promising high energy and fierce competition. Both teams enter with new coaches but unchanged ambitions: a big win. The rivalry kicks off at 4 p.m.

The curtain‑raiser at 1 p.m. features Masters League competitors Pelicans Football Club and Christian Ambassadors Football Club.

Beyond the action on the field, the event serves as a vital fundraiser for the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational, financial, and mentorship support to deserving, high‑achieving students at Kingston College and Calabar.

MORE THAN JUST A GAME

The David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Classic stands as a reminder of how sports can bridge communities and empower the next generation. This year’s honorees — Howard “Juicy” Bell, Emerson “Diggy” Henry, and Patricia Garel — have each given decades of service to Jamaica’s football development in various capacities.

Fans, alumni, and supporters are expected to gather at Calabar for the event. Food and drinks will be on sale, and admission is $1,000.