It was one year ago that Hunt competed in the FiBARK Rodeo. Hunt did not make the finals last year but he and New River Academy director David Hughes met discussing Hunt’s academic needs and athletic goals. One year later after a year of training with New River Academy Hunt medaled in consecutive freestyle events. Hunt would win silver at FiBark and Gunnison, become the Runner-up USACK National Champ, and take a bronze medal in the national point series.
Hunt Jennings' trains in Chile and enjoys a birthday party after a day of school and kayaking.
Hunt’s Shaky Start on the Wave and in AP Bio
Hughes recalls, “Hunt was always trying to hit his McNasty. We started having little McNasty competitions with him on the Ottawa. Neither of us were sticking them too consistently but we were improving. In AP Bio class he had the lowest score on our first exam, I thought he was in over his head for a tough university level course. Hunt remembered his deal with his father or that he needed to study more because for the rest of the year he was the highest scoring student in that bright class of five AP Bio students.”
Convincing Dad New River Academy could meet the families academic needs.
While Hunt was eager to travel to Chile and Uganda with textbooks and kayak his father needed some convincing. Hunt’s mother Kim was first more open to the idea and discussed the academic integrity of New River Academy. Kim began asking questions about advanced placement courses, instructors, and how easily transcripts transferred. Soon Kim was almost as excited as Hunt. Hunt knowing his father’s stance on academics made a proposal goal G.P.A. and earning college credit via the academy AP Biology course. Eventually the mother-son team convinced senior Hunter Jennings to give the school a try and fulfill Hunt’s dream.
Thousands of McNasty Attempts Pay-off at FiBARK, Gunnison, and USACK National Championships.
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” – Bruce Lee foreseeing Hunt’s McNasty dedication
The FiBark wave was a tough spot to stick loops or get a kayak vertical for typical wave moves like the “blunt.” Hunt went out every ride hitting low scoring wave moves that would not be enough to advance his rides. After scoring those moves the junior paddler would methodically setup his sharp “McNasty.” During the early rounds Hunt was flushing, but with a short coaching adjustment Hunt began trying the move a few feet left of a flush spot. As the weeks advanced Hunt began picking up other moves like the entry wingover.
Hughes states, “He kept getting more and more consistent. Hunt was sticking as many McNasty’s as Mattiou (the pro-champ). I watched Hunt’s mom and sister McKenzie, who’d drove from Chattanooga, perched on the nearest rock videoing every ride. They were so proud of big brother. Hunt’s the kind of guy that you love to give a hard time to cause he’s got such a great sense of humor and at the same time everyone loves to see him do well.”
Hunt advanced the field of 15 juniors in third place. He improved during the finals landing the high scoring move on 2 of 3 rides. As Hunt foundation move continued to be stuck he consistently continued his winning path earning gold at FiBark, silver at Gunnison, silver at USACK National Championships, and the bronze for the national point series.
Congratulations Hunt Jennings… we’re proud of you.
Other Recent New River Academy Accomplishments:
Courtney Kerin- Silver at USACK National Championships
Silver World Championships
Coach Stephen Wright- Bronze World Championships
Kalob Grady- 6th World Championships
Are you interested in applying to New River Academy? You can still apply. Call or email David Hughes to learn more or request a parent reference. Hugeh2o@yahoo.com or 304-640-1001
Check out our Easy to Apply page.
