Sputnik launched, rock-and-roll took over, and a man landed on the moon. But through it all, Jimmy Hunt has never missed a Hallsville Bobcats football game.HALLSVILLE, Texas — A lot has happened since 1958.Sputnik launched, rock-and-roll took over, and a man landed on the moon. But through it all, Jimmy Hunt has never missed a Hallsville Bobcats football game.At 90 years old, Hunt is the definition of dedication and consistency. No matter the weather, rain, sleet or hail he’s been in the stands, supporting hi...
Sputnik launched, rock-and-roll took over, and a man landed on the moon. But through it all, Jimmy Hunt has never missed a Hallsville Bobcats football game.
HALLSVILLE, Texas — A lot has happened since 1958.
Sputnik launched, rock-and-roll took over, and a man landed on the moon. But through it all, Jimmy Hunt has never missed a Hallsville Bobcats football game.
At 90 years old, Hunt is the definition of dedication and consistency. No matter the weather, rain, sleet or hail he’s been in the stands, supporting his team every Friday night.
"Friday nights are going to be going somewhere to a football game for us in Hallsville, Texas, wherever they're playing," said his wife, Betsy Hunt.
Hunt graduated from Hallsville in 1951, but his love for the game wasn’t about personal glory on the field. He played football during his high school years but admits he wasn't a standout player due to his size and speed. However, his passion for the sport remained unwavering.
"I played football when I was in high school and was not a good player. I was too small, too slow, but I did like it very much," Jimmy recalled.
Beyond football, Hunt has been a staple in the Hallsville community, serving as a science teacher, principal, and eventually assistant superintendent. His impact extends beyond the school walls, as his presence at games has become a reassuring tradition for many.
"Everybody looks for him on Friday nights, especially at away games. They know everything's good whenever he shows up," said longtime friend Skip Buchanan.
Outside of football, Hunt keeps another long-standing tradition—his daily visit to Buchanan’s Hardware Store. Instead of the usual coffee shop stop, Hunt grabs a Coke and chats with friends, acting as an unofficial ambassador of the community.
"Well, it means we're going to have at least one customer every day," Buchanan joked. "He's kind of like a public relations figure—people come in and recognize him."
For Hunt, his dedication is about more than just the love of the game. He hopes his commitment sets an example for the next generation, showing that success isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about effort, consistency, and showing up.
"Try your best," Betsy said. "If it's something you want to do, not something you're being made to do, try your very best to see if you can get where you want to be."
For the Hallsville Bobcats, Jimmy Hunt is more than a fan — he’s a tradition.
RELATED: Big Sandy implements burn ban amid hazardous conditions