Longtime West Rowan Coach David Hunt Dies at 77

Hunt made major impact as educator, baseball coach, and football assistant in Rowan County

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

David Hunt, a dedicated educator, shrewd baseball coach, and one of the most impactful football assistant coaches in Rowan County history, passed away on March 3 at the age of 77. Hunt spent over a decade as the defensive coordinator for the highly successful West Rowan football program, helping guide the Falcons to three state championships and a runner-up finish during an eight-year stretch from 2004 to 2011.

Why it matters

Hunt was a beloved figure in the Rowan County community, known for his tough-love coaching style and ability to connect with students both on and off the field. His passing marks the end of an era for West Rowan athletics, as he was a key part of the Falcons' dominant run during the 2000s.

The details

As a teacher, Hunt was praised for his ability to make even dry social studies material engaging for students. He had high expectations and did not tolerate excuses. On the football field, Hunt served as the defensive coordinator under head coach Scott Young, helping transform West Rowan's defense from allowing 28.5 points per game in 1998 to just 13 points per game in 1999. During his 13 years with the Falcons, the team won 8 conference championships, 3 state titles, and had a 46-game winning streak.

  • Hunt passed away on March 3, 2026.
  • He coached at West Rowan from 1999 to 2011.

The players

David Hunt

A dedicated educator, shrewd baseball coach, and one of the most impactful football assistant coaches in Rowan County history who spent over a decade as the defensive coordinator for the highly successful West Rowan football program.

Scott Young

The head coach of the West Rowan football team who hired Hunt as his defensive coordinator in 1999, helping transform the Falcons' defense and lead the team to great success in the 2000s.

Amber Schlinsog

A former manager of the West Rowan football team who recalled Hunt's kindness in escorting her onto the field for Senior Night when she would have otherwise walked out alone.

Josh Sophia

A young defensive coach who learned a lot from working under both Young and Hunt, and has gone on to experience success as the current head coach of the North Rowan football team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Amber Schlinsog, who was the manager for West Rowan's football team in her high school days, tells the story of how her Senior Night came, and all the seniors were being honored, and she was about to walk out on the field by herself. She looked up and saw Coach Hunt standing beside her. He served as her escort, and she never forgot that kindness.”

— Amber Schlinsog, Former West Rowan football team manager (Salisbury Post)

“There's no doubt the athletes who played football and baseball for Hunt benefited from his wisdom, experience and compassion for the rest of their lives. He didn't sugar-coat anything, but he cared about them and did his best to push them on the field and in the classroom.”

— Mike London, Salisbury Post reporter (Salisbury Post)

The takeaway

Hunt's passing marks the end of an era for West Rowan athletics, as he was a key part of the Falcons' dominant run in the 2000s. His legacy as a tough-but-caring coach and educator who pushed his students to be their best will continue to impact the Rowan County community for years to come.