Ava Hunt’s freshman year at SMU is shaping up to be a memorable one.
Moments after the 11-2 Mustangs were announced as the final addition to the expanded College Football Playoff bracket as the No. 11 seed, the daughter of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt celebrated the historic inclusion on social media.
Hunt, a member of SMU’s Spirit Team, re-shared a post from the ACC’s page congratulating the Mustangs, now set to make their first CFP appearance in program history when they face No. 6 seed Penn State (11-2) in the first round of the 12-team playoff field — a seismic shakeup from the previous four-team bracket.
Ava Hunt (r.) celebrated SMU’s inclusion in the 12-team College Football Playoff field. Gracie Hunt/InstagramThe SMU cheerleader took to Instagram to celebrate the Mustangs’ historic moment. Ava Hunt/Instagram
Hunt’s family, including older sister Gracie Hunt, were in attendance.
“Not the result we were hoping for, but so proud of our Ponies!” Gracie exclaimed on Instagram.
Hunt announced her commitment to SMU in March.
Ava Hunt (l.) announced her commitment to SMU in March 2024. Ava Hunt/Instagram
“It’s official!! So beyond thankful for the opportunity to keep doing what I love!” she gushed on social media at the time, adding the hashtags “SMU Cheer” and “Pony Up.”
Hunt committed to the Mustangs one month after her beloved Chiefs won their second consecutive Super Bowl.
The Chiefs topped the 49ers in the championship contest in February, defending their title after the team’s 2023 victory over the Eagles.
Ava Hunt celebrated the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win in February 2024. Ava Hunt/Instagram
“BACK TO BACK CHAMPS!!” Hunt shared from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the Chiefs knocked off the 49ers in overtime, 25-22.
Ava Hunt is cheering on the Chiefs in their quest of a Super Bowl three-peat. Ava Hunt/Instagram
The Chiefs’ quest for a Super Bowl three-peat is well within reach as the team clinched a playoff berth in late November following a win over the Raiders.
The Chiefs (11-1) will host the Chargers (8-4) on this week’s edition of “Sunday Night Football.”
The Mustangs will visit the Nittany Lions on Dec. 21.
The antisemites who led last week’s attack on Jewish soccer fans in Amsterdam had called for an organized “Jew hunt” in the city in the hours leading up to the mass assault, officials and witnesses said.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said Thursday night’s violence was sparked by people discussing “going on Jew hunts” on the Telegram app following a clash between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the city.
Several violent episodes involving Jewish soccer fans were already breaking out in Amsterdam prior to Thursday’s attack during the Maccabi soccer game. ANP/AFP via Getty Images
Dutch authorities verified that the campaign targeting fans of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer team in the capital was organized, with the attackers well equipped with fireworks and other weapons to conduct “hit-and-run” assaults.
Israeli financial adviser Ofek Ziv, who was one of the nearly three dozen people injured in the assault, said he was struck in the back of the head with a rock when his group had firecrackers thrown at them outside the metro.
Ziv told the WSJ his assailants “had fire in their eyes” as they chased the Jewish soccer fans with knives and bats.
Maccabi fans also claim their locations were tracked by taxi drivers using Whatsapp and Telegram, with police confirming that some taxi drivers had responded to an online call to mobilize against the Jewish visitors.
Palestinian supporters claim Maccabi fans started the violence, with hundreds then targeting the Jewish visitors. AP
Some of the WhatsApp chats to organize the attack were titled “Community Center” with a message for a “PART 2 JEW HUNT” to take place after the Maccabi match.
Telegram said it shut down a group believed to be linked with the Amsterdam attacks, with both it and WhatsApp adding that organized violence is prohibited on their platforms as they cooperate with Dutch authorities.
Those who received the first call gathered at the Holland Casino on Wednesday, where a security guard informed the mob that 400 Maccabi supporters had gathered for the next day’s game.
Maccabi demonstrators protested outside the stadium before the assault from anti-Israeli protesters. JEROEN JUMELET/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Shachar Bitton, a 30-year-old Maccabi fan, said she was horrified by the crowd of about 200 people waiting for the Jewish visitors to come out, with two of her friends coming back with bloodied faces after they went outside, according to the WSJ.
Police said last week’s violence was the culmination of heated clashes earlier in the day between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters.
Officials said videos circulating on social media showed Maccabi fans touting the war in Gaza, shouting, “Let the IDF win. F— the Arabs!,” and “F— you Palestine.”
Dutch police chase after suspects who took part in the “Jew hunt.” AP
Police also reported incidents where Maccabi fans burned Palestinian flags around the city and vandalized a taxi.
“The unrest that followed was a reaction to this,” said Jazie Veldhuyzen, an Amsterdam city council member.
Despite the unrest and bloody clashes, Dutch police failed the quell the violence when it erupted on Thursday night, with hundreds taking the streets to attack the Maccabi fans.
Police said more than 60 people were arrested during the violence, with nearly three dozen people injured. AP
More than 60 people were arrested before and during the soccer match, officials said, with four suspects remaining in custody.
The violence triggered France to deploy 4,000 officers and 1,6000 stadium staff to maintain peace at a looming France-Israel soccer match to avoid the chaos that occurred in Amsterdam.
“There will be an anti-terrorist security perimeter around the stadium,” Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez told French media, noting that his officers “won’t tolerate” any violence.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is set to attend Thursday’s game, said he hopes soccer fans from both teams will come out to portray a symbol of unity “following the intolerable antisemitic acts that followed the match in Amsterdam.”
Israel’s National Security Council, however, warned Jewish soccer fans to avoid the game and to be careful of violent attacks “under the pretense of demonstrations.”
The Indian Tigers and Tigresses Talent Hunt, in collaboration with Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, is a groundbreaking football initiative by TV9 Network aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent across India. The program will select 20 boys and 20 girls, providing them with professional training in Germany and Austria. Mahanaaryaman Scindia has joined the initiative as its brand ambassador, amplifying its mission to shape the future of Indian football. This talent hunt seeks to reach over 100,000 schools, offering young athletes the chance to shine on an international stage.
Mr. Barun Das, MD and CEO of TV9 Network and Mahanaaryaman Scindia during the event to announce landmark move. (Image credit: TV9 Network)
Noida, 10 September 2024: TV9 Network is thrilled to announce that Mahanaaryaman Scindia has joined the Indian Tigers and Tigresses Talent Hunt as the brand ambassador. With Scindia coming on board, the unique hunt gets a massive facelift as India prepares to realise its football dream.
Indian Tigers and Tigresses is more than just a talent hunt, it is a first-of-its kind initiative towards transforming football in India. In partnership with the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and other esteemed European organizations, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for young footballers.
The program will identify 20 boys and 20 girls from across the length and breadth of India, providing them with professional training in Germany and Austria. These young talents will compete against European clubs, giving them invaluable exposure and experience. In November, these athletes will be honoured and celebrated for their achievements on an international platform.
Mahanaaryaman Scindia, who is passionate about football and youth development, is a natural fit for this role. His involvement reinforces the initiative’s mission to not just find talent but to nurture it, paving the way for the future of Indian football.
“Football is close to my heart, and I’ve seen firsthand how much-untapped potential exists in our country. Indian Tigers and Tigresses is a program that will open doors for young players, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Mr. Mahanaaryaman Scindia. “This isn’t just about giving kids a platform, it’s about providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed on a global level,” he added.
Echoing his excitement, Mr. Barun Das, MD and CEO of TV9 Network, said, “We are a social catalyst and we are committed to support the Great Indian Football Dream. ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ is a deeply personal project for me, aiming to unveil and nurture exceptional young footballers. Mahanaaryaman Scindia’s association with the program enhances our ability to make a meaningful impact on the future of Indian football, given his exceptional youth connect.”
Kay Dommholz, Director, Global Media, DFB (German Football Association) congratulated Mr. Scindia on endorsing the biggest football talent hunt by TV9 Network. He also invited the brand ambassador to witness German football team matches in Germany.
Julia Farr, Head of Asia Pacific, Borussia Dortmund and Gerhard Reidl, CEO, REISPO, also welcomed Mr. Scindia on the association and expressed optimism that he would usher in a new momentum to the on-going football talent hunt.
The Indian Tigers and Tigresses Talent Hunt is designed to reach every corner of India, creating a robust talent pipeline. With outreach extending to 100,000 schools, the program aims to identify and support raw talent from diverse backgrounds. By providing elite training and international exposure, it’s set to foster a new era of football excellence in India.
This initiative is not just about scouting talent; it’s about creating a ripple effect that will inspire and elevate the entire football ecosystem in India. By showcasing Indian talent on a global platform, we hope to ignite a passion for football and drive the sport’s development at all levels.
