Calabar alum Michael McIntosh gives back to alma mater with new Winston Davis Athletic Academic scholarship

By November 16, 2023
Michael McIntosh (left) and Winston Davis. Michael McIntosh (left) and Winston Davis.

Calabar High School alum and former track & field athlete Michael McIntosh is giving back to his alma mater through the formation of the new Winston Davis Academic Athletic Scholarship set to be awarded to a number of students annually.

McIntosh, former senior advisor to American Olympic gold medalist Harrison Dillard and co-author of “Bones: The Life and Times of Harrison Dillard,” made the announcement in a ceremony held at the school’s chapel on Thursday.

He told SportsMax.tv what it means to him to be able to give back to the school.

“It means the world to me because when you come from an institution that nurtured you with teachers who you have great and fond memories of and knowing that a lot of students need help, it means the world to me,” he said. “It’s something that I always learned from my parents; always give back. Thank the Lord that I have that opportunity,” he added.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, McIntosh migrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1970.

His connection with Calabar High School runs deep, having competed in track and field under the mentorship of Jamaican Olympian Herb McKinley. His accomplishments in the sport span over five decades, making him a key figure in the global athletics community.

McIntosh’s achievements in track and field are illustrious. In August 1972, he clinched the gold medal as part of the record-breaking Canadian team in the 4x400m relay and secured the silver medal in the 800m at the Canadian National Junior Championships.

His commitment to the sport continued as he became a member of the Canadian National Junior team coaching staff in 1983, contributing to the development of athletes who represented Canada at the international level.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, McIntosh played a pivotal role in assisting numerous US colleges in recruiting track-and-field athletes, showcasing his dedication to nurturing talent in the field. As a senior advisor and coauthor, he has maintained a friendship with Harrison Dillard for over 35 years prior to Dillard’s passing in November 2019.

The man who the scholarship is being named after, Winston Davis who taught McIntosh at Calabar, was also in attendance on Thursday and McIntosh spoke about the reason why he chose to dedicate the scholarship to him.

“Well, he taught me Spanish, History and was my form teacher so I looked up to him and being that we’ve formed a friendship over the last ten years, it rekindled some fond memories from years ago and for a man who has always given back to the school and to his country, I thought if was fitting to be named after him,” he told SportsMax.tv.

This was a total surprise to Davis as his family and friends kept quiet from him .

McIntosh says he has managed to raise JMD$640,000  so far with more funds coming in.

 

 

Bradley Jacks

Bradley Jacks is a budding journalist and an avid sports fan. His love of research and sports has led him to SportsMax.tv, a place where those passions work hand in hand to allow him to produce content.

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