Morgan Stanley duPont Manual Alumni Luncheon:  Thursday June 19, 2025.  Social Hour 11am Lunch service begins at noon. 12:20p Guest Speaker: Wilbur Hackett Jr. 

Wilbur Hackett – Hall of Fame Inductee, Manual High School (1999)

Wilbur Hackett remains a legendary figure in the rich history of Manual High School athletics. A standout linebacker and running back, Hackett’s name still echoes in the halls and hearts of Crimson faithful. Manual football historians often repeat the enduring mantra: “If he had played, we’d have won.” This refers to the storied 1966 Thanksgiving Day game, when the state champion Crimsons were upset by archrival Male, 20-7. Hackett, sidelined by a knee injury, watched from the bench. That year, he was widely regarded as the best high school football player in Louisville and was named a Parade Magazine All-American.

Hackett’s excellence on the field continued at the collegiate level, where he became a trailblazer for racial integration in the Southeastern Conference. From 1967 to 1970, he was a three-year starter at the University of Kentucky, earning All-SEC honors and being named UK’s Co-MVP as a senior. In 1969, Hackett made history as the first African-American team captain of any sport at UK. Alongside fellow pioneers Nate Northington, Greg Page, and Houston Hogg, he helped pave the way for generations of athletes. Their courage and contributions are permanently honored with a statue at Kroger Field.

After his playing days, Hackett remained committed to the game, becoming a respected football official and baseball umpire. He served more than two decades with the Southeastern Conference, including roles as a game official, officials’ evaluator, and replay official. In recognition of his legacy, Hackett was inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 and was honored as UK’s SEC Legend at the 2013 SEC Championship Game.

Following a successful career, Wilbur Hackett recently retired as a supervisor for Toyota Corporation. His life of leadership, perseverance, and integrity continues to inspire.

Special thanks to our sponsor: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Alyce Weixler Senior Vice President

Social hour starts at 11:00 AM and luncheon at noon.Cost is $25.Reserve and pay for your tickets here electronically.    Or you may contact the alumni office at (502)212-9789 for reservations and/or mail check payable to duPont Manual Alumni Association Inc. 120 West Lee Street, Louisville, KY 40208.