Wrestling Scholarships
The CJRLF wrestling scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated dedication to the sport of wrestling and are pursuing postsecondary education. Awards are intended to recognize athletic commitment, personal character, and future academic or career goals.
Deadline & Awards
- Application Deadline
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Number of Awards
- Award Amount
Recipients will be notified after application review period. Recipient also recieves a foundation singlet and a t-shirt.
- Use of Funds
Quick Links
Apply for our Wrestling Scholarship
Coach Joe Rigous Legacy Foundation
Scholarship Application Form
Selection criteria
& Requirements
All applications must include:
- Applicant name, contact info, age, grade, and high school
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: Wrestling Coach & Mentor (teacher, guidance counselor, community leader, or similar)
- Submitted no later than March 15th (incomplete or late applications will not be considered)
Selection criteria is based on:
- Commitment to wrestling
- Personal character and leadership
- Quality of the personal statement
- Strength of recommendations
- Alignment with the scholarship’s mission
How It Works
1
Submit Your
Application
Fill out the form and upload your required documents by March 15.
2
Committee
Review
Our team carefully evaluates all submissions.
3
Award
Notification
Recipients are notified by email & phone in early April.
What are the Essay Instructions?
Length: Recommended 500–750 words
Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font
CONTENT GUIDELINES:
- Career aspirations — Describe your long-term career and educational goals
- Impact of Wrestling — Explain how wrestling has influenced your character, discipline, leadership, or resilience
- Experience & Achievements — Highlight your wrestling background and involvement
- Future School — Identify the college or technical school you will attend
- Reasons for Consideration — Clearly state why you are a strong candidate for this scholarship
Essays are evaluated on clarity, authenticity, organization, and depth of reflection.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Residency & Education: Applicants must be Pennsylvania high school seniors who are registered to attend a college or technical school with a wrestling program (not a club).
- Wrestling Involvement: Applicants must have shown dedication to the sport of wrestling, with demonstrated involvement or impact within the State of Pennsylvania.
- Graduation Status: Must be graduating in the current academic year.
- Enrollment Verification: Proof of enrollment or registration at a college or technical school may be requested prior to award disbursement.
- GPA Requirement: NCAA Guidelines for GPA must be met.
- New Applicants: Previous applicants will not be considered for the CJRLF Wrestling Scholarship.
Can I apply if I wrestled in New Jersey but attend school in Pennsylvania?
Sorry, no. This scholarship is only for high school seniors who have attended and wrestled in a Pennsylvania high school.
What qualifies as a mentor for the recommendation letter?
Your “Mentor” recommendation letter may come from your boss, clergy, youth wrestling coach, teacher, guidance counselor, community leader, or similar.
Can the scholarship be used for technical or trade schools?
Yes, as long as they have a Wrestling Program; and are not a wrestling club.
How and when will recipients be notified?
In early April, you will receive an email letter from the foundation, followed by a phone call. We will also post an announcement in our website’s News section.
If finding a trusted place to support wrestling or apply for a scholarship feels confusing, the Coach Joe Rigous Legacy Foundation makes it simple. We provide one clear hub for donations, applications, and updates — all built to carry Joe’s legacy forward and help student athletes succeed.
If you need clarification about requirements, timelines, or documents, reach out. Our team is happy to guide you through the application process.