Fundaraisers & Scholarships

         The GCWCOA offers high school wrestlers an opportunity to apply for two different scholarships.  The Al Carroll Scholarship has been in existence since the early 1970's, named in memory of the now-deceased creator of the GCWCOA.  Al served the Association for over 50 years, most of which was spent as Secretary.    The Don Ferris Scholarship was created in 1998 in Don's memory after he died suddenly while officiating a match between St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit High Schools.  Over the past 30 years these scholarship programs have provided thousands of dollars in scholarship monies to graduating senior wrestlers from Northeast Ohio
            In order to qualify for the scholarship program, the school must have at least one coaching staff member who has paid membership status for that school year.  These two scholarship programs have very different criteria for qualification, and should be investigated separately.  Applicants should contact their high school coach for assistance.
            In order to continue funding these programs, the GCWCOA continues to host the Annual East vs. West Senior All-Star Weekend in March each year.  The All-Star Weekend includes a Banquet, where college All-Americans, high school State Champions All-Star Participants and Coaches are honored in a formal atmosphere followed by an All-Star Meet, where the best wrestlers from  West of the Cuyahoga River take on the best from the East.
          Funds raised from the All-Star Meet are deposited into the two scholarship funds for distribution to chosen applicants.  The GCWCOA also seeks sponsors and donors to supplement this income.  A Reverse Raffle is also held to increase the scholarship funds available.  Anyone interested in obtaining more information should contact GCWCOA Secretary at jim.behrens@gmail.com.

Additional information is available at the links below:

The Northern Ohio Wrestling Officials Association also has a scholarship opportunity available to wrestlers. Ths scholarship is not associated with the GCWCOA but we are posting the applciation on our site on their behalf.
NOWOA Scholarship Application & Details.