WSF is proud to present the Fon McConnell Be Cowboy Scholarship, a $100,000 endowment created in memory of Fon McConnell. This scholarship annually awards up to ten $2,000 scholarships to current or retired Western sports athletes who demonstrate dedication to the Western way of life, cowboy values, and academic excellence.

Applications for Spring 2025 scholarships are open December 1 – 31, 2024. All required materials must be submitted via email to ECersosimo@wsf.org by December 31, 2024 to be considered.

Fall 2024 Recipients

Canyon Tyler Treviño

Canyon is a bull rider from Boaz, Alabama. He is currently attending the University of West Alabama where he is studying Psychology. Canyon strives not only to succeed as a bull rider but also to be known for his kindness and compassion to those around him. He values the community aspect of rodeo life, where athletes celebrate each other's victories and offer help during defeat. Rodeo has taught him that working together can benefit him not only in the arena but in life.

Courtney Schum

Courtney is a junior pre-optometry major at Murray State University in Kentucky and a member of the MSU rodeo team. She competes in the barrels and breakaway as well as a specialty act performer who showcases trick riding and roman riding. After graduating from MSU, she plans to attend graduate school to earn an O.D.

Emily Rafftery

Emily is from Stanchfield, Minnesota, and is currently attending Odessa College with hopes to become a registered nurse. She has four horses at college and enjoys breakaway roping, team roping, and riding barrels. Emily believes that success in the rodeo arena comes from hard work and dedication. She prides herself on being respectful, kind, and hard working.

Preston Eleck Stone

Preston Eleck Stone from Capitan, New Mexico, is a freshman majoring in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and minoring in Range Science at New Mexico State University (NMSU).  He is a member of the NMSU Rodeo team, participating in steer wrestling, and represents the team as a representative to the ACES Council. Stone hopes to take the skills he learns in college and return to the ranch to continue ranching as the 6th generation north of Capitan. 

About the scholarship

    • Applicant must be a current or recently retired Western sports athlete

    • Applicant shall have no relationship with any member of the Scholarship Selection Committee

    • All required materials must be submitted via email to both ECersosimo@wsf.org and AOQuin@westernsportsfoundation.org

    • Completed Application Form (including Essay)

    • Official transcript of grades from high school or college/trade school

    • Copy of active Pro Card (eg:  NHSRA, NIRA, PBR, PRCA, etc.) OR letter from current coach

    • Successful Applicant(s) will be asked to send a short paragraph and/or video describing effect of scholarship

  • High School Graduate/Continuing Educational Pursuit

    • Plans include attending Community College, University, Trade School

    • NOT participating in pro/amateur rodeos

    • Eligible:  Two Semesters

    High School Graduate/Continuing Educational Pursuit

    • Plans include attending Community College, University, Trade School

    • Currently participating in pro/amateur rodeos

    • Eligible:  Two Semesters

    High School Graduate/College Student

    • Currently enrolled in Community College or University

    • Member of College/University Rodeo Team

    • Eligible: Four Semesters

    Retired Rodeo Athlete

    • Must provide copy of last Pro Card

    • Eligible:  Two Semesters

    • Completed WSF Scholarship Application

    • GPA Minimum:  3.0

    • Essay:  2–3 Paragraphs (250–500 words)

    • Letter of Recommendation: Two

    • Scholarship Award(s) will be sent directly to the Recipient's school of enrollment in the Recipient's name and include Recipient's Student Identification Number (to ensure proper posting by School)

    • Scholarship Funds are to be used for Tuition, On-Campus Housing (Room + Board, including Meal Plans), and Books

    • Scholarship Funds are to be used for current semester only (not for previous or future semesters)

    • If Scholarship Recipient has personally paid Tuition, On-Campus Housing (Room + Board, including Meal Plans) and/or Books within 60 days of Application Approval, funds may be payable/reimbursed to the Recipient from the awarded scholarship funds (with proper documentation and receipts)