It All Started In 1920…

The Calzavara Memorial Rodeo Scholarship Fund was formed to honor Rudy & Gene Calzavara, founders of the Big Hat Rodeo Company in IL. They were a fun loving couple who worked and rodeoed together for over 61 years. Rodeo has been a way of life for over 98 years for this family. Both came from rodeo backgrounds, Rudy whose father and older brother were stock contractors, beginning in 1920. Rudy competed in Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Calf Roping and Bull Riding. He was a spectacular trick rider, renowned pickup man and stock contractor. Rudy’s wife Gene was one of 10 kids that performed as trick riders & trick ropers with their rodeo clown father. Known as the “Graham Western Riders” they were featured at venues from Madison Square Garden to Denver and Gene’s first trick riding saddle is part of their display at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs.

The Memorial Scholarship Is Born…

Over the years Rudy & Gene raised 4 kids and mentored hundreds more, using livestock and rodeos to impart some valuable life lessons. Most of all they simply loved young people and everything rodeo. They were always lending a helping hand to rodeo contestants and personnel and treated people as family. Gene passed away in May of 2011 and in March of 2015 Rudy joined her. Their children and several dear friends came together and made the decision to establish this memorial scholarship fund to aid young people from across the country who are continuing their education while involved in the sport of rodeo. At least one Big Hat Rodeo per season will benefit the Scholarship Fund. In 2018 there are 3 such rodeos, the Rock River Pro Rodeo in Jefferson, WI, the Great Midwest Pro Rodeo in Elkhorn, WI and the Big Hat Rodeo Tour Championship in Shipshewana, IN will all help raise more scholarship funds. The Calzavara family believes that helping a few great rodeo kids make furthering their education a little bit easier will continue to make Rudy & Gene proud.

How To Apply For The Scholarship…

Scholarship eligibility is simple. If you are involved in the sport of rodeo in any way, attend an accredited college or university on a full-time basis with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and are looking for some financial assistance, you qualify.

Good Luck, God Bless & Long Live Cowboys and Rodeo! 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate to the Calzavara Memorial Rodeo Scholarship Fund via Paypal: