Scholarship Opportunities

SCHOLARSHIPS

Rick Hom Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was formed by family and friends in 1993 to honor Rick Hom, who was the product manager for Head Skis and San Marcos Boots at Head Sports and was considered a ‘1-in-a-billion’ as a World Cup ski and boot tech before passing on September 16, 1992. Rick was from the Bay Area and grew up skiing in the Lake Tahoe area. He also worked as the ski technician with the Squaw Valley Ski Team in the early 80’s and he loved ski racing. Previous scholarship winners from the area have been Kristin Strathearn (93-94, Squaw Valley), Marco Sullivan (96-97, Squaw Valley), Travis Ganong (02-03, Squaw Valley), Martin Harris (04-05, Heavenly), Laura Hoff (05-06, Squaw Valley) and Kaylee Cortopassi (06-07, Mammoth Mountain). To help keep Rick’s spirit and love of skiing alive, the Rick Hom Memorial Scholarship provides financial means to assist young, deserving skiers in continuing their racing careers. This scholarship targets athletes that will be J2 or J3 racers for the upcoming season, who are striving for excellence in school and on the race hill, while showing enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Matthew Trabert Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Matthew Trabert, a long time Far West racer out of Diamond Peak and moving to Team Savage later in his career. He attended the J3 Junior Olympics, and Western Region Tech Series. After retiring from the Far West division he was the Nevada State High School Champion and went on to University of Nevada Reno.

Applications for this scholarship are available in the Fall of each season.  

Bobbie Sprock Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Bobbie Sprock, who along with her husband Vern owned Sierra Ski Ranch from 1950-1993, her family has established the Bobbie Sprock Memorial Scholarship to acknowledge athletes who will be 2nd year J3's or older, who excel in ski racing, have strong character, demonstrate academic excellence, and have a financial need.

To insure the money is used for ski racing expenses, the funds are deposited in the FWS Racer Account and credited to each recipient's "account."

Applications for this scholarship are available in the Fall of each season.

Dave Van Ruiten Memorial Scholarship

Dave Van Ruiten, former Director of Racing at Sugar Bowl Resort, passed away on November 7, 2005. He was the former Vice President of Far West Skiing, a tremendous leader and asset to junior ski racing in this region, and a highly respected professional. He was instrumental in Sugar Bowl's commitment and rise to national ski racing prominence over the past years. This special scholarship award to a Far West athlete with USST potential and financial need is named in his honor.

Athletes applying for this award mus be a J1 for the coming season, and must have a legitimate chance of being selected tot eh United States Ski Team, according to the judgement of the Far West Board of Directors, based on the athletes national junior FIS ranking in one or more disciplines. In the event the Far West Board believes multiple athletes meet the appropriate criteria, they will look to financial need to assist in the final decision process.

To insure the money is used for ski racing expenses, the funds are deposited in the FWS Racer Account and credited to each recipient's "account."

Applications for this scholarship are available in the Fall of each season.

Far West Masters Scholarship

The Far West Masters raise funds annually, which they award to Far West junior racers with talent, an exemplary work ethic and financial need. To insure the money is used for ski racing expenses, the funds are deposited in the FWS Racer Account and credited to each recipient's "account."

Far West Master's Scholarship requirement and application can be downloaded on this website after July 1 of each year. Master's Scholarship applications are due by Septemeber 15th annually. Scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded by the Far West Master's Program.