The Pittsburgh Foundation

"The Grappler" Bob Burmeister Wrestling Scholarship Fund

Established: 2/1/2007

Family came first for Bob Burmeister, but wrestling was definitely a close second.

A winning wrestler at Penn-Trafford High School in the late 1980s, Burmeister went on to compete for the Vulcans at California University of Pennsylvania. His passion for the sport took him beyond graduation to volunteer as a coach to young "grapplers." He even named his construction company Grappler Construction, after the sport he so loved.

Sadly, Burmeister's life ended far too soon. He died tragically in a car crash on Dec. 3, 2006, at the age of 35. To honor his integrity and devotion to young people and the sport, his family created a scholarship fund in his name. The Grappler Golf Classic is held each year in August at Manito Golf Course in New Alexandria. All proceeds from the event benefit the scholarship fund in his name.

Wrestling Scholarships are awarded annually to a Penn-Trafford High School senior wrestler who meets committee-established criteria. The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above and show unquestionable leadership and determination inside the confines of the wrestling room.

Type of Fund

  • Scholarship