David "Beefy" Alderfer Memorial Scholarship
David "Beefy" Alderfer was a pillar of the wrestling community, a man whose presence was constant but whose words were few.
David’s contributions to the sport of wrestling are unparalleled, as he dedicated countless hours to supporting, coaching, and fostering the growth of athletes. His son, Tim Alderfer, stands as a testament to his dedication, ranking among Souderton High School’s most accomplished wrestlers and placing third in the state championships. Yet Beefy’s impact extended far beyond his own family—he was a mentor, a supporter, and a driving force behind Souderton wrestling’s success.
Beyond wrestling, Beefy was also a dedicated Souderton Youth Football coach, spending twenty years shaping young athletes and instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and commitment. These are the same values that define a great wrestler. Despite his deep involvement in football, Beefy never missed a wrestling match, always supporting his son's dedication to the sport. He understood the discipline it takes to make weight, the mental toughness needed to step on the mat, and the resilience required to bounce back from a tough loss. His love for wrestling continued with his grandkids, cheering them on and encouraging their journey in the sport, just as he had for Tim. His support meant everything to those who knew him, and his unwavering belief in athletes helped shape their success.
During the 1980s, Beefy was widely recognized for his iconic "big red van," which became a symbol of Souderton wrestling and the Keystone Grapplers. As Souderton was known as "Big Red," the van became an extension of the program, transporting wrestlers across the state and solidifying Beefy’s role as a cornerstone of the sport. His contributions played a key role in Souderton's rise to prominence, culminating in the team’s record-breaking success and a seventh-place state finish in 1988. Though he rarely sought recognition, those who knew him understood that his quiet dedication was instrumental in shaping the wrestling program and the young athletes who passed through it.
This scholarship aims to honor Beefy’s lasting legacy by supporting wrestlers who exemplify his tenacity, dedication, and commitment to self-improvement.
Any high school student who wrestles and plans to continue wrestling in college may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Students from Pennsylvania are preferred.
To apply, tell us about your wrestling background, how it has impacted your character, and what you want to do with your wrestling background going forward. Additionally, upload an image of yourself or an image from during a competition.
Tell us about your career in wrestling and how it has created your character. Also, what would you want to do with your wrestling background moving forward in life?
Winners and Finalists
September 2025
Winning Application
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FAQ
The application deadline is Aug 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Sep 1, 2025.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Sep 1, 2025. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
