The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara will administer a new scholarship fund honoring the memory of local sports legend Phil Womble. Established by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, the Phil Womble Scholarship will help high school student athletes pursue their college dreams.

An avid supporter of UCSB athletics and an icon in the local sports community, Womble was born with cerebral palsy. He died in January 2017 at age 80. Known to many UCSB sports fans as “Gaucho Phil,” he authored the book Never Give Up.

“Phil Womble serves as a reminder for youth and adults alike on the power of persistence. The man epitomized character and tenacity,” said Dave Pintard, past president of the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. He hopes to raise $25,000 for the scholarship fund; the Round Table has agreed to match that figure.

Tax- deductible donations can be sent to the Scholarship Foundation at P.O. Box 3620, Santa Barbara, CA, 93130-3620, Attention Womble Fund.