The Owensboro Dust Bowl is more than just basketball. It’s a celebration of history, unity, and giving back. That legacy grew even stronger this week with the announcement that two additional $500 scholarships will be awarded during this year’s tournament — meaning a total of $2,000 in scholarships will now be given out to four local students.
The two additional scholarships are thanks to Gus Johnson and his family, along with the Dust Bowl committee. Johnson, one of the original founders of the Dust Bowl in 1974, said he felt compelled to contribute after learning about the two “Chick” Owen Memorial Scholarships being offered by Owensboro Times and PeezO’s Pizza.
“I thought it was only appropriate and fitting that some type of scholarship come from the people who actually started the event,” Johnson said. “That’s one way of keeping both Wayne [Stout] and Jerry [Davenport]’s legacy alive in Owensboro.”
The Chick Owen Memorial Scholarship was first announced earlier this summer to honor Larry “Chick” Owen, a longtime Dust Bowl supporter and beloved community advocate who passed away in October 2024. The initial idea came from Owensboro Times, and the scholarship was immediately matched by Chick’s son, Larry Owen, who owns PeezO’s Pizza.
“My dad loved the Dust Bowl and everything it stood for — bringing the community together, lifting people up, and giving back,” Larry Owen said. “This scholarship is a great way to honor him and to support young people who are trying to better themselves.”
Now, with Johnson’s contribution, the scholarships also serve as a tribute to the tournament’s original founders.
“It was just a field-of-dreams-type situation,” Johnson said. “We started with no money, no capital — something you probably couldn’t do today. But the community adopted it, and I’m pretty much the person I am because of my roots in Owensboro. I just wanted to take this opportunity to share that on behalf of my family.”
High school students in the Class of 2025 or 2026 are eligible for the scholarships. Recipients will be recognized during the 3-point contest on July 25.
Eligible students can apply here. The deadline to apply is July 21. The application is a short form that includes questions about their involvement in the community and their understanding of the Dust Bowl’s impact over the years.
For questions, email [email protected].
“The Dust Bowl has always been about more than basketball — it’s about pride, tradition, and the power of community,” OT Assistant Editor John Kirkpatrick said. “These scholarships reflect that spirit. And to have Gus Johnson, one of the founders, step up and give back like this — it’s just incredibly meaningful.”
This year’s Dust Bowl runs July 18-27 at Kendall-Perkins Park and features expanded programming, including a high school 3-point contest. The Men’s Open Division champion will receive a $2,000 prize.
The Dust Bowl began in 1974 when Johnson, Davenport, and Chapman sought to provide organized basketball opportunities for the city’s Black youth. With the city’s blessing and community support, their grassroots idea blossomed into what’s now one of Owensboro’s most iconic summer traditions.
“We were only dreaming of the neighborhood at the time,” he said. “To see it become something that unites the entire community is absolutely amazing. You can’t beat that, particularly in these days and times.”
