Tee Off For Tyler once again a sellout

Annual golf outing honors Tyler Trent legacy, raises money for cancer research

By RICHIE HALL

SPEEDWAY – The sixth annual Tee Off For Tyler golf outing took place Tuesday at one of Tyler Trent’s favorite places.

This year’s golf outing was hosted by Brickyard Crossing, located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event benefits the Tyler Trent Foundation, which supports local and national organizations targeting pediatric cancer research.

Members of the Indiana Pacemates were on hand at the golf outing. Pictured: Pacemate Brie Taylor, James Luck of Indianapolis, Rick Terry of Indianapolis, Zac Kinch of Lafayette, Luke Rohrman of Lafayette, Pacemate Alasia Richardson and mascot Purdue Pete. (Richie Hall)

The foundation has donated more than $4 million to various organizations since it was established in 2019. It honors Tyler, a Carmel native and Purdue University superfan whose courageous battle with the bone cancer osteosarcoma inspired many people across the nation.

A total of 144 golfers participated in the outing, which has sold out every year since it began.

“Having everybody show up and be a part of this, and year over year it sells out, it’s humbling,” said Tony Trent, Tyler’s father. “And it’s also just heartwarming to think about, hopefully the work that we can do for other families that are going through this journey.”

“The Lord gave Tyler a platform to use, and Tyler used it 100 percent and more to bring awareness not only to his faith, but to cancer research,” said Cathy Campbell, Tyler’s grandmother. “I just think Tyler’s smiling down on this whole situation, because his legacy is funding a lot of cancer research.”

As the opening ceremony took place, golfers were serenaded by the sound of a Ferrari testing on the famed IMS oval. Tyler Trent was a frequent visitor to the Speedway and attended the Indianapolis 500 every year.

“We did feel like we were giving them an experience,” said Kelly Trent, Tyler’s mother. “It just happened that Ferrari was here today, but we’re pretty psyched about it.”

The outing also featured a silent auction, which included several experiences for sports fans and world travelers alike. Two Italy trips were available, along with an “Enchanting Europe for Two” trip; all of those items sold for well over $1,000.

Just like last year, the golfers had to contend with the “Heckle Hole,” where they teed off while listening to “encouraging” remarks from assorted hecklers that included members of the Purdue football team. It was all in fun, and something that would have gotten Tyler’s approval.

Campbell spoke about that spirit of fun, not just at Tuesday’s golf outing, but in other ways as well.

“This winter, they brought musicians in that wrote songs for some of the country singers, and it was so well-attended, and everybody just really enjoyed themselves,” said Campbell. “And it’s because of Tyler’s desire to raise money for cancer.”

Supporting the Tyler Trent Foundation continues all year long. The foundation accepts donations on its website.

While on the website, you can also find information on how to purchase The Upset: The Tyler Trent Story, which details Tyler’s story and his prediction that the Purdue football team would upset Ohio State in 2018. A portion of every book purchased through the website will be donated to cancer research in Tyler’s name and help families facing cancer.

Charlie Castino, a 2010 graduate of Noblesville High School, was one of the participants at the golf outing. (Richie Hall)

Jeff Hartley of Pendleton prepares to tee off on the “Heckle Hole,” negotiating both the fairway and a large golf hat. (Richie Hall)

DuJuan Daniels, the Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Carmel-based Ascend Football, shouts out to the golfers on the “Heckle Hole.”
Ascend Football was the hole’s sponsor. (Richie Hall)