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Purdue, Iowa to honor Tyler Trent during Thursday basketball game

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

B1G basketball has returned this week and Iowa travels to Mackey Arena to battle Purdue on Thursday night in a premier conference matchup. The two teams also have special plans for the game.

The Hawkeyes and Boilermakers will both wear special T-shirts on the bench tonight, honoring Purdue graduate and fan Tyler Trent who passed away on New Year’s Day after a long battle with bone cancer. According to the Journal & Courier, the shirts will read #TYLERSTRONG.

The black T-shirts will also include a gold ribbon and the bible verse 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Trent became the face of strength and courage after his story was featured on ESPN’s College GameDay. In his last months, Trent attended several Purdue football games as a team captain, watching the Boilermakers defeat Ohio State and Indiana and also attending the Music City Bowl.

But Trent also used his final months to raise awareness for cancer research. He joined ESPN’s V Foundation to help raise awareness. A bobblehead doll was created in his image with a portion of the proceeds also going to research. Trent also set a goal of raising $1 million for cancer research with the release of his biography “The Upset.”

Students in attendance of Thursday night’s Iowa-Purdue game also plan to chant “Cancer Sucks,” during the game.

Trent inspired millions across the country as he became the voice for strength and courage. He was just 20 at the time of his death.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB