OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer Classic sets new record

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

The seventh annual OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer Classic golf tournament surpassed the $185,000 mark for the first time earlier this month, shattering all previous fundraising records. 

This year’s tournament was the first under the moniker of OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer and the first to benefit The Eddie Sutton Foundation, which helps raise funds for those battling cancer through research with an emphasis on pediatric cancer. 

Oklahoma State University celebrities were eager to participate, including OSU football coach Mike Gundy, men’s basketball coach Mike Boynton, First Cowboy Darren Shrum, former First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, NFL player Blake Jarwin, assistant baseball coach and former MLB player Matt Holliday and a host of other coaches and former athletes. 

Several children battling cancer and their families served as guests of honor at the event, highlighting the tournament’s mission. OSU President Kayse Shrum and Athletic Director Chad Weiberg opened the tournament with remarks. 

The Eddie Sutton Foundation is a group of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and talent to raise funds for valuable research in the fight against cancer, host children at various OSU sporting events and make a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are battling the disease.  

The board is committed to championing Coach Sutton's three principles of defense, dedication and discipline. Guided by these three principles, The Eddie Sutton Foundation oversees the Cowboys vs. Cancer Program (formerly Coaches vs. Cancer), the OSU Cowboys vs. Cancer Cowboy Classic Golf Tournament and the annual Birthday Bash — an event for kids from across the state who have battled or are battling cancer.

This year’s presenting tournament sponsors include The Bucky Foundation (in memory of Brian “Bucky” Utter), Steven F. Roy (in memory of Jean and Mary Roy) and Integrity Audiology (in honor of Abigail Stewart). 

“It’s inspiring and impactful to see so many show out to support the tournament,” said Dave Hunziker, radio voice of the Cowboys. “The tournament continues to honor former OSU’s men’s basketball coach Eddie Sutton and his legacy while serving those battling cancer.” 

Three awards were given prior to the tournament. The Super Girl Award was awarded to 9-year-old Addie Bourasaw, the tournament artist. Each year, participants are invited to design a special secondary logo that will be featured on golf balls, pin flags, apparel and more. Bourasaw, who created this year’s design, died April 3, 2022, after battling DIPG, or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a type of brain tumor. 

The Super Woman Award was awarded to Coach Kendra Kilpatrick, a former Stillwater High School girls' basketball coach who is battling breast cancer. The Super Kid Award was awarded to Hadley, who has recently relapsed and has been part of the Cowboys vs. Cancer program since his first diagnosis in 2017. 

"The tournament was a huge success, and it was great to see so many from the OSU community join us,” said Larry Reece, OSU public address voice of the Cowboys. “The Cowboys vs. Cancer Classic is a bright spot in our year, and we are already looking forward to the next. The Eddie Sutton Foundation believes research is the best defense against cancer, we hold unwavering dedication to the cause and to the families we serve and the discipline to stay the course and implement a full court press that will lead to a cure.”

For more information about The Eddie Sutton Foundation, or to make a donation, visit theeddiesuttonfoundation.com.