Tyler Bullard began playing golf in sixth grade at Seymour Middle School.
He continued to make that his sole sport through his sophomore year at Seymour High School.
“My weight coach my sophomore year influenced me to come out and play football, so that’s how I decided to come out and play,” he said. “I’m very glad I decided to play. I kind of have regrets that I didn’t play my freshman and sophomore years.”
He has been a receiver for the Owls the past two seasons, playing in the slot at the beginning of last season before moving to split end, and this season he has been split out all season.
Bullard was second on the team in receptions his junior year with 23 catches for 286 yards, and this fall he leads the team with 16 catches for 409 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He has done that in four games as he missed the Columbus East game because of a foot injury.
“I like the post or the comeback, just because you have to have head movement and find ways to get open,” Bullard said. “On the post I run 7-yards and then cut into the middle. I just try to get behind the defense, get open and focus on the ball.”
He said he was running post patterns on both of his touchdown catches against Bedford North Lawrence last week.
Bullard said coming into this season, “I had goals of wanting to make all-conference and be the leading receiver on the team. As of now I’m just kind of taking it game-by-game and just playing.”
At 5-foot-8, Bullard often goes up against taller defensive backs.
“Most of the time they’re either equal or taller than me,” Bullard said. “I use my quickness, feet and a head fake.”
He said his highlight win in football was the 2016 game at Brownstown.
“The win at Brownstown was a good win because our defense and offense both played good,” Bullard said. “The other team was just right there with us.”
Bullard said he is looking forward to a good season on the golf team.
“Last year I played No. 2 and then I got bumped up to 1,” Bullard said. “I like home matches a lot. It’s a good atmosphere and its fun to play (Shadowood). I like the front nine better because to me it just sets up better for my game.”
Bullard’s lowest score at Shadowood has been an even-par 36, and his lowest tournament score has been a 79.
The senior said his favorite away course is Champions Pointe.
This spring, Bullard his big goals.
“I’m going out and work to try and be No. 1, and hopefully have an average of low 80s or in the 70s,” Bullard said.
Bullard said you have to have a good mental outlook in any sport that you play.
“It’s very important because if you don’t believe in your team then you really just can’t work as a team,” he said. “In football you have to really work as a team.
“Even in golf, if you start to doubt yourself you don’t play as well as you should so you have to play with confidence and believe in others.”
Some of Bullard’s best memories are in athletics.
“I’ll definitely remember the coaches, the victories and especially the bus rides,” Bullard said. “Those are always fun.”
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Name: Tyler Bullard
School: Seymour High School
Parents: Joe and Dana Bullard
Sibling: Shelby
Sports: golf 4 years, football 2 years
Athletic honors: golf most valuable player, most improved
Plans after high school: attend college, study to become an athletic trainer, physical therapist
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite team: University of Michigan football
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