KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dave Moore is a former Lenoir City High School football coach who has worked with the University of Tennessee for decades on character education while promoting CARE-365, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping people in need.
He drives a station wagon decked out with all things orange and white called "The Tennessee Truckster."
At every home game, Coach Moore gives fans from the visiting team rides to the stadium in his vehicle. It’s his way of showing southern hospitality.
Saturday's game against South Carolina was different.
Moore had Gamecock starting quarterback Ryan Hilinski's parents, Mark and Kym, in his backseat.
"It was a very, very special day. A heartfelt day," Moore said. "I saw a lot of parallels there between him and myself."
Mark founded Hilinski's Hope, an organization dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health issues in student-athletes, after his son Tyler, a former Washington State quarterback, committed suicide in January 2018.
"I also lost a brother to suicide, so I could feel their hurt and pain," Coach Moore said. "Through our connection, he opened up my eyes a lot more."
Tennessee Truckster, fans pay tribute to Hilinski's Hope
South Carolina fans hold up three fingers at the beginning of the third quarter during home games to honor Tyler, who wore the number 3 jersey and support Ryan. Vol fans were encouraged to join in on Saturday.
"We're in the middle of a contest and so many Tennessee Vol fans are holding up three fingers to support the Hilinski family and their foundation. That's just beautiful," Moore said. "I know from talking to Mark what that meant to them. It's very deep."
Coach Moore added Hilinski's Hope signs to the Truckster's doors and roof to show his support as he drove Mark and Kym to Neyland.
Moore said it does not matter what team they were rooting for, but rather what they believed in.
"Whether it's an opponent or not, we're all brothers and sisters," Moore said. "You have to care about everyone unconditionally and non-judgmentally. We have to love everyone."