South Carolina to have special tribute to late brother of Ryan Hilinski

The Hilinski family is quickly becoming a fan favorite at South Carolina. New starting QB Ryan Hilinski has started well in his brief career, and his parents have been visible around the program to discuss their late son Tyler’s suicide last year.

Now a special tribute is set to happen at Williams-Brice Stadium during the game against No. 2 Alabama on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to raise a ‘3’ in honor of mental health awareness during the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. The tribute appears to be an organic effort sparked by fans and students. Now the school has taken it on and is promoting the effort.

The family, which after Tyler’s death started a non-profit organization called “Hilinski’s Hope Foundation” that is designed to promote awareness and education of mental health and wellness for student athletes, is excited to participate, too.

Hilinski is scheduled to make his second start after a solid outing last week against Charleston Southern.

The game is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on CBS.

All systems go!

During first play, from the line of scrimmage, in the 3rd quarter, everyone will raise a 3 in honor of mental health awareness. See you tomorrow #Gamecocks 😊 https://t.co/QQ6cKGPA1O

— Gamecock Athletics (@GamecocksOnline) September 13, 2019

We have been so touched by the outpouring of support for #H3H and our family. We’ll be there @WilliamsBriceSC Stadium on Saturday with our 3 fingers to the sky to start the 3rd quarter and hope you’ll join us-in person or in spirit. ❤️❤️❤️#ForeverTo3 #TylerStrong #UNIT3D

— Hilinski’s Hope (@HilinskisHope) September 13, 2019

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.