El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022: David Moore

EL PASO, Texas - David Moore knew at an early age that coaching may be in his future.

Moore's father coached basketball at Ysleta High School, and he always had a love for the game.

"I grew up playing sports, and that's just something that I loved to do," Moore said. "It just seemed that it was the right thing to do."

It wasn't only the right thing for more to do, but Moore also had the right stuff to do it.

Moore was the head basketball coach at Clint High School for 25 years, from 1977 to 2002.

Moore wasn't from the town of Clint, but the town welcomed him and his family with open arms.

The small knit community of Clint was also a reason Moore says he found success on the court.

"It just kept on building, and of course what helped is we had brothers, and cousins on the team," Moore said. "The success builds more success. I often say that without them (his former players), I wouldn't be here. I mean it was a deal where it was like family."

In 1992, Moore and the Clint Lions did something very few thought was possible.

He led a team from a small farm and ranch community, to the biggest stage in Texas high school basketball.

The Lions made it all the way to the 3A state final four.

The team's no fear mentality helped with the Lions pulling off upset after upset in their playoff run.

"At regionals we played Canyon who was ranked second in the state, and we got passed them," Moore said. "Then of course we met Dimmitt who was ranked third in the state, and it was a deal where our kids were never fearful of them, and said 'hey, let's just go play'."

The Lions would fall in the semi-finals to the eventual state champs Stafford, by just 6 points, but the journey was a dream come true for Moore.

"It was great," Moore said. "I mean it was something that you dream about when I was in high school, and as a coach, that's the ultimate."

Moore still lives in Clint along with his wife of 50 years.

They still live in the same house where they used to host team parties.

The memories are all around Moore's house, memories that bring back joy and also a reminder of the sacrifice Moore and his family made on the journey.

"She's (Moore's wife) a big part of it, and our kids because they sacrificed a lot for their dad to be away," Moore said.

Moore will now take his place alongside other El Paso high school basketball coaches who found success in the Borderland.

Coaches like Jim Forbes, and Bob Lesley.

On June 22, Moore will be inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame.

A true honor for a coach who not only found success on the court, but who impacted many lives in the town of Clint.

"I was surprised and excited, and overwhelmed. It really is a great honor," Moore said.