Hall Signs With Wisconsin-Whitewater

Graham Hall is taking his football playing ability to the next level. The SHS senior standout has decided to play college football at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater beginning this fall.

“Every time I left Whitewater I felt better about the school and football program,” said Hall of his decision. “There was some question as to if I would go to a big school or a small school. With Whitewater I feel I have the best of both worlds. They have division-one facilities and division-one caliber coaches and they are coming off an unbelievable season. It’s going to be fun to play there.”

Whitewater is coming off a season that saw the Warhawks advance all the way to the NCAA Division-III National Championship Game before losing to Mt Union of Ohio.

Hall said he could see some playing time on special teams as a long-snapper during his freshman season. He is likely to settle into a role as a cornerback or free safety on defense.

Sterling coach Greg King, who played division-three football at Augustana , feels Hall has what it takes to be successful at this level. “You have to have a love for the game because you are not receiving any athletic scholarship help and Graham has that love,” said King. “He’s starting over as a freshman and that can be a tough adjustment for some kids. I don’t think that will be any problem for Graham. He’ll do what he has to do to be successful, just like he did here at Sterling.”

Hall rushed for over 1700 yards and 23 touchdowns in two seasons as Sterling’s starting fullback. His first varsity game might have been his best as he rushed for 202 yards and five touchdowns against Metamora in 2004.

This past season, Hall led Sterling in rushing with 834 yards (6.7 avg) and 15 touchdowns. He was also one of Sterling’s leading tacklers on defense. His post-season honors included being named first-team all state (class 5A) by the Illinois Football Coaches Association and first-team all NCIC.