Michael Hall

Right Tackle (1987-88)

It wasn’t until the 8th grade that Michael Hall would play on a football team for the first time.  His talent was natural and would be evident in the coming years.  As a freshman in high school, he would immediately fill both starting positions as offensive and defensive tackle on the varsity team.  He continued in both positions for the remainder of his high school years.

Mike received numerous scholarships, and following his high school graduation from Harmon High School, in Kansas City, KS, he chose to attend Coffeyville Community College.  He played football for the Red Ravens during the 1987 and 1988 seasons.  As a freshman, Mike would again move to the starting guard position after the second game of the 1987 season.  He played in his first bowl game, the Jayhawk Bowl, in which the Red Ravens defeated NW Mississippi.  The following year, 1988, he was moved to right tackle, where he was awarded 1st Team NJCAA All-American, 1st Team All-Conference, and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Red Ravens football team.  Mike was also noted to be the first player to receive the 1st Team All-American award while under the coaching of Skip Foster, the Offensive Line coach.

While being recruited in high school, Mike remembers the promises Coach Dick Foster made to his mother – that he would get a quality education, be a good young man, and a great football player.  While attending Coffeyville, he learned a great work ethic through Coach Foster’s study hall and football practices, which also taught him how to overcome adversities and hardships that he would later face in life.  Coach Foster lived up to every promise he made to Mike and his mother.

After receiving his Associate’s Degree in 1988, Mike felt equipped to face life’s challenges.  It was a hard thing to graduate and leave behind so many memories and friends, such as Keith Traylor, Siran Stacy, Mike Mason, Walter Pate, and a host of other players and friends.  Mike yet received further scholarships to attend The University of Kansas.  While there, he continued his football career and moved into the defensive end position.

In 1993, he became an owner-operator, performing corporate moves and relocations across the United States.  The work he experienced was nothing short of a hard day’s work at Coffeyville Community College.  Thinking back to that same work ethic he was taught, it gave him the drive to keep striving, work hard, and provide for his family.

In 2002, he met his wife, one of the happiest moments of his life.  This would empower him to face the toughest challenge forthcoming, the beginning of his battle with cancer in 2004.  Even then, the lessons learned as a teenager helped him continue to press forward and face adversity.

Currently, he and his wife are enjoying five children, two grandchildren, and ministering in the church.  They have been blessed from God to be able to still enjoy life and their children.  Eight years later, his battle with cancer is still on going, but with God’s favor, he is able to stand strong and keep fighting.

Mike is grateful and thanks the Red Raven’s football program for recognizing and considering him for such an honorable achievement.

Mike passed away on Feb. 25, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo.