Hopedale High is considered a small school, but when it comes to track and field, the Blue Raiders have experienced giant-size success. A stunning example is Brandon Hall, one of Hopedale’s premier distance runners who’ll be competing for Division 1 Fordham University this fall on scholarship.
The 6-foot, 155-pound Hall, who mostly ran the mile and two-mile events for Hopedale, was a captain in cross-country and indoor and outdoor track, has earned a plethora of all-star honors, holds two school records and has been on 14 championship teams. And, he’s competed not only in the Dual Valley Conference and District meets, but he’s also excelled at the state, New England and national levels.
Hall, a National Honor Society student, chose Fordham (New York City) over Cornell, Pittsburgh, Stonehill and Providence College because he admired the university’s strong academic standing and was impressed with its track program.
“I liked the atmosphere and the campus,’’ said Hall, who plans on majoring in business (marketing). “I met the cross-country and track coaches and got to know some of the team members. Everything about the school was positive.’’
Hall, however, is acutely aware that the transition from a Division 5 high school program to a Division 1 university in The Bronx will be challenging. “The transition will be tough because the competition will feature all-star caliber runners,’’ he emphasized. “I’ll have to be on top of my game every day but I’ll work hard to get positive results.’’
Joe Drugan, Hall’s coach in cross-country and outdoor track, not only is bullish on his talent and ability, but he also likes his leadership, commitment and dedication.
“Brandon is consistent and runs a strategic race,’’ Drugan said. “He’s got speed and endurance and a good finishing kick. He should be wearing an ‘S’ on his shirt. Not for Superman but for sacrifice. Sometimes kids lose their focus. But, Brandon runs in the off-season in hot weather or rainy weather. And, that sharpens his ability to excel when the seasons approach.’’
On seven occasions Hall was chosen Runner of the Year in the DVC and he was the Metrowest Daily News Runner of the Year in cross-country as a junior and senior. He’s been a DVC all-star in the 800, 1,000 and the two-mile and he’s owns the course record in cross-country at both the junior high and high school.
Hall has played an integral role in leading Hopedale’s cross-country teams to five DVC championships, five District crowns and two State titles. In indoor track, he was part of DVC and District championships teams in 2016.
“My top thrill in track was being part of the State title cross-country team in 2014,’’ Hall said. “I was a freshman but was the team’s No. 4 runner. That group was so close-knit. It was a cool experience. I finished 23rd. It was fun but there also was a sense of relief. We got the job done and by winning the States we built excitement and expectations for the next year.’’
Hall’s best race of his Blue Raider career occurred last fall at van Cortlandt Park in New York City at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional Cross-country Championships. “I finished 18th in a field that included 200-plus runners,’’ he recalled. “That was a memorable event.’’
Hall’s running style varies, often depending on the importance of an event. “I’ll be aggressive in a dual meet but at bigger meets I tend to be more strategic and methodical,’’ he said. “The key, however, is to be able to adjust and adapt. I enjoy running the mile and two-mile events because there’s time to make up for a mistake and the pace usually varies. Both require speed on the last lap.’’
The attributes Hall relied on during his 14 varsity seasons of cross-country and indoor and outdoor track were “determination, mental toughness, persistence and resiliency.’’ Those ingredients enabled him to pile up major victories in all three sports.
Hall was first in the District championship in cross-country as a junior; he won the District two-mile in indoor track as a junior and senior; was the Division 5 State champ in the indoor two-mile as a sophomore and senior; he won the District title outdoors in the two-mile as a sophomore; twice captured the Division 5 State title in the outdoor two-mile; and was fourth at All-States as a senior.
Wrapping up his senior year, he finished second in the outdoor two-mile in the New Englands and was 10th in the outdoor two mile (9:34) at the Nationals in North Carolina.
Crediting coaches like Drugan and Tim Maguire, Hall is quick to point to their knowledge. “They not only know a lot about running, but they’ve also helped to build and shape my character,’’ Hall emphasized. “And, I’ll never forget my teammates, past and present. There’s so many who I’ve admired and tried to emulate. I was inspired by all of them.’’
Calling his parents (Carol and Donald) role models for their support and encouragement, Hall has an athletic philosophy that focuses on basics. “I strive to put forth my best effort,’’ he said. “And, I try to always be prepared and to eliminate excuses. If those things are in place, then winning will follow.’’
Hall admires athletics for the life lessons that are learned. “Whether it’s track or another sport, you get an opportunity to learn valuable life lessons through athletics,’’ he noted. “Overcoming adversity and time management are two important ones but I’ve also learned to adapt and adjust to various situations.’’
Brandon Hall has been a dynamic competitor in track and field at Hopedale, and he’s very likely to continue to excel at Fordham.
Because he’s a breed apart.
Issue Date:
August, 2018
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