Senior captain Brian Hall is a team player both on the field and in the classroom. He knows how to prioritize, handle challenges and work cooperatively in order to succeed.

Hall, a Penn Yan, N.Y., native, was an excellent student in high school, where he first became interested in attending Rensselaer. “I was always interested in engineering in high school,” he says. This interest, paired with RPI's excellent football program, put Rensselaer at the top of his list of college possibilities. Brian was fortunate enough to be accepted into RPI, where he has excelled as an environmental engineering major.

In the classroom, where he has been highly successful, Brian has learned some important lessons. “It was tougher than I thought academically,” he admits, “but the coaching staff has always been great at getting me tutors when I've struggled, and it's made me a stronger person.” Brian cites time management and organizational skills as some of the things he has learned during his time at RPI.

Hall's impressive academic record shows in more than one way. Besides making the Dean's List most semesters and earning Liberty League All-Academic status the last two years, he has been an excellent asset and friend to his classmates.

Fellow classmate and environmental engineering major Sarah Kinna describes Brian as “extremely hardworking, and a great friend to depend on when you need to get work done. He is always willing to help and support a fellow classmate.”

Brian has also developed great relationships with some of the faculty at Rensselaer. “I've had the opportunity to become close with some of the professors,” he says, “and I worked with a professor over the summer on research.”

This summer research opportunity was great preparation for graduate school. Hall has already been accepted into Rensselaer's co-terminal program, and intends to get his Master's Degree or Ph.D. in environmental engineering. He is also considering other grad schools, but hasn't had adequate time to look into them with the busy schedule football entails.

Continuing his education at Rensselaer may be an attractive option for Brian, who has had many positive experiences as an undergrad. “RPI stresses teamwork and group participation,” he says. “My ability to work with other people has been strengthened greatly, and I've learned that when knowledge is pooled, there's a much greater chance for success.”

Perhaps Brian has become such a reliable classmate and goal-oriented student as a result of his experience on the football field.

On the gridiron, it is clear how much Hall values teamwork and cooperation. “It takes 11 people doing their jobs right to win games,” he says. Being a member of the offensive line requires a special joint effort. Part of a group of five offensive linemen, Hall's job as a left tackle is to “keep the ball holder safe, don't let him get tackled. We have to treat him like a little brother, and don't let anyone touch him,” he explains.

“Brian Hall is the definition of a hard worker,” according to teammate Eric Dinarello, a junior and fellow offensive lineman who hails from Topsfield, Mass. “He is the leader of the offensive line and goes far beyond what is expected ... Referees in games have commented that they have never seen an offensive lineman play as hard as Brian does.”

Hall also has several other roles on the football field. As a captain, it is his responsibility to “keep morale when hard times come, keep the guys focused.” Hall also credits the other three captains in leading and motivating the team, and praises the rest of his teammates, calling them “a great group of guys” who “work well together.”

After a tough loss at Susquehanna last Saturday and another against Rochester during Homecoming Weekend, Hall's job as a motivator is especially important. His focus now is on today's game, which he calls “a defining moment” in the season. “We have to go back to the basics,” he says. “We have to focus on the little things that have been plaguing us all season.”

Brian has confidence in his teammates and their abilities. He believes that the team can “live up to expectations, and play how we know we can play.” All it takes for this to happen is all 11 players on the field working together, doing their jobs, and not making the same mistakes they have in past games. Brian Hall knows that this sort of teamwork is what gains respect and ultimately wins football games.

This story originally ran in the October 24 edition of the football game program.