Hall Answers the Call for Prep All-Star Game : Football: Linebacker was surprised when he heard news that he was selected to compete in contest.

Mike Hall figured his high school football career was over.

After all, Bishop Montgomery won only 11 games since 1988 and Hall was concentrating on the fall when he will enter Stanford as a freshman linebacker.

Then one day he arrived home to learn that Redondo Coach Chris Hyduke had left a message for him. Hall returned the call and was told he had been selected to play for the West in the 26th West Torrance Lions Club All-Star football game.

“I didn’t know what the call was about, but when I found out it was a nice surprise,” Hall said. “It’s a lot of fun being around guys who know how to play football and it’s an honor to play with the best players in the South Bay.”

The game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at El Camino College.

Hall started three years at linebacker for Bishop Montgomery, which finished 5-5 in 1988 before successive 3-7 seasons. An all-league selection all three seasons, Hall led the team in tackles his last two years.

But his exploits were not limited to the football field. Hall, 18, earned varsity letters in track and field, baseball and golf and maintained a 3.4 grade-point average.

Moreover, he impressed almost everyone who knew him.

“If I had a kid, I would want him to grow up to be just like Mike Hall,” Bishop Montgomery football Coach Steve Carroll said. “He’s an excellent kid in every respect. He’s well-respected by his peers, his coaches, his teachers. And athletically, he’s very talented. He’s a big kid with natural skills combined with a very good work ethic.”

Hall played outside linebacker as a sophomore before moving inside for his final two seasons. He was also the team’s kicker. At 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, his job was to fight off the offensive linemen and contain the run.

Although he is gifted physically, Hall became an all-star by using his head.

“He’s a good player, smart, coachable and a good athlete,” Hyduke said. “He’s really a lot of fun to work with, but the highlight is he’s so intelligent. He should have a really good college career.”

Hall chose Stanford over UCLA, Notre Dame, Army and the Air Force Academy. The difficulty of his decision was compounded by the fact that his two brothers attended Notre Dame and Navy.

Although he was tempted to erase the memories of a difficult high school career by attending a football powerhouse, Hall fell in love with Stanford after seeing the Palo Alto campus.

“Stanford recruited me most thoroughly and after visiting the school and meeting the coaches, I felt it was best for me,” he said. “I talked to Coach (Dennis) Green and he was very enthusiastic and positive about the future.

“It would have been nice to go to a school that had a good football tradition, but that would also probably mean less playing time for me. As time went on, it was clear Stanford was the best for me.”

Hall, who will pursue an economics degree, reports to Stanford in mid-August, a full 30 days before the school term begins.

“I know it’s definitely going to be a big challenge,” he said. “I know I’ll have to study endlessly and it will be a lot of hard work keeping up with school and football, but I should be able to do it.”

Although he’s anxiously looking forward to college, Hall sees it as his toughest challenge.

“The first couple of nights I had trouble sleeping, I was thinking about it so much,” he said. “I was really excited. I think it will be

100% more intense than high school football ever was. Every player is a superstar so it will be like playing in a all-star game everyday.”

Believe it or not, it is sometimes difficult finding players to participate in a summer all-star football game. Many have other commitments, while those with scholarships don’t want to risk injury.

Don’t count Hall among the latter.

“He was really excited when I asked him to play and he’s not missed a practice and has been there on time every day,” Hyduke said. “He’s just a class act.”

Hall is a bit taken aback by all the publicity and positive response. He says he is simply a good student who enjoys playing football.

In fact, he wishes people would quit referring to him as an all-star.

“I’m proud of myself because I think I accomplished something by getting into Stanford,” he said. “But I never try to gloat or put myself above anybody else. There are other people who can do great things and just because I’m an athlete doesn’t make me better than anyone else. I was never one to think I was better than anyone else.”