Allan W. Hall (1987) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Allan W. Hall

Induction:
1987
Class:
1966

Coach
‘66

Credit Kenneth “Red” Cochrane, former UA athletic director, for bringing Al Hall to the University in 1954. Of course, Cochrane got more that his money’s worth with Hall, who assisted Cochrane with administrative matters, was the sports publicist, intramural director, manager of Memorial Hall, physical instructor, assistant track and field and cross country coach. Is there a “Workaholic Hall of Fame?” It was as the Zip cross country coach where Hall had few peers. He was instrumental in establishing cross country on campus in 1955 as a club sport and on varsity level in 1956. During his 12-year tenure he directed the Zip harriers to Ohio Conference Championships in 1963, ’64 and ’65 and All-Ohio Championships in 1962, ’63 and ’65. The 1963 team finished runner-up in the NCAA College Division Championship, the highest finish ever for Zip cross country and track. Hall’s 1965 squad finished 9-0, the only undefeated season in the history of the sport on campus. From 1962-65 Hall’s teams captured 32 of 35 meets and his 12-year record stands at 62-28. Twice he was voted Ohio Coach of the Year (1963 and 1965) and he assisted Tom Evans as UA captured five Ohio Conference Track Championships. In addition, Hall assisted in the development of UA Hall of Famer's Al Campbell, Bill Heidman, George Wetherbee and Climon Lee during his coaching tenure at UA.