Oil City High School athletic director Rick Fletcher introduces Debra Hall, pictured with son Riley Thompson, during the dedication of a plaque honoring Forrey Hall that will be placed at the entrance of the Oil Field. Debra is Hall's daughter and she and her family flew in from San Francisco for the ceremony before the Oilers' game with Franklin. Forrey Hall was a standout athlete at St. Joe's and one of the best ever from Venango County. He later starred in football for the University of San Francisco where he set NCAA kickoff return records and then the San Francisco 49ers.
Here is the content of the plaque:
A three-sport athlete at St. Joseph High School from 1938-1941, he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. He was a leading scorer on St. Joe’s 1939 and 1941 Pennsylvania State Catholic Championship basketball teams, but he is best known as a standout on the football field.
One of the fastest men in the country, he finished his high school rushing and receiving career with 29 touchdowns and 179 points. He also did most of the passing and placekicking.
He was voted “Best Man” at the 1945 East-West Shrine Game, representing the Fourth Air Force while serving his country during WWII. He became a star halfback at the University of San Francisco, setting two NCAA records, and was inducted into the USF Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to a professional career with the San Francisco 49ers, setting several team records.
An Oil City native, he exemplified discipline, hard work and sportsmanship. He was a true gentleman, a respected coach and a beloved dad.
After a giving a moving tribute to her father Debra was joined by the rest of the Hall clan on the new OIler track.
It was the first time that her sons Riley and Mike had seen snow.
The family made a generous contribution to the refurbishing of the football field and track complex.
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