BRANDON — Otter Valley Union High School has a new varsity football coach.
Carlton “Phil” Hall, 27, has been hired to lead the Otters, replacing Jim Hill, who resigned earlier this year.
OV Athletic Director Steve Keith said the school is thrilled with the choice.
“We are excited at the possibilities ahead and the strong character and immensely positive energy Mr. Hall has shown in both interviews and coaching meetings,” Keith said in a press release. “Mr. Hall’s background reflects his dedication to the sport of football, his interest in continually learning and improving his coaching skillset, along with his intense passion for the game.”
Originally from East Montpelier, Hall graduated from U-32 High School. He went on to graduate from Castleton University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. He also played starting left tackle for the Castleton Spartans. After graduation, Hall coached the Spartan offensive line for two years before becoming head coach of the football team at Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland in 2014.
In a phone interview last week, Hall said he found himself without a head coaching job after the MSJ and Poultney football programs merged.
“I’ve been looking to get back into that role,” Hall said. “When I got the email from (former OV Head Coach) Jim Hill announcing his resignation, I was talking to Steve Keith within 12 hours. I had to apply. It was almost perfect. I feel so connected to that program.”
As a player on the U-32 High School football team, Hall said he was well acquainted with the OV football program.
“When I was playing, we went from 8-man to 11-man football at the same time OV did, and we went from Division IV to Division II, and we moved together,” he said. “We were rivals in football.”
Hall is the assistant principal at MSJ. He also teaches anatomy and health, and will retain his positions at the school. 
Following a good turnout for a week of spring football practice at OV just before the end of the school year this month, Hall may be the only person in the area looking forward to fall right now.
“Getting to know Jim (Hill) and seeing what a strong program OV had and to emulate some of the things he was doing … it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
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