Don Pierce Jr, '68

DAUGHTERS: Larissa Brower, Carolee & Lindsay Pierce

Donnie's life has been maroon & white - literally! Still active as a head coach of girls basketball and assistant in football, he's in his fourth decade of athletic involvement at Sidney, He played Pee Wee, Little League and Legion baseball and his varsity action was in football, basketball and baseball. In his senior year of football, Donnie - as quarterback - set a school record with 52 pass completions. Especially memorable was an 8-6 win against Greene in his final game that kept Greene out of the playoffs. In hoops, Donnie hit 11 of 11 free throws as time wound down to beat Walton. He was named the 1984 Ralph Pyle recipient as Outstanding Male Athlete.

Entering Herkimer County Community College, Donnie's play during pickup games earned him a walk-on roster spot on the basketball team. HCCC made the National Junior College Final Four in 1986.

Donnie returned to Sidney that summer and started work at Amphenol. A chance meeting at Great American with JV football coach Tom Hager led to his first coaching opportunity. He hasn't stopped doing what he loves.

Over the years, Coach Pierce has been a fixture on the football sidelines at all levels. He's also unique in his ability to coach boys and girls teams and, in the case of bowling, doing both at the same time. He's led teams at Sidney in baseball and softball while he also "strayed" in guiding varsity boys basketball teams at Franklin and Unatego, the latter bringing some spirited banter with Sidney coach Mike Brazee!

Of special note is the connection Donnie has made to some of the greatest teams in modern history at Sidney, His assistance was invaluable to three Legacy Award winners: the 1997-98 Class C Boys Basketball NYS Champions; the 2001-02 Class C Girls Basketball NYS Finalists; and the 2005 Class C Football NYS Champions.

Of recent note, he has made his girls varsity basketball team a project to remember. Through patience and encouragement, Donnie has brought his players along step by step into a successful unit. His efforts netted recognition as MAC Division Coach of the Year last season.

Donnie is a devoted family man. He and his wife Barb have raised three daughters. Larissa and her husband Ned are expecting their first child in February. Carolee is an assistant women's basketball coach at Hartwick and Lindsay is a senior at RIT and is captain of the dance team. Congratulations to Donnie Pierce Jr, with a well-deserved induction into the Sidney Alumni Sports Hall of Fame!
Don Pierce Jr. - SIDNEY