Harley Pierce

Harley Pierce

Class of 1945

Harley Pierce graduated from Comstock High School in 1945 having earned ten varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. His athletic talent as a football player earned him a spot on the Kalamazoo College football team where he eventually earned the captains position and the Outstanding Lineman Award in 1950. More remarkable than his playing days were his coaching days. He was a teacher and coach at four different schools over a 36 year period. His longest tenure was 29 years in Sturgis where he amassed a plethora of championships including 1 state championship in Football and 7 state championships in tennis. His remarkable longevity in teaching and coaching has earned him the respect from many people over the state of Michigan including his Alma Mater now, Comstock High School.

Comstock High School

  • 10 Varsity Letters – Football, Basketball & Baseball

Kalamazoo College

  • 4 Yr. Varsity Letter Winner – Football
    • 1950 Clark McKenzie Outstanding Lineman Award
    • 1950 All Conference Team
  • 3 Yr. Varsity Letter Winner - Baseball

Coaching Career – 36 years – Plainwell, Sturgis, Casa Grande-AR, Zeeland, Sturgis

  • Varsity Football
    • 8 League Championships
    • 1 State Championship
  • Varsity Tennis
    • 27 League Championships
    • 23 Regional Championships
    • 7 State Championships

Athletic Honors

  • 1969 & 1974 Michigan High School Football Coach of the Year
  • 1978 Michigan High School Tennis Coach of the Year
  • 1979 National High School Tennis Coach of the Year
  • 1985 Jim Crowley Award for Dedication to High School Football
  • 1993 Distinguished Achievement Award – Kalamazoo College
  • Past President and Historian of Michigan HS Football Coaches Association
  • Hall of Fame Membership
    • Michigan High School Football Coaches
    • Michigan High School Tennis Coaches
    • Michigan High School Coaches
    • National High School Coaches
    • Kalamazoo College Hall of Fame
    • Comstock High School Hall of Fame