Coach Eddie Pierce arrived in Ithaca in the fall of 1928. Eighteen years later his football teams had established a record of 99-41-10. His 1931, 1933, and 1937 teams were undefeated. The 1933 team was 10-0-2, including a 7-7 tie with highly regarded Lakeland, Florida. Coach Pierce also coached baseball and basketball, served as Athletic Director and taught in the classroom. His 1945 baseball team won the Section IV championship. He was a charter member of the New York State Coaches Association and served as its first president. In 1949 Coach Pierce became the first Commissioner for Ithaca's Small Fry Football Program. In 1969 his many friends established an award given annually to a deserving Ithaca High senior athlete.