Pierce College Football: A Legacy of Rivalry and Triumph
Pierce College, officially known as Los Angeles Pierce College, boasts a rich history, particularly within its athletic programs. Among these, the football team stands out, marked by periods of both absence and significant rivalry, most notably with Valley College. This article explores the historical trajectory of the Pierce College football team, highlighting key moments, rivalries, and the program's overall impact.
Early Years and the Genesis of a Rivalry
Pierce College first opened its doors in 1947, initially named the Clarence W. Pierce School of Agriculture. The college started humbly with 70 male students and war-surplus bungalows for classrooms. As the population of the San Fernando Valley grew, so did the college, eventually becoming the largest in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).
Valley College followed suit two years later, established to accommodate the burgeoning population of the San Fernando Valley. Its campus initially consisted of five bungalows on an agricultural plot, attracting 440 students. By 1951, it moved to its current 105-acre site.
Although both colleges were growing, their football teams did not clash until 1965. A scheduled game in 1951 was canceled due to a dwindling Pierce team. However, the seeds of a rivalry were sown earlier. In 1962, Valley's journalism staff produced a mock edition of Pierce's newspaper, "The Roundup," renamed "The Rankup," filled with humorous jabs at Pierce's agricultural image.
The Pierce vs. Valley Rivalry: A Storied Contest
The inaugural game between Pierce and Valley in 1965 was a highly anticipated event, televised and attended by a crowd of 5,500. Valley won convincingly, 26-6, marking the beginning of a series filled with memorable moments.
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Key Highlights from the Rivalry:
1970: Mark Harmon, later a famous actor, played quarterback for Pierce. His touchdown pass to Richard Henderson helped secure a 24-14 victory. This win was significant as it ended Pierce's 0-5 series deficit and began a streak of seven consecutive wins against Valley.
1975: Pierce emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair, 53-49, considered one of the greatest junior college games in Valley history. The game featured multiple lead changes and dramatic plays in the final minutes.
1977: Valley dominated Pierce with a 42-0 victory, the largest margin in the series' history, ending Valley's seven-game losing streak.
1978: Rick Minyard, previously Valley's quarterback, switched to Pierce and helped them win 28-21, although he suffered a knee injury during the game.
1980: In a game filled with tension, Pierce quarterback Babe Laufenberg connected with Bob Buckner for a game-winning touchdown, securing a 13-9 victory.
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1982: Valley narrowly won, 21-20, in a rain-soaked game, capitalizing on Pierce's failed fourth-down attempts.
1985: Pierce won, 17-0, claiming the Southern California Conference title. This game marked the end of the series due to budget cuts that led to Pierce dropping its football program.
The Bell: A Symbol of Victory
A bell introduced by a Valley College booster club in the mid-1970s became the symbol of victory in the Pierce-Valley rivalry. The winning team would claim the bell, a clanging trophy that fueled pregame excitement and bragging rights. Pierce held the bell after winning the last game of the series in 1985.
The Revival of Pierce College Football
After a hiatus due to budget cuts, Pierce College eventually revived its football program, rejoining the ranks of collegiate athletics.
Franklin Pierce University: A Division II Powerhouse
While the previous sections focused on Pierce College, it's important not to confuse it with Franklin Pierce University, a private institution located in Rindge, New Hampshire. Franklin Pierce University has a notable athletic history, particularly in NCAA Division II.
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Franklin Pierce University's Athletic Achievements:
National Championships: Franklin Pierce University has secured eight NCAA Division II national championships in men's and women's soccer.
Northeast-10 Conference (NE10): Franklin Pierce joined the NE10 in the 2000-01 academic year and has since achieved significant success within the conference.
Men's Soccer Dominance: The men's soccer team has won national championships in 2007, 2022, and 2023, establishing themselves as a powerhouse in Division II soccer.
Women's Soccer Dynasty: The women's soccer program achieved remarkable success in the 1990s, winning four consecutive national titles from 1994 to 1997 and five championships in six years.
Key Figures at Franklin Pierce University:
Bruce Kirsh: A long-serving Director of Athletics, Kirsh played a crucial role in Franklin Pierce's transition to the NE10 and oversaw significant facility improvements.
Dr. George Hagerty: As President of Franklin Pierce, Hagerty guided the institution's move to the NE10 and its transition to university status.
Cindy Armanis: Armanis has held various roles in the athletic department, including head softball coach, Compliance Coordinator, and Head Athletic Trainer.
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