UW-Stout Athletic Hall of Fame
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Sten Pierce came to Stout in 1965 as the head wrestling coach and an assistant football coach. During Pierce's tenure as wrestling coach from 1965-72, the Blue Devils won two conference championships -- in 1966 and 1970 -- produced 10 conference champions, five national qualifiers and five All-Americans.
Pierce was named the WSUC and NAIA District 14 wrestling coach of the year in 1966 and 1970. Pierce also helped in the development of John Peterson, who went on to win an Olympic gold and silver medal.
Pierce took over as head football coach in 1970, coaching the Blue Devils until 1976. He produced two All-Americans and five first team all-conference picks.
Pierce picked up the golf clubs in the mid-1980s, coaching the Blue Devils to three consecutive conference titles in 1987, '88, and '89, and NAIA District 14 titles in 1988 and '89.
Pierce retired as a full-time professor in the UW-Stout physical education department in 1995, but continued to teach on a part-time basis up until his death in February 1999.
An active member of the Menomonie Lions Club since 1970, Pierce held a number of local offices but his pet project with the Lions was as sight project coordinator for the Eye Bank. An avid outdoorsman, Pierce was a member of Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited.
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