ABOUT COACH TONY PIERCE

Tony Pierce was born in Newark, NJ in 1961. He was raised in East Orange and is a graduate of East Orange High School. During his days at East Orange, Tony served as captain of his football and baseball teams, as well as serving as Class President.

He went on to become a four-year letter winner in football at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Health and Physical Education. During his stint at Gettysburg he broke several school records, including most interceptions in a career (16), interceptions in a game (3) and most interception return yards (316).

Following his career at Gettysburg, Tony was an All-Conference defensive back with the NJ Rams in the semi-pro league where he led the Rams to the National Championship game before signing a professional contract with the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League.

Tony started his coaching career as the quarterback and defensive backs coach at East Orange High School while obtaining his Masters Degree in PE with a concentration in Coaching and Sports Administration from Montclair State University. He soon became the head coach at East Orange before leaving to join the college ranks. His college career began at Bucknell University and includes positions as the head coach at Oberlin College, and assistant coach at Delaware State, University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Georgia and Alabama State. He also participated in an NFL Internship with the Arizona Cardinals.

As a product of divorced parents, Tony has felt the pain associated with the mistrust and hurt that divorce brings to young people. Spending time with his father and other men discussing the challenges of being a husband and a dad brought healing to his life as he tries to restore broken relationships between fathers and their children.

Tony has spoken to youth groups, father and son banquets, college and professional teams, business people and FCA Camps on the importance of family and the role that fathers play in the lives of their children. He wants all young people to understand that drugs, alcohol and premarital sex can lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering.

Tony is married to the former Michelle Byers and is the father of three children, Christian, Jordan and Alanna Grace.