Dan Pierce Memorial Wrestling Scholarship

The Charles "Dan" Pierce Memorial Wrestling Scholarship was established in 2019 by Linda Pierce, the wife of the late Dan Pierce who passed in the Fall of 2018.

Dan graduated from Western in 1970. He fell in love with the Gunnison Valley while in school. Here he followed his passion for hunting and fishing and all outdoor activities. Upon graduation he began his teaching career on the Front Range. While attending Western he worked a variety of jobs in town. It was a job he had working for Tracy Borah that sparked a love for the sport of wrestling. Dan became a wrestling referee and an assistant wresting coach in middle schools and high schools in several Front Range school districts.

Dan always desired to return to Gunnison and upon his retirement he was able to do so. There he reconnected to the Western Wrestling program. He and his wife became part of the Mountaineer Wrestling Family, traveling to matches wherever the schedule took the team.

He admired the coaches and their devotion to the sport. His admiration extended to the young men who in addition to being skilled athletes are quality examples of student athletes. Dan would be honored to have this scholarship in his name presented each year to a deserving wrestler.

ELIGIBILITY
-Athletics: Must be a member of the WESTERN wrestling team and in good standing. Must be eligible by NCAA D-II standards to be able to receive athletic aid.
-GPA: Must have and maintain a 3.0 or higher
-Year in School (after completion of current spring semester): Incoming freshmen through seniors

SELECTION COMMITTEE
Selected by the WESTERN Head Wrestling Coach in consultation with Financial Aid and Linda Pierce.