Barry Pierson
Courtesy: University of Michigan Athletic Department
ISHPEMING — Hailing from St. Ignace, Barry Pierson was the 1965 UP Back of the Year.
That kind of success led Pierson to the University of Michigan, where he played defensive back for three years.
In the wolverine’s 24–12 upset of then–number one ranked Ohio State, Pierson had three interceptions and a 61–yard punt return that set up a touchdown.
After college, Pierson returned to St. Ignace as the school’s football coach. He led the Saints to a Class D State championship in 1983, and a Class C runner–up finish in ’85.
Since, Pierson has been inducted into the UP Sports Hall of Fame.