ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – Pierce High School football players, coaches and supporters gathered at LeMaster Field on Aug. 14 as the Bears opened the 2026 season with the third annual Pierce Bears Football Kick-Off Dinner & Rally.
The Pierce Pride Foundation organized the event as a fundraiser for the football program, bringing together the junior varsity and varsity teams, families and community supporters ahead of the Bears’ season.
Coaches Luke Van Laningham and Anthony Tapia introduced the junior varsity and varsity rosters during the evening, giving those in attendance their first look at this year’s teams.
The rally also gave players an opportunity to put their offseason work on display during the annual Lift-A-Thon. A field goal kicking contest added another competition to the evening.
Orosco Boys BBQ of Arbuckle prepared a tri-tip dinner while the Pierce cheerleaders performed for the crowd. Supporters could also purchase Pierce Bears caps, shirts and sweatshirts during the event.
The evening included the induction of three new members into the Pierce Pride Foundation Hall of Fame. Inductees were recognized in three categories: coach, athlete and contributor. Former coach Tom Schroeder entered the Hall of Fame in the coach category while Dr. Jerry Goss received recognition as a former Pierce athlete. The Arbuckle-College City Fire Department joined the Hall of Fame in the contributor category, recognizing the department’s support of the Pierce community.