Pierce honoured for leadership on and off the gridiron

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This article was published 26/10/2011 (5152 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bomber quarterback Buck Pierce has been named the 2011 recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award, the club announced Wednesday.

The award, which recognizes players for their excellence on the field, leadership and extraordinary effort in the community is handed out annually by the organization.

“I am very humbled to be receiving this honour, but to me, there is nothing greater than giving back to the community that you get the opportunity to represent,” Pierce said in a statement. “I really enjoy everything about the city of Winnipeg and am proud to call myself a Blue Bomber.”

Since signing in April 2010, Pierce has been a permanent fixture in the city, choosing to live in Winnipeg year-round. The quarterback has graciously donated his time to charities such as the United Way and has participated in the “I Love to Read” program at various Manitoba schools.

Kotowich, a celebrated member of the community during and after his playing days, was a former outstanding offensive lineman who played for Winnipeg from 1955-1961.

The Bombers also announced they are set to surpass another milestone in attendance when they host the Toronto Argonauts this Friday.

After the first eight games, the club has welcomed 236,257 through the Canad Inns Stadium turnstiles. Once the first 16,545 enter the game Friday, the team will set a new single-season attendance record with every fan who comes in after that.

This is the first year the club will surpass the 260,000 mark in attendance in one season. Winnipeg has averaged 29,532 fans per game — nearly 800 more than the previous record of 28,739 set in 1985.

The Bombers are approaching 28,000 tickets sold for Friday’s regular season finale and is pushing for a seventh straight sellout this year.

Friday marks the final regular season home game at Canad Inns Stadium.