Youth league honors 'Mr. Metro' with 'John Pierce Patio'

When the Metro Youth Football Association kicked off its 39th season Sunday, a familiar face was missing at the Metro Youth Complex in northeast Cedar Rapids.

John Pierce, the man considered to be the heart and soul of organization died this past winter. According to league Secretary-Treasurer Roger Gruwell, he will be greatly missed.

“John was Mr. Metro, the only person who has been in this league from the beginning,” Gruwell said. “he success of this league is due in large part to his efforts. He knew every blade of grass in this place, and where every cable is buried.”

Though Pierce may be gone, his memory was not be forgotten. Before the first games on Sunday, a memorial service and dedication of the “John Pierce Patio” was held.

“It is a walled stone walkway, with an arch and a memorial garden,” said longtime Metro Youth official Rich Hejda. “It will be a great spot for people to gather and enjoy watching youth football.”

The area where the patio is located holds special meaning to the organization.

“Most all players, coaches, and officials knew where John always parked his car, first spot to the left of the concession stand. That is where we built the patio,” Gruwell said.

The Hiawatha American Legion performed a military memorial ceremony at the dedication.

Hejda also talked about some other ways that Pierce will be remembered. “For the first time in the history of the League, we are going honor someone with a helmet sticker. All 1,000 helmets in will have black sticker with ‘JP' on it, and the flags will fly at half-mast for the entire opening day.”

Games continue through October.

-- Jeff Hare, news correspondent