G. Reid graduated from Youngsville High School in 1921, where he lettered in baseball and football. He attended Otterbein College for 1 year where he lettered in both sports. Reid turned down offers to play professional baseball, and received a 3-year athletic scholarship to Lebanon Valley College. At LVC, he earned 3 varsity letters, both in football and baseball. G. Reid played on many of the local semi-pro baseball teams in the area, including the Warren "99's" and the "National Transits", and was instrumental in organizing the outstanding National Forge teams of the 1930's and 40's. He began his coaching career at Youngsville High School where he coached football, baseball, basketball, and track from 1925-31, coaching PIAA state champions Norman Johnson and Carl Linborg. From 1931-38, Pierce coached basketball, baseball, and track at Rocky Grove High School, then transitioned to Meadville High School (1939-56) to coach the Bulldogs to undefeated seasons in track and baseball. In 31 years of coaching, the overall winning percentage of his teams was .755.
