by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field and Championship Board Sign was recently installed underneath the scoreboard at the varsity soccer field behind the Gouverneur Middle School. Pictured are: (from left): Former Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mark Martin, Ireland Martin (GHS ’19), and Dustin Currier (GHS ’92) of the Gouverneur Soccer Club. The sign was made possible due to the fundraising efforts of the 2019 Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Girls Soccer Team. (Rachel Hunter photo)
The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field now has a sign and championship board! It honors the Section 10 Championship wins of the Boys Varsity Soccer Team in 1990 and 1993, and the Girls Varsity Soccer Team in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1990, 1995, 2014, 2016 and 2018 (undefeated). The sign was installed this summer, thanks to the great fundraising efforts by the 2019 Gouverneur Varsity Girls Soccer Team.
“Thank you for the support from Gouverneur Central School, recognition from the community, support from the dedicated parents and most of all to the players who were integral in acquiring the Girls Varsity Championship Board,” Former Gouverneur Wildcat Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Martin said.
Future Section 10 wins by the Gouverneur Wildcat Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer Teams can be added to the championship board.
The Gouverneur Wildcats have featured a strong varsity program throughout its history. The very first soccer game in Gouverneur’s history was on November 3, 1923 between the Delta and Minerva Literary Societies. The Minervas won the game, 2-1, over the Deltas. The game was first played on the Wildcat football field. Players in that first game included the following. Minervas: Dorothy Drury, Florence Cook, Dorothy Hutton, Marion Overacker, Wilh. Magee, R. VanDuzee, Doris Corbin, Susan Murray, Helen Dygert, Mildred Perrin, and Anna Finnegan. Deltas: Hope Levya, Laura Taggar, Grace Estleford, Ruth Haven, Helen Baker, Joyce Levya, Evelyn Holt, Marion Moore, Beulah Latham, Helen Stevenson, Eleanor Anderson. When physical education department was established in 1928 at the local high school, boys and girls varsity soccer became established as an elective sport for student-athletes.
What makes the Gouverneur Wildcats so successful? Former Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Soccer Coach Mark Martin, who coached the Girls Varsity Soccer Teams from 2014 to 2020, said several characteristics were integral in the teams’ successes.
“The consistent team effort in hard-fought games made the difference,” Coach Martin said, explaining that the grit from so many players was memorable. While learning how to win was important, the teams also learned from their losses, and developed character and determination. He added that key players displayed positive leadership skills, and were role models for other student-athletes in soccer skills and grit – and that made a huge difference throughout the seasons.
The Gouverneur Wildcats are often active in playing soccer year-round, and Coach Martin gives lots of credit goes to the student-athletes and their families for participating in the off-season on travel teams and in other opportunities that helped the student-athletes to improve their soccer skills. For example, the student-athletes have been able to compete in college showcase tournaments, college coaches training, summer travel teams, indoor tournaments and Gouverneur’s own outdoor tournaments. “Opportunities like those had very positive impact on players development and the success of the girls program,” Coach Martin said.
Much appreciation is also extended to the parents and guardians of the Gouverneur Wildcat student-athletes who show great enthusiasm as they supported the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Soccer teams.
The Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer program has had many successes in the past 40-plus years (as showcased on the championship board), due to the hard work and dedication from the student-athletes and coaching staff, with support from parents, guardians and other community members.
All Gouverneur Wildcat fans are encouraged to come out to the Wildcat Varsity Soccer games this season. The schedules are available at sectionxboces.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the prowess of the Gouverneur Wildcats, and the new Championship Board on the Gouverneur Wildcat Soccer Field, located behind the Gouverneur Middle School. Field is accessible via Owl Road, Gouverneur.
Ed. Note: Former Gouverneur Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Mark Martin is now coaching Boys Varsity Soccer at Jordan-Elbridge Central School District in Jordan, NY.