by Rachel Hunter
Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling alumni and supporters looking over all the memorabilia on display during the alumni night celebration. (Rachel Hunter photo)
The Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Program hosted an alumni night celebration on Wednesday, January 12 at the Gouverneur High School. The event honored the wrestling program’s tradition of success and culture since 1934, which includes three NYSPHSAA Team Titles (2003, 2004 and 2006), 53 Individual NYSPHSAA Place Finishers, and eight NYSPHSAA Place Finishers, as well as 107 consecutive NAC League Dual Meet Wins. The history of the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Program was told in the photos, articles, and other memorabilia on display outside the main gymnasium. All Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling Alumni were encouraged to sign in, and the first 50 to do so, were presented with a Gouverneur Wildcat Wrestling tumbler.
In attendance and recognized during the ceremony were the following: David Perrigo (2007), Mike Bush (1985), Aaron McEathron (2015), Dave Bush (1966), Chris Fitzgerald (2007), Thomas Sleeman (1970), David Sleeman (2008), Nate Slate (2006), Jim Minckler (1994), William Tupper (1995), Tim Tyler (1977), Gordy Ayen (1986), Christian Gillan (2014), Joey Love (2014), Mark Dailey (1985), Dillon Stowell (2013), Clark Canell (1988), Ed Smith (1998), Andy Cummings (1987), Shawn Cummings (1993), Dylan Morrison (2009), Shawn Labow (1992), Mike Bresette (1976), Matt Tessmer (1980), Joel Baer (1993), Mike Tyler (1988) and Mike Nichols Jr. (1988). Much gratitude was extended to all the former Gouverneur Wildcat wrestlers in attendance.
Gouverneur Wildcat Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Joel Baer said, “Coach Dylan Morrison had a great idea with the alumni night and we were very pleased with the turnout of the first one. We already have plans to expand it next year and have the alumni night dual on a Friday night and then have a social gathering after the meet at a local restaurant. There is nothing better than getting old wrestlers together and having them reminisce and tell stories from the past.”
There is great anticipation for the alumni night to become an annual event, and for the former Gouverneur Wildcat wrestlers to watch the current team in competition on the mat. The 2021-22 Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestling Team showcased the Wildcat Wrestling tradition of excellence is strong in Gouverneur as they won the dual meets on Jan. 12 against Massena (53-18) and Ogdensburg (51-6). The roster includes the following student-athletes: Carter Baer, Cyler Baer, Gaige Butterfield, Drew Gates, Zoe Griffith, James Hayden, Charles LaRue, Hunter Mashaw, Ryan Mashaw, James Mickler, Travis Montone, Turner Sochia, Vincent Thomas, Trayton Tupper, Gabriel Wainwright and Vandavian Way. The Gouverneur Wildcats are coached by Joel Baer and Shawn Cummings, and assisted by Dylan Morrison. To see the Gouverneur Wildcats complete schedule, visit sectionxboces.com.