by Rachel Hunter
Four Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestlers were feted on Senior Night, held in the GHS main gymnasium on Feb. 1 before a packed house during the Pink Zone matches against the Malone Huskies and the Canton Golden Bears.
The Wildcat seniors each received a yellow carnation with a blue ribbon (thanks to the Gouverneur Wildcat Booster Club) from Emily’s Flowers in Gouverneur. The Wildcats were also presented a special photo momento, made possible by Shannon Way and her family. Much gratitude was extended to all who made the senior recognition possible, including the parents of the senior student-athletes. “It’s nice to have that kind of support,” Head Coach Joel Baer said. “It means a lot to us, the program and the kids. Thank you.”
Gouverneur Wildcat senior Gaige Butterfield, the son of Brandy Macaulay and Don Butterfield, wrestled as a sophomore and returned to the roster for the 2021-22 season. Coach Joel Baer said, “He wrestled as a sophomore and then we had COVID, which obviously screwed up a lot of stuff. I was really glad he came back this year. I wasn’t sure what his intentions were. Not everything is wins and losses. One thing that resonated with me is that at one point this year, at Tioga, he made weight, he wrestled and won a couple matches. And he said: “I’m proud of myself.” And I said: “That’s great, and so you should be.” This individual has also lost approximately 25 pounds since the start of the season, and I know that he is proud of that and he should be.”
The next senior honored was Gouverneur Wildcat Gabriel Wainwright, the son of Michael and Gidget Wainwright. Coach Joel Baer said the following: “He wrestled as a sophomore and then we had the COVID year, which was screwy, and had a lot more success this year. I am very glad he came back. He has battled some sicknesses this year. I am hoping for him to finish the season strong. One thing with this individual, and I think we all know this, when he really trusts himself and has confidence in himself and his abilities, things work out a lot better for him. He is tough on himself, but I am glad he came out, excited for the finish.”
Gouverneur Wildcat Senior Trayton Tupper, the son of Jamie Jenkins and Bill Tupper, was honored next. Coach Baer said the following: “Coach (Shawn) Cummings just mentioned it… Where has time gone? Trayton has been in our wrestling program since he was probably 4 or 5 years old. Lots of memories over the years, from NYWAY State Tournaments to travel teams and six years of varsity wrestling, that hopefully he takes with him. You have them with the rest of his life. I still believe, and I hope he that the best version of Trayton is going to show up this last month of the season and in Albany, and hopefully has a great ending.” Trayton Tupper was also recognized with a plaque for his 100 pins that he accomplished earlier in the season.
Gouverneur Wildcat Senior Carter Baer, the son of Joel and Denise Baer, received the final recognition. Coach Baer said the following: “Again, you think, where did six years go? It is gone in a blink of an eye. What a ride. You start out in seventh grade, and you think, he is emotional at times, not quite mentally mature enough to handle varsity wrestling and especially matches at the state tournament when you are a 12-year-old kid. To breaking your leg in January of your Freshman year, and being undefeated at that point in the season, having a shot at doing well… All the way in this journey to becoming a State Champion in 2020 and having COVID show up, and interrupt the world – junior season, college visits. I truly believe that all of that has helped this individual shape and mold into the wrestler and young man he is today, and will propel him into the future at Binghamton in his attempt to continue to be a national champion All-American. It’s always a unique perspective coaching your own flesh and blood. He made it easy on me. He works harder that anyone I have ever seen as a high school athlete. He has become a student of the sport. He’s done everything in his control to better himself. I am proud to have been on the journey with him as his coach and father. We’ll miss him next year. I am sure we will miss him more than he will miss us. We’ll miss having our leader, role model, and in a sense he is an assistant coach. In the room, the young kids will call: “Beebo, Beebo,” And he knows more than we do, so we’ll say: “Yeah, ask Beebo.” Best of luck. Continue to make your hometown proud, after some unfinished business and taking another state title.” Carter Baer was also recognized with a plaque for his 100 career falls that he accomplished earlier in the season.
The Gouverneur Wildcats also recognized Malone Central’s seniors, Brody Fountain and Lucas Martin. There are no seniors on Canton Central’s roster. Much applause and congratulations were extended to the seniors on their accomplishments. The Gouverneur Wildcats went on to win the matches against Malone Central, 54-18, and against Canton Central, 75-0. The Gouverneur Wildcats will host the Varsity Sectional Qualifier, scheduled for Friday, February 11 in the GHS gymnasium. For more schedule information, visit sectionxboces.com.