Skyler “Pee Wee” Way Memorial Tournament in Gouverneur draws over 100 youth wrestlers

by Rachel Hunter

North Country families attended the 2024 Gouverneur Skyler “Pee Wee” Way Memorial Youth Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, March 16 at the Gouverneur High School. There was over 100 youths in attendance, with 81 youth wrestlers from Gouverneur.

The 2024 Gouverneur Skyler “Pee Wee” Way Youth Wrestling Tournament once again honored the memory of Gouverneur’s own Skyler Daniel Way, who passed away at age 19 on January 6, 2014 after being in a car accident while stationed at Camp LeJune in North Carolina.

Skyler was born on August 7, 1994 in Gouverneur, NY to Faniel and Shannon (Durham) Way. He graduated from Gouverneur Central School in 2012. He served in the United States Marine Corp. as an Ammunition Technician with the 2nd Supply Battalion and Ammunition Company at Camp LeJune. Skyler had a passion for wrestling that started at age 5 at the Pee Wee level and stayed strong right through his graduation from high school. Throughout his Varsity years, Skyler was a Section 10 champion for four years and was fortunate to make it to the New York State High School Wrestling Championship for four years.

A moment of remembrance was held at the beginning of the 2024 Gouverneur Skyler “Pee Wee” Way Youth Wrestling Tournament on Saturday. The family of Skyler Way extended gratitude to all those who joined the memorial youth wrestling tournament, and to businesses and community members who donated raffle items.

“We would like to remember the love and passion that Skyler had for wrestling. Skyler was five when he started wrestling and he continued all through school until he graduated in 2012. He made the State tournament multiple times. The letter you are about the hear Skyler wrote for a school project while he was a seventh grade modified wrestler here at Gouverneur Middle School. “Skyler Way, Day 2, Period 5, January 12, 2007. I most admire David Perrigo. I most admire David Perrigo because he was a great wrestler. I most admire him because he has gone to States and became a State Champion. If I try as hard as he does, I can also become a State Champion. David Perrigo is the captain of the Varsity and JV team, which I want to be some day. I also have dreamed of being a State Champ. Having seen David Perrigo wrestle, and how small he is and how small I am, I know it is possible for me to be a state champ just like him. I plan to be like David Perrigo someday because he is an awesome wrestler. David Perrigo is also an awesome football player. Unfortunately, David is graduating this year. I wish some day I could be as good as David Perrigo. Hopefully I will be a State Champ just like David Perrigo. Skyler Way.”” Thunderous applause sounded throughout the GHS gymnasium after the letter was read. A moment of silence was then held in remembrance of Skyler Daniel Way. Many also enjoyed seeing all the photos and memories from Skyler’s time as a wrestler at Gouverneur Central during the tournament.

The Gouverneur youth wrestlers in attendance included the following: In Division 1 (6 and Under): Walker Nichols, Myles Ashley, Caleb Kerick, Chet Hardcastle, Matthew Roberts, Hudson Perrigo, Julian Gamble, Elizabeth Shippee, Jaxon Bearor, Elliott Perrigo, Levi Whitmore, Jeremie Terpstra, Thomas Bresett, Jason Ellerson.

In Division 2 (7-8 years): Cayden Barbarito, Kenan Little, Ben Mashaw, Kellan Burt, Odin Storie, Ridge Burt, Luke Benner, Kase Gates, Carson Law, Tucker Perrigo, Rhett Nichols, Cole Knowlton, Weston Hartle, Gage Lugo, Alex Sibley, La’Treyvian Little, Logan Miller, Tucker Countryman, Kanon Fairbanks, Chloe Whitmore, and Vann Bishop.

In Division 3 (9-10 years): De’Andre Little, Carole Tulley, Stella Perrigo, Isla Countryman, Hunter Benner, Genevieve Plowman, Jase Mashaw, Dylan Smith, Nora Noble, Jayden Terpstra, Maree Anna Roddy, Gett Clary, Trystran Moore, and Dawson Woodward.

In Division 4 (11-12 years): Walter Douglas, Peyton Dean, Colt Gates, Carson Liscum, Troy Dean, Ayden Miller, Evan Kitts, Nathan Sochia, Connor Sleeman, Jaxon Shippee, Gavin Tulley, Christian Raven, Curtis Terpstra, Lucas Rizza, Carson Barbarito, Austin Perrigo, Gabriel Hitchcock, Jacob Moon, Treyton Smith, Owen Moss, Garrett Perrigo, Junior Haynes, Adelynn Miller, Max Plowman, Chase Sharpe, Cade Woodward, and Kelsey Whitmore.

In Division 5 (13-14 years): Lillian Douglas, Kelissa Hitchcock, Braegan Lancto, and Onna Moss.

The family of Skyler Daniel Way provided prizes to the youth wrestlers with the quickest pins in each division, and for those with the least time on the mat. Full results will be published when made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

All donations taken through T-shirt sales, raffles, and concession proceeds, etc. went to benefit the Gouverneur Wrestling Club (GWC). The youth wrestlers that are coached by David Perrigo, Porky Roberts, Justin Salter, and Al Countryman. Much gratitude was extended to the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Wrestlers and other volunteers for their assistance during the tournament. For more information about or to learn how to donate to the Gouverneur Wrestling Club, Inc., call Randy Morrison (315-323-0988), Joel Baer (315-323-3324) or David Perrigo (315-286-0229).