by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District held its Annual Athletic Awards Assembly on June 11 at the Gouverneur Central High School Auditorium.
The event was sponsored by the Gouverneur Wildcat Varsity Club in celebration of the outstanding 2025-26 athletic seasons and in recognition of the graduating seniors. The Varsity Club expressed appreciation for the student-athletes dedication and commitment to the athletic program. The Varsity Club members include: Brock Aldridge, Cyler Baer, Kelvin Bice III, Raegan Devlin, Electa Fitzgerald, Gracen Hance, Audrey Ormasen, Carter Premo, Arianna Wood, Karlee Ashley, Ashlyn Besaw, Rose Cox, James Fishel, Gabrielle Free, James Micnkler, Caleb Premo, and Lilah Siebels. The club is advised by Sarah Wood.
Gouverneur CSD Athletics Coordinator Aaron McEathron said the following: “The success of our athletics programs is truly a team effort. We would not be here tonight without the collective effort of everybody. One thing I've come to appreciate about athletics, high school athletics in particular, is that some of the most important lessons learned have little to do with the scoreboard. Athletics teaches commitment. It teaches student athletes how to show up, work hard, and be held accountable to something greater than themselves. It teaches teamwork, trust, and how to work towards a common goal. It teaches resilience as athletes inevitably face adversity throughout their journey. And those lessons are what make interscholastic athletics so valuable. Long after the final game is played, our students will remember what it means to be a good teammate, to persevere when things get difficult, and to represent themselves, their school, and their community with pride.
“When I get out into the community and I see our student athletes, our coaches, and our parents, whether they're out at a local ice cream shop getting ice cream, making movies in their front yard, or just on a walk with their dog and their family, I'm reminded of the values that make a successful team. Respect, commitment, trust, encouragement, and accountability. The same values that make a strong school and a strong community. We all share a common goal: to create the best possible future for our students and for Gouverneur. In athletics, we always ask our students to compete with character and represent our school with pride. As coaches, teachers, and parents, we have the opportunity to model and sustain behaviors. This coaching staff behind me takes pride in modeling and instilling those values, which makes me proud.
“Next fall, our varsity student athletes will have the opportunity to practice and compete in brand new athletic facilities across our district. All things like gymnasium upgrades, the turf facility, the pool, wrestling room, will be tremendous additions to our district. What matters most is that they represent an investment in our students and in our community. It will be a place where memories are made, goals are achieved, and life lessons continue to be learned.
“As we celebrate the accomplishments of our student athletes today, I hope that we are reminded of the lessons that athletics teach us. No one succeeds alone. We are at our best when we work as a team, support one another, and move forward with respect and pride. Thank you for a great 2025-26 school year, athletics year. And congratulations to all of our student athletes.”
Gratitude was also extended to Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly and Gouverneur CSD Board of Education for their continued support of the athletics program. A special word of appreciation was extended to every individual involved in making the varsity athletic seasons a success, including Building and Grounds, Maintenance, Transportation, School Nurses, Secretaries, parents, officials, district administration, volunteer assistants, coaches, and more. Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of all those who support the Gouverneur CSD Athletics Program.
A total of 44 senior student-athletes in the Gouverneur CSD High School Class of 2026 were recognized as follows: Ashlyn Besaw, Kelvin Bice III, Evan Bishop, Kylen Bowman, Braydan Brown, Zachery Bush, Nori-Anne Card, Cassidy Chambers, Tristan Chartrand, Kacey Collette, Kayden Cousino, Raegan Devlin, Mason Dusharm, Alyssa Farr, Electa Fitzgerald, Gabrielle Free, Trevor Gotham, Savanna Harmer, Logan Hill, Ashlynn Hogle, Tanner Knight, Ameillia Lacks, Carter Lumley, Ryan Mashaw, Briahna McGill, Gavin McNeil, Tristen McRobbie, Alexis Jade Melocotones, James Minckler, Bella Moran, Gabrielle Nagy, Reese Nichols, Conner Platt, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Trent Richards, Zackery Schiszler, Sarah Scott, Evan Shampine, Arianna Sibley, Chase Tuttle, Gavin Warren, Hanna Webster, and Garrett Witherell.
Also recognized were the Athletes of Distinction. The award is presented to every senior varsity student-athlete who has maintained a cumulative average of 90 or better. This high level of Award of Excellence recognizes the qualities of what it means to be a true student-athlete. The list includes the following: Ashlyn Besaw, Zachery Bush, Kacey Collette, Raegan Devlin, Gabrielle Free, Ashlynn Hogle, Alexis Jade Melocotones, Reese Nichols, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Zackery Schiszler, Arianna Sibley.
The Gouverneur Central School District Athletic Department was proud to announce that a total of 93 student-athletes were recognized as an individual scholar athlete for the 2025-26 school year. Out of 93 athletes, there were 11 athletes that earned this award for three sport seasons. To be eligible for this award, an athlete must be an eligible varsity competitor. The honor is an individual team member award, and the team member must hold a 90% or higher grade point 10-week average. Each athlete received a scholar-athlete pin in each sport that they earned this accomplishments. The student-athletes recognized include the following: Karlee Ashley (softball), Hadley Baker (Track and Field), Mattie Beck (Cross Country, Indoor Track), Ashlyn Besaw (Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Softball), Cole Blair (Golf), Kylen Bowman (Football, Baseball), Arianna Brown (Girls Swimming), Sylvia Burt (Indoor Track), Zachery Bush (Cross Country, Indoor Track, Track and Field), Nick Canell (Football, Boys Swimming), Nori-Anne Card (Volleyball), Cassidy Chambers (Competition Cheer), Kacey Collette (Volleyball), Kayden Cousino (Football Cheer, Competition Cheer), Rose Cox (Volleyball, Competition Cheer, Track and Field), Raegan Devlin (Girls Basketball, Softball), Gabriel Dusharm (Indoor Track, Track and Field), Brayden Evans (Baseball), Alyssa Farr (Volleyball), Cam Fawcett (Track and Field), Josslyn Fishel (Indoor Track, Track and Field), Electa Fitzgerald (Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Softball), Elise Fitzgerald (Girls Soccer), Payton Forsythe (Volleyball), Gabrielle Free (Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball), Kylie Gallagher (Cross Country, Competition Cheer), Cy Greenhill (Boys Soccer, Golf), Ruby Griffith (Competition Cheer), Gregory Haines Jr. (Boys Wrestling, Baseball), Laynee Hall (Track and Field), Gracen Hance (Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Track and Field), Courtney Hays (Girls Swimming), Rayland Hewitt (Track and Field), Logan Hill (Boys Soccer), Ashlynn Hogle (Volleyball), Sadie Jackson (Football Cheer), Jordyn Johnson (Competitive Cheer), Payton Kirby (Indoor Track), Sophia Klimowicz (Girls Swimming), Laraya Klock (Girls Swimming), Elesa Koerick (Girls Swimming), Robert Kulp, Jr. (Golf), Laina Kurdziel (Volleyball), Ameillia Lacks (Girls Soccer, Track and Field), Peyton Long (Football, Track and Field), Carter Lumley (Football), Lily Macaulay (Girls Soccer), Adrianna Mashaw (Indoor Track, Track and Field), Parker Matice (Golf), Gavin McNeil (Football), Tristen McRobbie (Football), Alexis Jade Melocotones (Girls Basketball), Alexa Merkley (Track and Field), James Minckler (Football, Boys Wrestling, Golf), Paul Minckler (Football, Boys Wrestling), Bella Moran (Football Cheer, Competition Cheer), Gabrielle Nagy (Volleyball, Track and Field), Reese Nichols (Softball), Tucker Nichols (Football, Boys Wrestling), Lauren Ordway (Girls Soccer, Golf), Audrey Ormasen (Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Softball), Cruz Pawananon (Cross Country, Boys Swimming, Track and Field), Jaycie Prashaw (Indoor Track), Caleb Premo (Boys Soccer, Boys Hockey, Track and Field), Carter Premo (Boys Soccer, Boys Hockey, Track and Field), Emma Riutta (Girls Swimming, Track and Field), Olivia Salazar (Track and Field), Zackery Schiszler (Cross Country, Indoor Track), Evan Shampine (Baseball), Giuliana Shepherd (Girls Swimming), Arianna Sibley (Volleyball), Lilah Siebels (Girls Soccer, Golf), Isabella Simmons (Girls Soccer), Wyatt Slate (Boys Swimming, Track and Field), Connor Sleeman (Boys Wrestling, Baseball), Hannah Sochia (Girls Soccer, Girls Wrestling), Nathan Sochia (Golf), Azlan Spicer (Indoor Track), Kiraghan Stamper (Girls Soccer), Hayden Stowell (Football), Saige Stowell (Girls Soccer), Addison Tarkowski (Girls Soccer, Golf), Curtis Terpstra (Cross Country, Boys Wrestling, Track and Field), Carole Tulley (Golf), Alana Velez (Girls Swimming), Gavin Warren (Boys Soccer), Hanna Webster (Indoor Track, Track and Field), Jacob Weeman (Indoor Track, Track and Field), Joseph Weldon (Football, Baseball), Gracie White (Track and Field), Kelsey Whitmore (Golf), Arianna Wood (Girls Basketball), and Dakota Wylie (Track and Field).
Gouverneur CSD was also proud to announce that the following teams were recognized as Scholar-Athlete Team for the 2025-26 school year. To receive this award, a team must have 75 percent of its student athletes achieve a cumulative classroom average of 90 percent or better. A total of 15 teams achieved academic excellence while actively participating in varsity level interscholastic athletics during the school year. This includes: Cross Country-Girls, Cross Country-Boys, Swim-Girls, Soccer-Boys, Soccer-Girls, Volleyball, Indoor Track-Girls, Indoor Track-Boys, Basketball-Girls, Competition Cheer, Track and Field – Girls, Track and Field-Boys, Baseball, Softball, and Golf-Girls.
Also recognized were the Section 10 All NAC Award Selections. From the Fall Season: Boys Cross Country: Zachery Bush (Sportsmanship). Girls Cross Country: Lily Scott (2nd Team and Sportsmanship). Boys Soccer: Carter Premo (1st Team), Logan Hill (2nd Team), Garrett Witherell (Sportsmanship). Girls Soccer: Azlan Spicer (1st Team and Defensive MVP), Gracen Hance (1st Team), Peyton Wood (1st Team), Electa Fitzgerald (1st Team), Addison Tarkowski (2nd Team), Ameillia Lacks (2nd Team), Ashlyn Besaw (Sportsmanship). Football: Hayden Stowell (1st Team), James Minckler (1st Team), Tristen McRobbie (1st Team), Carter Lumley (1st Team), Kylen Bowman (1st Team), Warren Desormeaux (1st Team), John-Michael Leader (2nd Team), Evan Shampine (Sportsmanship). Girls Swimming: Rylee-Ann Lumley (Sportsmanship). From the Winter Season: Boys Swimming: Carter Lumley (1st Team & Sportsmanship), Cruz Pawananon (1st and 2nd Teams), Wyatt Slate (1st and 2nd Teams), Chase Tuttle (1st and 2nd Teams), Evan Bishop (2nd Team), Nick Canell (2nd Team), Brayden Evans (2nd Team), Garrison White (2nd Team). Girls Basketball: Raegan Devlin (1st Team), Ashlyn Besaw (1st Team), Arianna Wood (2nd Team), Electa Fitzgerald (Sportsmanship). Boys Basketball: Evan Shampine (Sportsmanship). Indoor Track: Azlan Spicer (1st and 2nd Teams), Zachery Bush (Sportsmanship), Adrianna Mashaw (Sportsmanship). Wrestling (Section X Champions): Cyler Baer, Mason Dusharm, Ryan Mashaw, James Minckler (Sportsmanship), Paul Minckler, Connor Sleeman, Ainsleigh Amo, Vanessa Horne, Leanne Koerick. From the Spring Season: Baseball: Hayden Stowell (1st Team), James Fishel (2nd Team), Tristan Chartrand (Sportsmanship). Boys Track and Field: Carter Premo (Sportsmanship), Girls Track and Field: Kayla Kobylanski (1st Team), Hailey Schmitt (2nd Team), Adrianna Mashaw (Sportsmanship). Golf: James Minckler (Sportsmanship). Softball: Raegan Devlin (1st Team), Arianna Wood (1st Team), Emilee Hance (2nd Team), Audrey Ormasen (Sportsmanship).
Athletic Coordinator McEathron then highlighted Gouverneur’s athletic merger with the Canton Golden Bear Hockey Program, noting the strength of the combined roster with Gouverneur Wildcat Saige Stowell (Girls Team) and Gouverneur Wildcats Carter Premo and Caleb Premo (Boys Team). The Canton Varsity Boys Hockey Team advanced to the NYS Division I State Championship after a dramatic 3–2 overtime victory against West Genesee in the state semifinals.
“I did reach out to their coaches to share a few words about the season and our specific Gouverneur Wildcat student-athletes that are involved in their hockey program,” McEathron said. “First, with girls hockey, from Coach Anita Francis: “Saige Stowell plays an important role at the Canton varsity girls hockey team. She contributes greatly on offense and is always willing to put in extra time and effort to become a better player. We are proud to have her as a Canton Golden Bear during the winter season.” For boys hockey, Coach Anthony Levato: “Carter and Caleb were a huge part of our improvement and success over the past four seasons. When they came in as freshmen, both were forced to play significant minutes on defense. Their improvement over the years was in lockstep with our team's improvement. Every year, making it a little further in the playoffs and culminating in a run to the state championship games. If you know the Premo twins, it's easy to point out the differences. If you've seen them play hockey, it's easy to spot the differences there as well. Carter, big, strong, hard shot. Caleb, fast, witty, and finesse with the puck. However, if you have a chance to coach them, you see all the similarities as well. Both are phenomenal teammates, providing guidance, accountability, and leadership at high levels. Both have great competitive levels and will do whatever it takes to help their team win. I have a ton of great stories and memories and I can go on forever telling them. I hope Gouverneur is proud of these boys as champions. I want to thank everyone at Gouverneur Central School District that made a positive influence on these boys' lives… I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Premo twins. One thing I do know is that they're going to make a positive difference in the world.” McEathron then invited the merger student-athletes with the Canton Golden Bear Hockey program stand to be recognized. Thunderous applause sounded throughout the auditorium for the student-athletes.
Varsity Coaches then presented Wildcat Awards to student-athletes in recognition of their dedication and commitment. This includes the following from the Fall Season: Cross Country (coached by Shawn Cummings and Joel Baer) presented awards to Lily Scott, Zachery Bush, and Mattie Beck. Football (coached by Sean Devlin) presented awards to Tristen McRobbie, Hayden Stowell, Carter Lumley, and James Minckler. Football Cheerleading (coached by Erica Dowling) presented awards to Kayden Cousino, Lillian Douglas, and Lariah Bonnell. Boys Soccer (coached by Lucas Hayden) presented awards to Carter Premo, Gavin Warren, Tristan Chartrand. Girls Soccer (coached by Kurtis Wells) presented awards to Arianna Wood, Electa Fitzgerald, Ashlyn Besaw. Volleyball (coached by Joseph Wahl and Leesa Isereau) presented awards to Gabrielle Nagy, Ashlynn Hogle, and Nori-Anne Card. Girls Swim (coached by Brett Worden) presented awards to Emma Riutta, Rylee-Ann Lumley, and Alana Velez.
From the Winter Season: Boys Swim (coached by Brett Worden) presented awards to Carter Lumley, Nick Canell, and Garrison White. Boys Basketball (coached by Michael Shattuck) presented awards to Tristen McRobbie, Evan Shampine, and Conner Platt. Girls Basketball (coached by Sean Devlin) presented awards to Arianna Wood, Raegan Devlin, and Ashlyn Besaw. Competitive Cheerleading (coached by Erica Dowling) presented awards to Rose Cox, Bella Moran, and Ruby Griffith. Indoor Track (coached by Kurtis Wells) presented awards to Adrianna Mashaw, Zackery Schiszler, Kayne French, Kiraghan Stamper, Zachery Bush, and Azlan Spicer. Wrestling (coached by Joel Baer) presented awards to Ryan Mashaw, Cyler Baer, and James Minckler. Girls Wrestling (coached by Dylan Morrison) presented awards to Ainsleigh Amo, Alice Idzenga, Leanne Koerick.
From the Spring Season: Baseball (coached by Aaron McEathron) presented awards to Hayden Stowell, Tristan Chartrand, Brodey Daniels. Softball (coached by Michelle Benda) presented awards to Raegan Devlin, Arianna Wood, and Emilee Hance. Golf (coached by Michael Bason) presented awards to Gavin Tulley, James Minckler, and Sophia Klimowicz. Boys Track and Field (coached by Sean Devlin) presented awards to Zachery Bush, Carter Premo, and Brock Aldridge. Girls Track and Field (coached by Kurtis Wells) presented awards to Kayla Kobylanski, Hadley Baker, and Hailey Schmitt.
Over 200 varsity student-athletes competed in the 2025-26 school year. This includes the following three-season athletes: Mattie Beck, Ashlyn Besaw, Kelvin Bice III, Evan Bishop, Zachery Bush, Nick Canell, Rose Cox, Brodey Daniels, Brayden Evans, Electa Fitzgerald, Kayne French, Alexander Hall, Gracen Hance, Marissa Kerr, Carter Lumley, James D. Minckler, Tucker Nichols, Audrey Ormasen, Cruz Pawananon, Caleb Premo, Carter Premo, Zackery Schiszler, Lily Scott, Evan Shampine, Caden Snyder, Azlan Spicer, Kiraghan Stamper, Hayden Stowell, Saige Stowell, Curtis Terpstra, Garrison White, and Arianna Wood.
The following two-season athletes were recognized: Brock Aldridge, Liberty Allen, Aria Austin, Cyler Baer, Kylen Bowman, Braydan Brown, Avian Burt, Tristan Chartrand, Alessandria Colon, Sarafina Colon, Kayden Cousino, Raegan Devlin, Lillian Douglas, Dallas Doxtater, Gabe Dusharm, Mason Dusharm, Kyle Elam, Graham Fishel, James Fishel, Josslyn Fishel, Elise Fitzgerald, Gabrielle Free, Grayson French, Kylie Gallagher, Trevor Gotham, Cy Greenhill, Ruby Griffith, Gregory Haines Jr., Laynee Hall, Lee Hance, Colton Hayden, Alice Idzenga, Tanner Knight, Ameillia Lacks, Braegan Lancto, Peyton Long, Rylee-Ann Lumley, Lily Macaulay, Adrianna Mashaw, Tristen McRobbie, Ayden Miller, Paul Minckler, Lola Moller, Bella Moran, Onna Moss, Kolt Murdie, Gabrielle Nagy, Lauren Ordway, Conner Platt, Emma Riutta, Lilah Siebels, Sully Simmons, Wyatt Slate, Connor Sleeman, Hannah Sochia, Addison Tarkowski, Gavin Tulley, Nolan Tyler, Ragean Vrooman, Reese Vrooman, Gavin Warren, Hanna Webster, Jacob Weeman, Joseph Weldon.
The following one-season varsity sport athletes were recognized: Karlee Ashley, Lane Ayen, Hadley Baker, Aaron Barbarito, Laila Bearden, Cole Blair, Lariah Bonnell, Arianna Brown, Stephen Buckley, Sylvia Burt, Brenden Campbell, Nori-Anne Card, Brody Carr, Cassidy Chambers, Kacey Collette, Avery Cox, Curtis Crandall, Trey D’Agostino, Zachary Dalton, Peyton Dean, Troy Dean, Cason Denesha, Warren Desormeaux, Maelynn Dusharm, Taylor Edney, Alyssa Farr, Cam Fawcett, Trison Gagnon, Liam Gallagher, Reid Gardner, Isaac Gates, Kendall Goodale, Tuffy Griffith, Lilah Hale, Emilee Hance, Savanna Harmer, Courtney Hays, Rayland Hewitt, Logan Hill, Mason Hilton, Kelissa Hitchcock, Ashlynn Hogle, Devin Hogle, Vanessa Horne, Matty Isereau, Sadie Jackson, Peyton Jacques, Jordyn Johnson, Payton Kirby, Laraya Klock, Elesa Koerick, Leanna Koerick, Robert Kulp Jr., Laina Kurdziel, Harlie Larsen, John-Michael Leader, Gage Liscum, Logan Lynde, Ryan Mashaw, Parker Matice, Olivia McDougall, Briahna McGill, Gavin McNeil, Alexis Melocotones, Alexa Merkley, Cash Newvine, Karson Nicholas, Reese Nichols, Brycen Parshley, Jacob Pitts, Jaycie Prashaw, Jonah Prashaw, Trent Richards, Olivia Salazar, Brianna Scott, Sarah Scott, Tanner Shattuck, Arianna Sibley, Madison Sibley, Stephanie Sibley, Isabella Simmons, Lorelei Slate, Treyton Smith, Nathan Sochia, Carole Tulley, Chase Tuttle, Izzabella Vann, Alana Velez, Gracie White, Carter Whitmarsh, Kelsey Whitmore, Garrett Witherell, Peyton Wood, Dakota Wylie, Corbin Youngs, and Isabella Zeller.
Through athletic merger agreements, the following students joined Wildcat teams: Ainsleigh Amo (Ogdensburg), Harper Davis (Clifton-Fine), Zoey Elliot (Harrisville), Khloe Hadfield (Clifton-Fine), Hailey Schmitt (Harrisville), Korbyn Kobylanski (Harrisville), Kayla Kobylanski (Harrisville), Emmalyn Silsby (Clifton-Fine).
Gouverneur CSD Athletic Coordinator Aaron McEathron then recognized the 2026 Athletes of the Year. Throughout the school year, any student-athlete recognized as a NAC All-Northern or other Section 10 award recipient qualified as an Athlete of the Year candidate. The list of candidates was shared with a committee of Gouverneur Athletics stakeholders and voted upon. Gouverneur Central’s Athlete of the Year is presented to the male and female student-athlete who received the most votes. Both student-athletes are given a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and their picture will be displayed on the Athlete of the Year plaque in the high school for one year.
Gouverneur CSD Athletics Coordinator Aaron McEathron presented the 2026 Male Athlete of the Year award to James “J.D.” Minckler, recognizing a senior season defined by excellence across multiple sports. Minckler earned First Team All‑NAC honors in football, captured the Section 10 wrestling championship, and went on to place seventh in New York State. He claimed five individual tournament titles this wrestling season, competed on the varsity golf team and advanced to Day Two of the sectional championship, and served as a multi‑sport team captain. A Section 10 Smilgin Award nominee and a three‑sport scholar‑athlete, Minckler exemplified leadership, consistency, and competitive drive throughout his high school career.
Gouverneur CSD Athletics Coordinator Aaron McEathron presented the 2026 Female Athlete of the Year award to Raegan Devlin, recognizing her outstanding achievements across three varsity seasons. Devlin earned First Team All‑NAC honors in basketball, was nominated for the prestigious Section 10 Jan Reeds Award, and continued her excellence on the softball field as a First Team All‑NAC selection and Section 10 Gebo Award nominee. A three‑sport athlete of distinction and a three‑sport scholar‑athlete, Devlin exemplified leadership, consistency, and competitive excellence throughout her senior year.
A dessert reception was held following the award ceremony. Much gratitude was extended to all those who made the event a success. For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.