Schwartz: Olympic-Style Wrestling Featuring Team USA Returns To NYC
By Peter Schwartz
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Don't be alarmed if you happen to be walking through Times Square later this week and you see a large crowd gathered to watch a couple of wrestlers in action.
That's because the annual "Beat the Streets" competition will be taking place this Thursday at 42nd Street in Times Square. "United in the Square" will feature five USA Olympians that will compete this summer in Rio, as well as top youth wrestlers that will have the opportunity to showcase their skills.
In men's action, Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs will meet 2015 Asian champion Pehman Yarahmadi of Iran in men's freestyle. College star J'Den Cox battles Iran's Meisam Mostafa Joukar in men's freestyle. Greco-Roman World medalist Andy Bisek takes on Kim Hyeon-Woo of Korea.
On the women's side, 2015 world champion Helen Maroulis faces Canada's Samantha Stewart in a 53 kg bout, while three-time world champion Adeline Gray takes on Justina Di Stasio of Canada in a 75 kg matchup.
There will also be four junior-level matches between the United States and Iran in men's freestyle.
The event benefits "Beat the Streets" and impacts more than 3,000 boys and girls that wrestle in New York.
"The opportunity to lead this wonderful organization that is at the forefront of the wrestling culture here in New York and across the United States is an honor and one I am grateful for," said Brendan Buckley, the new executive director of Beat the Streets.
Beat the Streets' mission statement is "to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling."
The organization likes to challenge the belief that wrestling is predominantly known as a rural sport. The program was created to expose kids in cities all across the United States to wrestling and help keep them out of trouble. It's also a tool to teach boys and girls about how hard work can lead to opportunity.
"Wrestling has always been a sport that attracts a certain type of personality," said Buckley, a Long Island native and an NCAA All-America wrestler at Fresno State. "For boys and girls that like being in charge of their own destiny, and knowing that their success is directly correlated to the work they put in, wrestling is the sport for them."
Wrestling can be very beneficial to kids in teaching them life skills. Through participation in the sport, they can learn the benefits of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The organization notes that 11 former United States presidents were wrestlers and that many leaders in the business world participated in wrestling.
"Our metrics demonstrate that our kids do better in school when they are wrestling," said Buckley, formerly the head wrestling coach at Columbia and Cal Poly. "They live a healthier lifestyle, and are more motivated to tackle the day when they are participating in something that provides purpose in what can be challenging lives for many of our kids."
This is what Beat the Streets refers to as a "wrestler's education."
The schedule on Thursday begins with youth wrestlers hitting the mat in exhibition matches starting at 3:30 p.m. At 4:45 p.m., there will also be a new wrinkle to the evening as the PSAL Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championship finals will be held. The event will feature the top two New York City girl's freestyle wrestling high school teams from the spring season.
At 6 p.m., Team USA takes on its international guests, followed at 8 p.m. by the annual gala at the PlayStation Theatre.
"The primary purpose of this event is to bring awareness and funds to the Beat the Streets organization," Buckley said. "Every ticket and every sponsorship package will directly impact the lives of over 3,000 at risk and underserved youth."
Each year, the gala raises up to 75 percent of the organization's $2 million budget.
As far as attending the event in Times Square, a ticket is required for reserved seating but pedestrians and non-ticket holders that are in the area are encouraged to watch. Tickets can be purchased online at www.btsny.org or by calling 212-245-6570. A ticket is also required for the gala, with more information available at www.btsny.org/gala.
"United in the Square" from "Beat the Streets" will certainly be a special night for everyone in the amateur wrestling community, especially the young boys and girls in our area who will benefit from the funds raised.
Don't forget to follow Pete on Twitter at @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow @BeattheStreets and @USAWrestling
