For years, Americans and Russians looked ready to fight in front of the globe. Thursday, they battle at the crossroads of the world.
For the second straight year, U.S. and Russian wrestlers will compete in the “Grapple for the Apple,” a freestyle wrestling dual meet in Times Square. The U.S. squad features four Americans who have earned spots for the Olympics in London, including world champion Jordan Burroughs, Sam Hazewinkel, Jared Frayer and world bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev.
“The greatest sports rivalry in the world is U.S.A. versus Russia,” said Zeke Jones, head coach of the U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team. “We’ve grown up with it through our entire lives. We as a team talk about it all the time. We’re pretty excited about the opportunity. We’re not focused on the Olympics [Thursday], we’re focused on beating Russia in Times Square.”
Hazewinkel, who is part of the first father-son combination to make U.S. Olympic wrestling teams (father Dave competed in 1968 and 1972), agreed there is no better nation to prepare against heading into the Olympics and no better stage to perform on.
“Russia’s been the No. 1 team the past few years,” Hazewinkel said yesterday in Manhattan. “It’s a great gauge. It’s a great way to see where you’re at. If we beat these guys, we’re going to know we can take on the best in the world. And in New York, what better place to do it?”
Burroughs, a native of Camden, N.J., competed in the event last year and said it was a surreal experience. This year, he is excited to relive what seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“You see it in movies, you see it on TV, but to actually wrestle in it, it’s indescribable,” said Burroughs, who won an NCAA championship at Nebraska. “It’s pretty cool. There’s just so much going on. It’s so intense in terms of atmosphere and it’s so different, but it’s a huge opportunity for us. A lot of people are watching.”
While the majority of the matches are exhibitions, three Americans will hardly be caught up with the spectacle.
Reece Humphrey, Coleman Scott and Shawn Bunch will be battling for the final Olympic spot on the team, competing in a wrestle-off for the position at 132 pounds. Humphrey and Scott will compete in a preliminary bout, with the winner facing Shawn Bunch in a best-of-three series for the Olympic team berth.
While the majority of the matches are exhibitions, three Americans will hardly be caught up with the spectacle. Reece Humphrey, Coleman Scott and Shawn Bunch will be battling for the final Olympic spot on the team, competing in a wrestle-off for the position at 132 pounds. Humphrey and Scott will compete in a preliminary bout, with the winner facing Shawn Bunch in a best-of-three series for the Olympic Team berth.
“Those guys are still trying to make the dream happen,” Frayer said. “That’s gonna bring a different intensity. It’s a unique situation. I don’t know if I would’ve agreed upon it if I was those guys, but there’s not a better place to make the Olympic team than right here.”
The day-long event is free to the public and begins at 1 p.m. In the event of rain, the entire schedule will be held at Roseland.
howard.kussoy@nypost.com