By:Susan Lin
Wrestler Kerry McCoy of Riverhead is nearing a big day. Ranked number one in the nation, McCoy will be among the 600 competitors from 50 countries at the 2001 World Championships of Wrestling at Madison Square Garden Sept. 26-29.
At 6-foot-2 and about 250 pounds, McCoy is a big guy. He's classified by USA Wrestling, the national governing body for amateur wrestling, as a super heavyweight and competes against only others in that division.
Although in a matter of days McCoy will begin wrestling against other men ranked No. 1 in their respective countries, the Long Island native said last week he was only slightly jittery.
"It's actually a lot easier once I get out on the mat to compete," McCoy said. "During the weeks before, you get a bit nervous.
"For me the way I cope is knowing that I've put the time in and I've done the work before the competition, so when it's time to compete, I take confidence in my preparation," said McCoy, who is 27.
For the past two months, McCoy has been at training camp in Colorado Springs. The camp, an expenses-paid training provided by USA Wrestling, prepares the American wrestling team for the world championships.
Twenty-two other wrestlers who are also ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in their weight categories are also at Colorado Springs.
At camp, McCoy said he spends about three hours a day in wrestling practice or exercising. Although three hours might seem short, McCoy said that the wrestling sessions at the gym put a lot of strain on the body within a short time.
"The resting is just as important as wrestling," said McCoy, who usually recuperates by playing video games or watching TV.
Whatever McCoy's methods of preparation are, they are working. He wrestled in the Sydney Olympics last year and placed fifth in his division. And at the 1998 world championships, he finished in fourth place.
McCoy said he hasn't tailored his training to possible opponents at the world championships. "I can't worry about this guy and that guy because, one, I might not face them, and two, they might not do what I expect them to do. People adjust and get new things.
"I have to concentrate on myself and make sure I'm focused and positive, and be ready to compete against whomever it is," said McCoy.
The 2001 World Championships of Wrestling will involve 600 participants from 50 countries. The wrestlers will compete in one of three styles or category: Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Women.
McCoy will be competing freestyle, where wrestlers are permitted to use their legs in offense and defense. In the more traditional Greco-Roman style, all holds must be secured above the waist.
"When I was young, I wrestled both. I wanted to concentrate on one or the other when it came time to making the Olympic team. I decided to go freestyle because it was close to college wresting," said McCoy, a graduate of Penn State University, where he was a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion. In 1992, McCoy was a New York State champion as a senior at Longwood High School in Middle Island.
McCoy's first match will be Sept. 26. A match in wrestling consists of two three-minute periods. A wrestler can win by pinning the opponent down or by points, if neither wrestler gets a pin.
To win the world championships, McCoy said he probably would have to win five matches.
At a Glance
2001 World Championships of Wrestling
Wed., Sept. 26 - Sat., Sept 29
Madison Square Garden
Seventh Avenue between 33rd & 31st Streets, Manhattan
Tickets: $13 - $66, individual sessions; $99 - $246, all-session passes (eight total in championship)
For single session tickets, call Ticketmaster at (212) 307-7171
For all-session passes/VIP packages, call (866) NYC-2001
