New Jersey Wrestler Pursuit Of History In Question After Disqualification

Since 1939, there have been 31 New Jersey High School Wrestlers who have become 3-time State Champions and only four NJ High School Athletes have become four-time State Wrestling Champions.

One of the New Jersey Athletes on this exclusive list is Anthony Knox. The Saint John Vianney High School is considered by some to be the top-rated High School Wrestler in the United States. Knox has committed to continue wrestling after High School at the prestigious Ivy League school, Cornell University.

But after an incident at a recent wrestling match, Knox future as a High School Wrestler is in question and his pursuit to join an exclusive group of New Jersey Athletes has been taken out of his hands.

Why Has Anthony Knox Been Disqualified From State Wrestling Tournament?

On Saturday, February 22nd a brawl broke out at Collingswood High School when a dispute occurred between Saint John Vianney and West Deptford fans. Despite the chaos of the incident, the only people who left the building in handcuffs with police were both connected to Saint John Vianney High School.

Anthony Knox was drawn into the incident due to a conflict between his father and some people from West Deptford who had been accused of using racial slurs.  For his involvement in the Collingswood High School Incident, the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association has disqualified Knox from the state tournament.

NJSIAA Executive Director Collen Maguire gave the following statement to the media:

“I did not make this decision lightly. I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career - However, my role is to uphold the integrity of high school athletics by ensuring that all participants adhere to the same rules and are held to the same standards of sportsmanship and safety.”

According to a report from CBS News New York (WCBS-TV), the Knox family has retained legal representation to file an injunction against the NJSIAA disqualification and have a court hearing to have this unilateral decision by the NJSIAAA overturned.

Part of the Knox Family dispute is that the main "beneficiary" of Anthony Knox's disqualification from the New Jersey State Wrestling Tournament is athletes from West Deptford and they question why no one associated with the South Jersey Public School has their actions brought into question.

On Tuesday, February 25th, Anthony Knox released the following statement on his Instagram:

"I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the incredible support I’ve received throughout my wrestling career and especially over the past few days. Wrestling has given me so much and I am beyond grateful for my teammates, coaches, family, and the amazing community that has stood by me.
As many of you know, I have been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I had finished competing at the district tournament. Like anyone, my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family.....I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. - No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete, and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be as I continue my career onward at Cornell University."

The popularity of Wrestling has increased in New Jersey in recent years. Here is the full list of High School Sports that have seen the greatest increase in participation in recent years: