NJ High School Wrestling Star Disqualified From State Tournament Following Fight At Match

HOLMDEL, NJ — A three-time state wrestling champion from Saint John Vianney High School has been disqualified from the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) wrestling state tournament following a fight that broke out during a recent wrestling match in South Jersey, NJSIAA officials said.

The fight occurred on Saturday at the end of the 190-pound championship bout at Collingswood High School, with spectators and wrestlers, including St. John Vianney athlete Anthony Knox, reportedly involved.

At least two people, including a parent, were taken out of the gym in handcuffs, according to reports from NJ Advance Media and the Asbury Park Press. Footage of the incident shows the fight breaking out in the stands.

In a statement sent to Patch, NJSIAA Executive Director Collen Maguire said that the Saint John Vianney High School administration has been informed of the disqualification and cited violations of the association's sportsmanship policy and rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation as reasons for the disqualification.

“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,” Maguire said. “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.”

In a statement sent to Patch, the Saint John Vianney High School Administration said they acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and said the high school "does not condone violence of any kind," and that the incident "is not indicative of what the school or wrestling program stands for."

The statement went on to say that the administration respects the decision made by the NJSIAA following the conclusion of their investigation and that the school will "fully abide by the repercussions and recommendations set forth by the NJSIAA."

"Saint John Vianney High School believes in the fundamental values of sportsmanship, respect, and community and is disheartened to see an event intended to celebrate student-athletes overshadowed by conflict," the statement said. "This event, which escalated through the emotional feelings of adults, unfortunately, has resulted in impacting young athletes the most and that is very disheartening."

"Our athletes must take accountability for their actions and we plan to use this event as a learning experience for our athletes and school community," the statement continued.

Going forward, the administration said the high school will "implement further measures to ensure that the community, both athletes and parents, adhere to the highest standards of conduct," and that the high school will continue its "steadfast commitment to sportsmanship and the development of student-athletes."

In a statement posted on Knox’s Instagram, Knox addressed his disqualification and thanked his family, teammates, coaches and community members for their support throughout his wrestling career.

“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,” Knox said. “Like anyone, my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family. While I respect the NJSIAA’s decision, my family and I are currently reviewing our options to determine the best course of action moving forward.”

Following the incident at Collingswood High School, Maguire said the Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126 lb weigh class (which Knox was competing in) will be reseeded.

Maguire thanked the administrators, coaches, spectators, event staff security and Collingswood Police for their assistance and handling of the incident.

“Let it be clear, the Association cannot, and will not, condone actions that violate its sportsmanship policy or its member school approved rules,” Maguire said.

In a statement sent to Patch, Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey said the incident remains an active investigation in collaboration with the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, and that as of Wednesday morning, no one has been charged.

“At this time no one had been charged for their role in the incident,” Carey said. “However, as noted this investigation is ongoing and we may charge actors as our investigators continue going through evidence.”

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Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a statement from Saint John Vianney High School.