State Champion Disqualified After Stands Altercation at Wrestling Tournament

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — Three-time state champion Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney High School has been disqualified from the NJSIAA‘s Region 7 Wrestling Tournament following his involvement in a fight that broke out during the District 25 wrestling tournament on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire announced the disqualification, stating, “Earlier today, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School administration that the student-athlete wrestling in the 126-pound weight class has been disqualified from the NJSIAA wrestling state tournament.” The decision came after an investigation into a disturbance that occurred at Collingswood High School during the tournament.

Maguire explained that the incident led to Knox violating both the association’s sportsmanship policy and its rules concerning disqualification by leaving the bench area during the altercation. “I did not make this decision lightly,” she stated. “I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete. He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career.”

Knox, a top contender for a fourth state title, originally held the No. 1 seed in the 126-pound category. With his absence, the weight class will now be reseeded ahead of the forthcoming Region 7 Tournament, slated for Friday and Saturday at Lacey Township High School.

Onlookers noted chaos in the stands, specifically involving fans from St. John Vianney and West Deptford. Video evidence circulating on social media appears to show a St. John Vianney wrestler, identified as Knox, engaged in the scuffle with several parents.

“I would like to thank the administrators and coaches from our member schools and those spectators who provided written statements and videos to assist the investigation,” Maguire added. “I also would like to thank event staff security and the Collingswood police department for their efficient handling of this incident, which allowed the tournament to be completed without further incident.”

Witnesses reported that Collingswood police took at least two individuals from the stands in handcuffs, although additional details from authorities remain limited as investigations continue. The conflict paused the tournament for about 20 minutes, necessitating the evacuation of spectators.

The NJSIAA Individual Championships are set to take place March 6-8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, with only the top four competitors from each weight class in the region advancing to the tournament. Knox, a Cornell University recruit, finished the season unbeaten, boasting a record of 32-0 and an astounding career mark of 140-1.

Despite his success, Knox is not without controversy; his sole defeat occurred during his freshman year at the Escape the Rock Tournament, where he lost a close match to Zachary Jacaruso of Delaware Valley (Pa.). In addition to his state championships, Knox is also a three-time region champion and a four-time district champion.