Winning a state wrestling championship as a high schooler is a difficult task in itself. Hoping to win it four times is a feat that not many can aspire to. But Freehold Township resident Anthony Knox was eyeing the extraordinary with high hopes. However, St. John Vianney High School’s 3x NJSIAA wrestling state champion would go on to have his dream abruptly stopped.

When a brawl broke out in the stands last Saturday during the NJSIAA District 25 Tournament, Anthony allegedly violated the rule that prevents athletes from leaving their benches during altercations. As a result, the NJSIAA determined that Knox couldn’t participate in the Region 7 Wrestling Tournament. After the initial shock passed, the 126-pounder finally mustered the courage to come clear on the matter.

In a post on Instagram from February 25, the high school wrestling star spoke his mind about being disqualified from competing at the upcoming event. Thanking his family, coaches, and fans for their support, Knox wrote, “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.”

But he also revealed that his actions were prompted by the thought of protecting his family who were present in the stands last weekend. Naturally, with the disqualification directive coming under such debatable circumstances, Anthony admitted that he is trying to find an amicable solution to the issue. “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,” the rising wrestling celebrity noted.

“l am committed to supporting my teammates still representing our school and the sport of wrestling with the same passion and dedication that got us here. No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete, and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be,” the Cornell commit said, noting that the experience will motivate him to push for greatness.

If Knox could go on to compete in the Region 7 tournament and win the state championship, he would be only the 5th star ever to win the New Jersey wrestling championship four times. But sadly, that isn’t likely to happen anymore. And yet, Anthony is looking undeterred by the lemon handed to him by the NJSIAA. “I am disappointed in this outcome,” he admitted, but couldn’t help but be happy with the things he has been able to experience nonetheless, “but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.” But how does Knox’s disqualification affect the upcoming tourney?

Anthony Knox to still have chance to cement his wrestling reputation

The St. John Vianney senior was previously the top seed of the 126lb bracket, thanks to his impeccable 32-0 record this season. His career record of 140-1 only solidified Knox’s position at the top of the list ahead of the state championship. FloWrestling also ranks Anthony as #1 in his weight class and as #6 overall. But with him now barred, Region 7 will now have to reseed the entrants.

While the ban on the high schooler underscores the focus on strict enforcement of sportsmanship and integrity policies in the State of New Jersey, fans understandably are in discussion as to how Knox’s absence would open up a golden chance for the others to showcase their skill on the mat. Luckily, this is by no means the end of the road for Anthony, who will have plenty more chances to strive for wrestling immortality in the coming years.

As part of the Cornell Big Red roster, Knox will share the locker room with some of the top wrestling names in the collegiate circuit. The program finished the 24-25 season with an impressive 11-1 record, with victories over NCAA heavyweights such as Missouri and Arizona State. Do you think the record 44-time Ivy League champions will get a future NCAA winning star in Anthony Knox? Share your predictions about his wrestling future below!