In a development that has shaken the New Jersey high school wrestling community, Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney High School has been disqualified from participating in the remainder of the 2025 NJSIAA Wrestling tournament, effectively ending his quest for a fourth straight state title.
The decision, announced today by NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire, follows an incident that occurred during the District 25 Tournament at Collingswood High School on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Knox, currently ranked No. 1 nationally at 126 pounds in the 2024-25 High School On SI National High School Wrestling Rankings, will not have the opportunity to defend his title.
“Earlier today, I informed the Saint John Vianney High School administration that the student-athlete wrestling in the 126lb weight class has been disqualified from the NJSIAA wrestling state tournament,” Maguire stated. “The disqualification was the result of my investigation into an incident that occurred on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the district tournament hosted at Collingswood High School.”
The incident, which occurred in the stands after Knox had completed his competition, resulted in the arrest of his father, Anthony Knox Sr. The elder Knox, who has a background in Mixed Martial Arts, had relocated with his family from Staten Island to New Jersey several years ago, according to a 2022 story in the Trentonion.
In response to the ruling, Knox released a statement on social media expressing gratitude for his supporters while addressing the situation: “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.”
The disqualification marks a premature end to Knox’s illustrious high school career, though he remains committed to his future in the sport. “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,” Knox stated.
Prior to the incident, St. John Vianney, ranked No. 3 in the Asbury Park Press Shore Conference rankings, had dominated the tournament, winning the first nine championship bouts at Collingswood.
The Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126lb weight class will be reseeded accordingly, as confirmed by NJSIAA officials.
