COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — A high school wrestling match at Collingswood High School turned chaotic Saturday night when a massive brawl broke out involving fans, coaches, athletes, and the father of a prominent wrestler, leading to two arrests and an investigation by the state athletic association.
Collingswood athletic director Colleen Harte confirmed that two people were arrested following the altercation, which involved at least one athlete. She did not disclose their identities, but witnesses and a photo from the incident showed Anthony Knox Sr., the father of three-time state champion Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney High School, being led away in handcuffs.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association said it is gathering information about the incident. Collingswood police declined to comment.
The match featured St. John Vianney, one of the state’s top-ranked wrestling programs, along with several other schools. A now-removed live-streamed video showed a man believed to be Knox Sr. leaving his seat in the bleachers, crossing the gym floor, and confronting spectators near the scorer’s table, sparking a fight involving roughly a dozen people.
“There was an incident in the stands between a parent and an athlete and another group of parents and athletes,” Harte said. “We had staff there. Police and staff separated them. Two people were taken and arrested.”
Officials attempted to clear the affected section of the gym but ultimately evacuated the entire venue. No further details on potential charges or injuries were immediately available.
