COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. — A top New Jersey high school wrestler has been disqualified from the state tournament following an altercation at a district competition that involved his father brawling in the stands, officials announced.
The student-athlete, who competed in the 126-pound weight class for Saint John Vianney High School, was removed from the NJSIAA wrestling state tournament after an investigation determined he violated the association’s sportsmanship policy and disqualification rule. Officials said he left the bench area during the altercation at the district tournament held at Collingswood High School on Feb. 22.
“I did not make this decision lightly,” an NJSIAA official stated. “He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career. However, my role is to uphold the integrity of high school athletics.”
The wrestler’s name was not published by the NJSIAA and will not be released by SNN due to the situation.
The Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126-pound division will be reseeded as a result of the ruling.
Authorities credited event staff, security, and the Collingswood Police Department for swiftly handling the incident, allowing the tournament to continue without further disruption.
A high school wrestling star’s season—and career—came to an abrupt end after a brawl in the stands led to his disqualification from the state tournament.
