North Carolina High School Track Athlete's Disqualification for Celebration Reversed

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — The disqualification of a high school runner, who was penalized for celebrating a championship victory, has been reversed. On Tuesday, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) announced that the boys' track team from Mallard Creek High School will now be acknowledged as co-state champions in the 8A class, as well as co-winners of the crucial 4x400-meter relay event from which Nyan Brown had been disqualified.

“We are grateful for the decision,” expressed Mallard Creek principal Jared Thompson in a statement. He commended the appeals board members and NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker for their careful consideration and professionalism in reaching a fair outcome. Thompson also extended his gratitude to those who supported Mallard Creek throughout the appeals process.

The incident arose when a race official penalized Brown for raising his hand with five fingers as he crossed the finish line first. According to Brown and his coach, this gesture was intended to symbolize the team's achievement of five consecutive track titles, spanning three outdoor and two indoor seasons. However, the official claimed Brown had previously been warned for celebrating after a race, a point contested by the Mallard Creek team.

Following the disqualification, Mallard Creek filed an appeal with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Interscholastic Appeals Board, which conducted hearings last week. After siding with Mallard Creek, the NCHSAA convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to acknowledge the school's victories at the state championship meet while preserving the results for the teams initially declared winners following Brown's disqualification. As a result, C.E. Jordan High School will now share the overall state title, and Hough High School will be co-victors in the relay event.

“This situation has been emotional for all student-athletes, coaches, schools, and communities involved,” said Tucker. “At the heart of this matter are young individuals who have dedicated immense time and effort to their sport and team. We are satisfied that this issue has been resolved and that the achievements of the student-athletes can now be acknowledged.”