Anthony Knox reinstated for NJSIAA Region 7 Tournament after judge grants temporary restraining order

St. John Vianney senior Anthony Knox will wrestle in this weekend’s NJSIAA Region 7 Tournament and the NJSIAA Individual Championships in Atlantic City after Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Bartels granted Knox an order to show cause on Friday afternoon.

Knox was originally disqualified and suspended by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association on Tuesday for what they allege was his role in a brawl during the District 25 Tournament at Collingswood High School.

In his ruling, Bartels wrote that “Knox Jr. may compete for St. John Vianney High School as a member of the wrestling team at the NJSIAA Region 7 Tournament, and, if he prevails, the NJSIAA Wrestling State Championships, until further order of the Court.”

The ruling also stated that the NJSIAA, St. John Vianney, and Collingswood Board of Education, all listed as defendants in the case, cannot prevent Knox from wrestling at either regions or states.

Knox is the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at 126 pounds and is a three-time New Jersey state champion. He entered the individual postseason aiming to become the first wrestler in Shore Conference history and just the fifth all-time in state history to win four state championships. He is committed to wrestle collegiately at Cornell University.

Now, his quest for a fourth state title is back on.