A North Carolina high school was left heartbroken after a controversial judging decision cost their athletes a state championship. Mallard Creek had won the boys' 4x400m relay to secure the title, but anchor leg runner Nyan Brown was disqualified for celebrating too early.
What Happened at the Meet
During the meet in Greensboro, Brown cruised down the home straight well clear of his rivals. Just a few meters from the line, he held up five fingers to signal his team's fifth championship. However, that title was quickly ripped away after an official punished him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Aftermath
The disqualification left Mallard Creek two points behind rivals Jordan High. Victory in the 4x400m, the final event, would have secured 10 points; instead, they ended up with zero. Mallard Creek reportedly launched a protest at the event, but the call was upheld.
Bryant Bailey, the Mallard Creek athletic director, told the Charlotte Observer: 'Nyan is devastated. He’s very upset, as are we. With the state championship on the line, they decided to make that call and DQ him. If you go back and look at other photos and videos throughout the week, you can see multiple instances of kids celebrating way, way harder while coming across the line than what I think our young man did. If you’re going to make that call, make it all week long, and not on the last event on the last day of a state meet.'
Official Response
NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker stood by the call, stating: 'Judgment decisions made by meet officials are done with the full knowledge of NFHS track and field rules, as well as rules and expectations of the NCHSAA relative to unsporting behavior and actions. We recognize there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches and the school community involved.'
Brown, who has reportedly signed a track scholarship with NC State, had earlier set a state record in the 300m hurdles. It is claimed that he received a warning for celebrating following that race and that teams were warned not to taunt their rivals ahead of the 4x400m relay.
