Star N.J. wrestler won’t lose spot on Ivy League team because of brawl, coach says

Cornell University wrestling coach Mike Grey said he had “a tough conversation” with Anthony Knox, the three-time state champion that was disqualified Tuesday from the NJSIAA state tournament for his involvement in a brawl in the bleachers at the District 25 tournament.

Knox will still wrestle at Cornell, Grey added. It’s possible Knox takes a greyshirt year - meaning he won’t enroll until 2026-2027 - as he mentioned in January he was leaning in that direction despite his desire to chase a national title immediately.

Grey is not only Knox’s future coach but the first four-time state champion in New Jersey history, accomplishing the feat at Delbarton in 2006. There have been three others since – Bound Brook’s Andrew Campolattano, South Plainfield’s Anthony Ashnault and Bergen Catholic’s Nick Suriano.

Knox was primed to be the fifth, and Grey was going to be happy to welcome him to the club.

The NJSIAA disqualified Knox from the remainder of the tournament citing violation of its “sportsmanship policy” as well as its “disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation.”

Knox and his father were part of a melee that broke out in the stands towards the end of the District 25 tournament at Collingswood.

“I spoke with him, it’s just a tough conversation, right?” said Grey. “Obviously, he can’t wrestle. He lost an opportunity, and it’s tough. I prefer to keep that conversation between us. It’s not about me, it’s about the kids and trying to do whatever I can to help them. There’s not much more I can say other than it’s a tough situation.”

Knox released a statement on Instagram following his disqualification and referenced his next destination.

“No matter what happens next, I will continue to train, compete and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be as I continue my career onward at Cornell,” Knox wrote.

Knox’s sentiments remain Grey’s goal as well. The coach said Knox’s involvement in the brawl did not change anything surrounding his commitment or school’s acceptance of him.

“My job is to help young men become the people they want to be,” said Grey. “That’s my job and that remains my job, to help people reach their full potential. ... On and off the mat.”

Knox is the No. 1-ranked wrestler in his weight class and whenever he takes a college mat will be a national title contender. Delbarton’s Alessio Perentin, St. Joseph (Mont.)‘s Adrian DeJesus and St. John Vianney’s Rocco Dellagatta - all New Jersey state champions - have also committed to the Big Red from the class of 2025.

Westwood’s Ethan Fernandez, Delbarton’s Simon Ruiz, Bergen Catholic’s Chris Foca, Blair’s Julian Ramirez and St. Joseph (Mont.)‘s Mikey Dellagatta are current Cornell starters with New Jersey ties.

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @bybillevans.

The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now!