North Carolina High School Track Team Shares State Championship

The boys track and field team from Mallard Creek High School in North Carolina will now share the state championship title after a controversial disqualification was reversed.

Nian Brown, a member of the team, was disqualified during the 4×400-meter relay last month. His offense? A celebratory gesture—a raised hand with five fingers—when crossing the finish line. This decision, at the time, had significant implications as it cost his team the championship.

On Tuesday, a ruling from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) stated that Mallard Creek would share the state championship title, also being recognized as co-champions for the 4×400 meter relay.

“Thank you! I can’t express enough gratitude to my family, coaches, and everyone who has supported my teammates and me throughout these past weeks,” Brown shared on his Instagram. “It’s been a wild ride.” He added that while the attention felt overwhelming, this isn’t just about him; it’s truly about the team and their pursuit of a fifth championship.

The story gained traction nationally after Brown’s disqualification. Initially, officials cited his celebration as a violation, affecting the outcome in a very significant way.

Brown and his coaches clarified that his hand gesture was intended to celebrate the school’s fifth consecutive title. They mentioned that he had been previously warned about similar celebrations, but many on the team were unaware of this prior caution.

After appealing the disqualification, the case was taken to the Interscholastic Appeals Committee, which held a public hearing last week. In a surprising turn of events, the committee sided with Mallard Creek.

The NCHSAA then convened an emergency meeting, confirming Mallard Creek’s victory without annulment of the results from the team initially declared the winner post-disqualification.

In this relay, CE Jordan High School will also share the championship title, while Hough High School will be recognized for placing first.

Principal Jared Thompson expressed gratitude following the decision, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation for everyone involved—including the students, coaches, and wider community. He emphasized the countless hours dedicated by the young athletes, underlining that the heart of the matter revolves around them and their commitment to the sport.