NC appeals board to review disqualification that cost track team a state championship

A state-run appeals board is reviewing a call by an official that cost a Charlotte high school the state track and field championship last weekend.

A three-member panel appointed from members of the North Carolina State Board of Education’s Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board will review the disqualification of Mallard Creek High School, which has drawn national attention. The state legislature created the appeals board in 2023 as part of a broader reshaping of high school athletics administration.

The appeals board is appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected official. A spokesperson for the Department’s Office of Athletics told WRAL News that they will issue a decision within 30 days.

“This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision,” the North Carolina High School Athletic Association said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Following the established appeals process outlined in the NCHSAA Handbook and state procedures, Mallard Creek High School has exercised its right to such an appeal through the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The NCHSAA respects the right of member schools to utilize that process and appreciates the importance of ensuring all concerns are heard through the appropriate review structure.“

The appeals board is composed of retired professional educators with experience overseeing high school athletics programs, including former superintendents and athletic directors. The panel for this appeal has not yet been finalized.

The board is now tasked with making a determination about the events that took place Saturday at the 8A state track championship in Greensboro.

Mallard Creek boys track and field athlete Nyan Brown held his hand up in celebration as he prepared to cross the finish line to win the 4×400-meter relay, the meet’s final event. An official near the finish line deemed the action a disqualifier, calling it unsportsmanlike behavior.

In 2025, Brown won the 4A Indoor Track and Field Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes “players who have demonstrated the ideals of outstanding character and sportsmanship throughout the 2024-25 season.”

Without the points from the final relay, the Mallard Creek boys track and field team finished second. Durham’s Jordan High School won the title.

Mallard Creek head coach Samuel Willoughby said that Brown held up his hand to indicate what would’ve been Mallard Creek’s fifth overall state championship in boys track and field.

“After the 4×400 relay, we were so excited because we knew going in that we could win the state championship if we got the points we needed in the relay,” Mallard Creek head coach Samuel Willoughby said. “So, we just were thrilled that it happened and the way it happened and to end in good fashion with our ace, Nyan, at the anchor.

“So, it was a great feeling to see it actually happen, but then, once I saw the official threw the flag up, I just couldn’t believe it. I was in disbelief.”

Coaches and athletes are expected to show “good sportsmanship” and competitors who engage in taunting, profanity, baton throwing and refuse to follow the instructions of meet officials can be disqualified from the event or the meet, according to meet information. The same rule sheet also says “showboating” will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification. Those terms are not described further in the rules.

Willoughby said he knew the flag was against his team. He said he also got called into the infield on Saturday for the disqualification of another runner.

“I was in the infield more than I needed to be,” Willoughby said. “So, when I saw the flag, I was like, ‘Here we go again.’”

The officials said Mallard Creek received a warning for taunting after Brown won the 300-meter hurdles earlier in the day, setting a state record. Brown appeared to briefly flex toward photographers after winning the race, according to video from the meet. Mallard Creek disputed claims that they were given an initial warning.

“[There are] claims that she gave Nyan a warning beforehand, but that never happened,” Willoughby said. “She said that she gave him a warning to justify the flag that she gave at the end.”

Willoughby said he spoke with Brown and asked him to speak with the official.

“When did we have this conversation of you warning me?” Willoughby said. “And, it never happened. The only thing she said was, “Yeah, I spoke to him. I spoke to him.’

“It became my word against hers.”

The disqualification has attracted intense interest on social media with former players, track athletes and commentators weighing in on the issue.

Watch: Mallard Creek track coach discusses disqualification: ‘I was in disbelief’

On Tuesday morning, the NCHSAA released a new statement as backlash over the call against Brown has continued to mount. The association confirmed the start of the larger appeal process and said it would not comment as the process is in motion.

“Over the past several days, the conclusion of the 8A Men’s Track and Field Championship has generated significant discussion across North Carolina and beyond. The NCHSAA recognizes and understands there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved. “As previously stated, officiating decisions made during competition are judgment calls administered by certified meet officials under NFHS playing rules and NCHSAA rules relative to unsporting behavior and actions, and are considered final decisions. The Association appreciates the efforts of the officials who are tasked with applying and enforcing those rules during our championship events. “Under state law, an aggrieved party may challenge the decision of an official that results in disqualification by appealing to an independent appeals board appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision. Following the established appeals process outlined in the NCHSAA Handbook and state procedures, Mallard Creek High School has exercised its right to such an appeal through the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The NCHSAA respects the right of member schools to utilize that process and appreciates the importance of ensuring all concerns are heard through the appropriate review structure.

“Because that process is underway, the NCHSAA will not provide further public comment regarding the specifics of the matter.”

Watch: North Carolina high school runner’s raised hand costs team state track and field title

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Director Brad Alford also released a statement on Tuesday.

“The Independent Interscholastic Athletics Appeals Board has received an appeal from Mallard Creek High School regarding a ruling at the State Track & Field Meet,” Alford wrote. “State Board of Education Policy ATHL-013 outlines a detailed process for reviewing appeals of decisions by an athletics rule administrator, in this case the NCHSAA.

“The Appeals Board is currently reviewing the appeal and will issue a decision within 30 days. Since the appeal remains pending before the Appeals Board, we are unable to comment further on the case at this time.”

A spokesperson for the Department’s Office of Athletics tells WRAL News that they will issue a decision within 30 days.

At this point, the three-member appeals panel hasn’t been selected.

As this is not a time-sensitive case, with the season concluded, the review process could take time to complete.

According to Alford, the appeals board is made up of retired professional educators with experience overseeing high school athletics programs, including former superintendents and athletic directors. Appeals are heard by three-member panels, but the panel for this particular appeal has not yet been finalized.

Note: HighSchoolOT Managing Editor Joel Bryant and WRAL anchor/reporter Ashley Rowe contributed to this story.