Full Breakdown
Mallard Creek Disqualification Appeal
5/20/2026, 11:55:35 PM
Disqualification That Cost a State Title
At the NCHSAA 8A Outdoor Track & Field State Championships, Mallard Creek High School’s boys 4 × 400-meter relay appeared to win, with anchor Nyan Brown crossing first. Officials disqualified the team for unsportsmanlike conduct under NFHS Rule 4-6-1, citing a taunting gesture—raising his hand before the finish line. The DQ removed the relay’s points, leaving Mallard Creek with 72 team points, second to Jordan High School’s 74, and costing Mallard Creek the title.
Background
The NCHSAA enforces NFHS track-and-field rules that prohibit taunting, profanity, baton throwing and “showboating.” In 2023 state legislature created an Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board, a three-member panel of retired educators and former superintendents, to review officiating decisions such as this disqualification.
Key Participants
Coach Samuel Willoughby led Mallard Creek’s track program; anchor Nyan Brown set a state record in the 300-meter hurdles earlier in the meet. NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker oversees the association’s rules and the appeals process. Pending appeals panel will consist of three members.
Data Summary
Mallard Creek’s relay win was nullified; the team earned zero points from the event, leaving it with 72 points. Jordan High School finished with 74 points and claimed the 8A boys title. The cited violation was NFHS Rule 4-6-1 (taunting).
Official Statements
The NCHSAA said officials acted with “full knowledge of NFHS Track & Field Rules and NCHSAA expectations for unsporting behavior.” It announced a three-member appeals panel will review the case and issue a decision within 30 days. Department of Athletics’ Office said review process “is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision.”
Criticism & Opposition
Willoughby argued Mallard Creek never received a warning for taunting, required for a DQ. He cited officials’ claim: “when they warn an athlete, they call the coach in… No warning was said to me. No one called for me and said anything.” He called dispute “my word against hers,” questioning officiating consistency.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Officials assert a prior warning was issued after Brown’s 300-meter hurdles victory; Willoughby maintains no such warning was communicated. No video evidence of the alleged warning has been released, leaving dispute dependent on competing testimonies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This process is intended to provide a fair opportunity for a thorough review of the officiating decision,” — North Carolina High School Athletic Association
- “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.” — Samuel Willoughby, Mallard Creek track coach
- “It became my word against hers.” — Samuel Willoughby
- “We recognize there is deep disappointment experienced by the student-athletes, coaches, and the school community involved,” — Que Tucker, NCHSAA commissioner
What’s Next
Mallard Creek administrators have filed an appeal seeking co-state champion status with Jordan High School. The three-member panel will review the case and issue a ruling within 30 days, which could alter the official championship result.
