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Mallard Creek, C.E. Jordan Named Co-Champions After Disqualification Reversal

6/3/2026

Summary

NCHSAA Names Co-Champions

On June 2, 2026 the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) voted to name Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan co-champions of the title after Nyan Brown’s disqualification was reversed.
The appeal centered on Brown’s five-finger gesture, deemed a violation under the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules.
Commissioner Que Tucker said the decision recognizes the athletes.
Principal Jared Thompson thanked the panel and announced fundraising for title rings.

Summary

NCHSAA Awards Co-Championship

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) awarded its first co-championship for reasons other than a points tie, setting a precedent.
The award followed a Zoom emergency NCHSAA Board meeting that ran 9 a.m.–9:11 a.m., resumed, and ended 9:54 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board, created by House Bill 91, issued its first high-profile decision in the case.

Summary

Appeals Board Vacates

The Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board vacated Mallard Creek’s unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty, remanded the case to the NCHSAA, and limited its ruling to the penalty.
The three-member panel included Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Robert Logan and Alice Lyons, retired school leaders.
The panel reviewed statements and evidence for roughly two hours before deciding.
The board praised officials’ responsibilities and urged athletes, coaches and parents to respect rulings and use challenge channels.

History

Historical Context

In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was enacted, mandating gender equity in school athletics and reshaping governance structures nationwide. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare recorded participation climbing from 295,000 in 1971 to 3.2 million by 1978, a 985 percent surge. Today, the NCHSAA’s 2026 co-championship ruling, guided by Que Tucker and the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board under House Bill 91, echoes Title IX’s appeal-based fairness. The decision establishes a durable precedent, prompting schools like Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan to anticipate more formalized dispute mechanisms and possible policy revisions.

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NCHSAA Names Co-Champions

On June 2, 2026 the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) voted to name Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan co-champions of the title after Nyan Brown’s disqualification was reversed.
The appeal centered on Brown’s five-finger gesture, deemed a violation under the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules.
Commissioner Que Tucker said the decision recognizes the athletes.
Principal Jared Thompson thanked the panel and announced fundraising for title rings.

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