A High School Runner Was DQ’d After a Finish-Line Celebration. Now the Decision Has Been Overturned

June 2, 2026

Mallard Creek High School will get the state title recognition it’s been fighting for.

After an appeal overturned the disqualification that initially cost the boys’ track team the 2026 NCHSAA 8A state championship, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors officially voted to name both Mallard Creek and C.E. Jordan High School co-champions. The board also voted to recognize Mallard Creek and Hough High School as co-champions in the boys’ 4 x 400-meter relay.

That disqualification had become one of the most talked-about high school track rulings of the season. Mallard Creek anchor Nyan Brown crossed first in the final relay at the state meet, which would have secured the team title. RUNNER’S WORLD