Anthony Knox Jr.’s disqualification ended his high school career, but his parents’ lessons of resilience continue to guide him.
Highlights
- Anthony Knox established himself as one of the greatest high school wrestlers in New Jersey history with a remarkable 140-1 career record and three state championships before his disqualification in his senior year.
- A controversial incident involving Anthony Knox’s father led to a brawl at a district tournament, resulting in Knox’s disqualification that prevented him from potentially becoming just the fifth wrestler in state history to win four state titles.
- Despite the unfortunate end to his high school career, Knox maintained a positive outlook and is focused on his future at Cornell University.
Anthony Knox has established himself as one of the most dominant wrestlers in New Jersey high school history.
The Saint John Vianney High School senior has amassed an impressive 140-1 career record, winning 32 matches without defeat in his final season.
As a three-time state champion and four-time district champion, Knox has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
Knox’s wrestling journey began at a young age, and by eighth grade, he was already making waves in the sport.
Initially unranked due to his age when he competed in Fargo, North Dakota, Knox quickly proved his talent by winning the U16 freestyle championship at 106 pounds.
His rise to prominence continued with a victory over Ben Davino in the undercard of FloWrestling 4: Burroughs Taylor, followed by a runner-up finish at the U15 Nationals in freestyle.
Throughout his high school career, Knox has collected numerous accolades.
He’s been invited to Who’s Number One for four consecutive years, winning his matchup each time.
In his most recent appearance in September 2024, Knox secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Pennsylvania state champion Aaron Seidel at 126 pounds.
This victory showcased his technical prowess and mental fortitude, as he executed a winning three-point takedown with just 12 seconds remaining in the match.
Beyond high school competition, Knox has excelled in national tournaments.
He’s a three-time Super 32 champion and was named USA Wrestling Athlete of the Week in October 2024.
His freestyle accomplishments include winning the 2021 16U Nationals title, placing second in 2022, second in the 2023 U17 Nationals, and third in the 2024 U20 Nationals.
Knox also finished as the runner-up in the U20 World Team Trials in 2024.
Knox’s talents have secured him a spot at Cornell University, one of the nation’s top wrestling programs, where he will continue his athletic and academic journey after graduation.
Ranked as the No. 1 wrestler at 126 pounds nationally and No. 6 in FloWrestling’s Pound-For-Pound rankings, Knox’s legacy as one of New Jersey’s greatest high school wrestlers is already cemented.
Anthony Knox’s Success is Rooted in His Parents’ Support And Guidance
Anthony Knox’s success is rooted in his family’s influence on his wrestling career and character.
His parents, Anthony Knox Sr. and Debra Hillery Knox, have been instrumental in their son’s development both on and off the mat.
Anthony Knox Sr. brings a unique perspective to his son’s wrestling journey, having competed in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) himself.
After the family relocated from Staten Island to New Jersey several years ago, Knox Sr. began pursuing MMA, a combat sport that blends techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Thai boxing, and various other disciplines.
This background undoubtedly influenced his son’s approach to wrestling, particularly in terms of discipline, technique, and mental toughness.
Beyond his athletic background, Knox Sr. has channeled his expertise into entrepreneurship, founding CutPro, a company dedicated to helping wrestlers manage their weight effectively.
The business pairs clients with expert weight managers, strategic carbohydrate management specialists, and meticulous diet planners to optimize athletic performance.
Knox Sr. created CutPro after experiencing frustration with inadequate coaching, stating he
“created CutPro as a way to help athletes like himself to get real results.”
CutPro
Debra Hillery Knox, Anthony’s mother, has been supportive of her son’s wrestling career.
She works at Monroe Township School District, known as “Home of the Falcons,” and lives in West Freehold, New Jersey, having originally come from Tinton Falls.
As an educator, she brings a valuable perspective to her son’s academic and athletic balance.
The Knox family’s support was particularly evident during a controversial incident in February 2025.
During the District 25 wrestling tournament at Collingswood High School, a fight erupted in the stands following a match.
According to reports, Knox Sr. was involved in an altercation with other spectators, which escalated into a larger brawl.
In the aftermath, Knox Jr. rushed to the stands, later explaining in a statement that,
“my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family.”
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The incident resulted in Knox Sr. being led away in handcuffs and, more significantly, Knox Jr. being disqualified from the NJSIAA wrestling tournament.
This disqualification effectively ended his high school career and prevented him from becoming just the fifth wrestler in state history to win four state titles.
Following the ruling, Debra Knox noted that during the tournament, “A lot of people were just jeering at Saint John Vianney,” though she declined to comment further on the specifics of the incident.
Despite this challenging end to his high school career, Knox Jr.’s statement following the disqualification reflected the values instilled by his parents: gratitude, resilience, and determination.
He expressed thanks for the support he’d received throughout his career and maintained a positive outlook, stating,
“I am disappointed in this outcome, but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”
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The Knox family’s journey illustrates the intense commitment required to reach elite levels in athletics.
From Anthony Sr.’s expertise in combat sports and weight management to Debra’s support as a mother and educator, they have provided their son with the foundation needed to excel.
Though controversy marked the end of Knox Jr.’s high school career, the family remains united and focused on his future at Cornell University, where he will continue to build upon the remarkable legacy he’s already established.
Additional Information
- In December, Knox was recognized as the Outstanding Wrestler at the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament, where he decisively defeated Keanu Dillard (a junior world medalist and two-time Pennsylvania state champion) by a score of 13-3.
- Knox experienced only one defeat in his high school career, which came during his freshman year against Zac Jacaruso, then a senior at Delaware Valley High School in Pennsylvania, who won 6-4 in overtime.
- Following the district tournament incident, Knox shared his feelings on social media, stating he was “more motivated than ever” and expressing his determination to prove himself as “the best there is” as he transitions to Cornell University.
