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Mallard Creek has been named a co-state champion in 8A North Carolina track and field. The previously disqualified Mavericks saw a controversial decision overturned.
Senior Nyan Brown was penalized for taunting after winning the 4×400 relay event at the state championships. It effectively gave the title to Jordan High School.
That ruling has been reversed after two weeks of discussion. Jordan and Mallard Creek will now share the honor.
Mallard Creek was punished for taunting.
The Mavericks were neck and neck with Jordan High on the final day of competition at the 8A state championships. They moved into first place with the win in the 4×400.
Nyan Brown celebrated that victory by raising his hand in the air as he coasted to the finish line. Mallard Creek won easily.
Mallard Creek boys track and field was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct after winning the 4×400 relay in the final event of the day. Had the result stayed, the Mavericks would have won the team state championship. Instead, they remained in second place.
You can read the… pic.twitter.com/fdWIAW1UXT
— HighSchoolOT (@HighSchoolOT) May 16, 2026
Unfortunately, that gesture was ruled unsportsmanlike conduct. The Mavericks were disqualified from the race. As a result, Jordan High was named state champion.
Jordan led 74-72 at the start of that race. The win would’ve pushed Mallard Creek ahead. The title was taken away.
Reports say that Brown had already been warned once for taunting, which led to the unsportsmanlike penalty being called. Still, it seemed an overreaction in a decisive final race.
The celebration was not excessive. It was not directed at an opponent. Still, it was ruled unsporting.
The high school appealed the decision. This week, the disqualification was overturned.
The Mavericks are co-champs.
They’ll share the North Carolina 8A State Track title with Jordan High School. The NCHSAA released a statement on the reversal Tuesday.
“We recognize that this situation has been emotional for the student-athletes, coaches, schools, and communities involved,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker. “At the center of this matter are young people who have invested countless hours into their sport and their team. We appreciate the work of the Independent Interscholastic Athletic Appeals Board and respect the process that led to today’s outcome. We are pleased that this matter has reached a resolution and that the accomplishments of the student-athletes involved can be recognized.”
The footage was reviewed. The celebration was not deemed malicious. Nyan Brown and Mallard Creek will be honored with a state championship, which puts an end to the taunting controversy.