While a state appellate court decides whether to hear an NJSIAA appeal of a lower court decision reinstating St. John Vianney wrestler Anthony Knox in the state tournament, New Jersey athletic directors staunchly backed the association in its attempt to disqualify the three-time state champ.

Anthony Knox Jr. cleared another legal hurdle on Wednesday as a judge denied a motion by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and cleared the way for the St. John Vianney wrestler to compete for his fourth state championship.

In wrestling a reversal is worth two points. But it’s impossible to measure the impact of the reversal that Anthony Knox, Jr. experienced during an unprecedented week that saw him disqualified by the NJSIAA for the rest of the season following his role in a February 22 brawl at the District Championships at Collingswood High School.