Argument Results in Broadneck Wrestler's Ejection

wrestler Collin Harrell was ejected from a meet at North County High School after an argument with an administrator.

Harrell, who is a senior and the son of wrestling coach Scott Harrell, was not able to participate in the regional tournament on Feb. 15 or finish out his career as a high-school wrestler, according to The Capital.

Harrell was reportedly ejected after arguing with school administrators between matches over his mother, Melloni Harrell, who was also asked to leave the meet.

Police and security became involved, and escorted Harrell away from the premises, according to Anne Arundel County Supervisor of County Athletics Greg LeGrand.

LeGrand said he's followed Harrell's career throughout high school, and was surprised to hear the wrestler had apparently lost his temper.

"I've known Collin for quite a long time, and it seems out of character for him," LeGrand said. "But we looked at all the video footage and it certainly seems to support the decision made by the school."

Harrell's ejection led to him not being able to qualify to play in the regional tournament and finish his career.

His ejection was one of three incidents at the wrestling match that kept North County High staff on their toes throughout that Saturday, LeGrand added.

"There were multiple incidents where the police had to become involved and escort people off the premises," he said. "The behavior from two or three parents was absolutely atrocious at the wrestling event."

LeGrand said his email inbox has been flooded with requests to overturn the school's decision to eject Harrell from the meet, and let him play in the regional tournaments. However, LeGrand said that's not in his authority.

Melloni Harrell first let Patch know about the incident through Facebook earlier in the week in a series of posts that described the event.

She said she tried to visit her son after he'd lost his match to give him a bottle of water. On the way to her son, she was stopped by  Assistant Principal Laura Dudeck, who said Melloni Harrell could not visit the wrestlers at that time.

Melloni Harrell said she explained her actions, but was again told she could not pass. Later, she was approached by Dudeck while washing her hands in the restroom, and was told to pack her things.

"As I was leaving the gym, I made the mistake of telling Collin, who rightfully got very emotional and upset," she said. "At that point, she took Collin off the roster and his high school career came to an end."

Neither Melloni Harrell nor Dudeck could be reached for further comment.