And I think a wall of shame is not a good idea. I personally believe that postiive reinforcement and congratulating those that did finish the season in good standing might be the better way to go.

I think a very powerful tool would be to take this list of excuses, provide it to the wrestlers at the beginning of the season, and inform them that there are a million reasons and excuses to not do something worthwhile. That excuses are like you know what, everyone has one, they stink, and reality is they have a fear of failure and faith in their abilities, coaches, teammates, or parents that make them want to choose the path of least resistence. Clearing the air ahead of time might keep the kid out that thinks its too tough, or wonders why wrestling is so much tougher than football or anything else they do. Kids will find a way for the coaches to teach them character. Come excuses or highwater.