I'm a big believer that the "attitude" of parents and coaches, plays an immeasurable role in the willingness of a wrestler to "stay the course", and "stay at it".

We all know that "winning" offers its own rewards. It's how a coach and/or a parent handles the "losses" that can definitely affect the willingness of a young athlete to endure the arduous practices and forfeiture of relaxing week-ends, such that the "winds in their wrestling sails", remain in-tact, throughout high-school.

We all "hit walls", and some of us do not find immediate success - but these impediments can be detoured by positive feedback and encouragement.

For what it's worth... I find it very distasteful when a very successful athlete experiences a rare loss and throws a "temper tantrum".

Very recently a very successful Bishop Carroll high school wrestler (an eventual state champion) experienced a devastating loss at a regional tournament. His reaction to this loss was less than exemplary. He threw his headgear in disgust, and otherwise engaged in some mild histrionics, which triggered an immediate reaction from his father. who descended from the stands and instantly demanded that his son retrieve his headgear and put an immediate stop to this behavior!

Junior "straitened up", and regained his composure. Dad simply wasn't going to tolerate that type of behavior and/or conduct from his son! Junior knew it! Junior did as his father asked. (I doubt he much liked it)

I instantly became a big fan of this kid, and rooted for him at the state tournament - which, by the way, he won.