Scott Wilhelm said in a prepared statement that the boys didn't think what they were doing could be seen as insensitive and they were sorry for offending anyone.
The boys sat at a table while the statement was read, but didn't comment.
The picture posted online showed seven boys in Phillipsburg wrestling attire surrounding a black wrestling dummy wearing a Paulsboro High School T-shirt and hanging from a noose.
It is not clear why eight boys are out of the tournament rather than seven.
