Athlete Vs. Mathlete

“‘You’re the tallest kid at this school, and you’d be perfect at center.’

Center? Paul played center!

‘But I’m on the honor roll,’ Russell said.

‘And athletes can’t be good students?’ Coach asked.

‘No.’”

This excerpt comes directly after Coach Baxter tells Russell to try out for the basketball team, and it showcases Russell and Owen’s closed mindsets at the beginning of the book. When Coach Baxter tells Russell he’d be perfect for the center position, Owen silently objects because his friend Paul has always played center, and Owen doesn’t want to consider any other way the team could be organized. This moment is a catalyst for Owen’s mission to keep his world running smoothly and on the trajectory he wants, even if this mission is ultimately doomed. Russell’s response to Coach Baxter’s request shows the effect of stereotypes. Russell objects to trying out for the basketball team because he believes athletes are terrible students and that if he becomes an athlete, he will also have to become a terrible student. He also believes his good grades preclude him from getting involved in athletics because he’s too smart to stoop to playing sports. Both Russell and Owen have small-minded ideas here, showing how much growth both boys will undergo.