Philip informed his dad, Ken, that he did not try out for track for two primary reasons: he was academically ineligible due to his English grade, and he anticipated negative reactions from his peers, who he believed would blame him for Miss Narwin's resignation.
Reasons for Not Joining the Track Team
Philip's decision to forgo trying out for the track team was influenced by specific circumstances, which he eventually conveyed to his father. His aspirations for the track team were ultimately hindered by factors beyond just athletic ability.
Academic Ineligibility
The most direct reason Philip gave for not trying out was his academic standing. His grade in English made him ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including the track team. This indicates that school policies likely require a certain academic standard to be maintained for student participation in sports. Philip's performance in English, therefore, directly prevented him from joining the team, regardless of his desire or athletic capabilities.
Fear of Blame and Peer Reaction
Beyond academic hurdles, Philip was also significantly concerned about the social repercussions he might face. He expressed to his dad that he knew fellow students and possibly others involved with the school would be upset with him and hold him responsible for Miss Narwin's resignation. This fear suggests a deep awareness on Philip's part regarding the impact of the events surrounding Miss Narwin and his role in them. He anticipated a hostile environment or social ostracization if he were to join the team, making him reluctant to put himself in such a position.
These two reasons, one academic and policy-based, the other social and emotional, collectively led Philip to decide against trying out for track.
Summary of Reasons
To summarize, here are the core reasons Philip provided for not trying out for track:
| Category | Specific Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Academic | Ineligible due to English grade | Philip's poor performance in English coursework meant he did not meet the academic requirements for participating in school sports. |
| Social/Emotional | Feared blame and negative reactions from others | He believed that people at school would be upset with him and hold him accountable for the controversy leading to Miss Narwin's resignation. |
Philip's explanation to his father highlights both the official barriers and the significant personal anxieties that influenced his choices during this period.
