why does gene want to be assistant crew manager? what page is that on?

Gene really wants nothing to do with sport. The guilt of Finny's injury haunts him that much. Gene puts up with Cliff Quackenbush's taunts about taking such a junior position the year before he graduates. Finny also inquires but Gene merely says sport no longer interests him. When Finny persists, Gene realises that perhaps sport can provide a way to make things up to Finny and become more a part of his life. (He also wants to become Finny but that's a different thread!) I'll have to look for the chapter.