Behind the scenes, the seamen built alliances. They understood keenly that there would be fame for anyone who wintered over with Byrd. Of course, the top officers and scientists would be asked to
stay. But who else? Billy desperately wanted to overwinter, but so did Byrd’s “orderly”: the winning Boy Scout, de facto competition in the “one for the kids” slot.

противопоставляется борьба во "взрослых" категориях (Behind the scenes, the seamen built alliances.) и как бы отдельный "забег" для юношества.