What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

This topic is about
The Shadow Club
SOLVED: Children's/YA
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SOLVED. YA dark book. Students create a secret club for those who are never the best, always the runners up or second best. 1990s or 1980s. [s]
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I actually just did a quick scan of the Books with 'Club' in the Title list, and there it was!
Genre: YA, but definitely darker and more adult themed than my parents new
Year: mid-90s most likely. Possibly 80s. Definitely not 2000's
Title: I believe it is something to do with "The second Best Club," or related euphemism. I feel like "Club" or "Society" etc is in the title, but not positive.
Cover: definitely bluish, darker blue, with about a dozen small round (penny size) photos of the characters faces around the frame of the cover.
It is about high school (possibly Jr High, more likely high school) students who are frustrated by always being second best. One is definitely second best at running (track and field or cross country I believe), one at singing or choir, one at gymnastics I believe?, swimming?, perhaps one academically?, and others.
They get together and create a secret club, and things escalate... They sabotage their competition. In one case quite violently - putting nails or glass on a grass field, because the first place runner regularly practices barefoot (and he ends up graphically bloodying his feet). I think it gets even darker, with someone nearly dying (I feel like almost drowning?)
I will be SO PROFUSELY THANKFUL for any help!!!