8 minute read
JMU Nation
NATION
50 years of Title IX
BY KEVIN WARNER (‘02), assistant athletic director for communications
Women have been at the forefront of athletics at James Madison University since its founding. As the institution grew and evolved from a college for teachers to a co-ed university, the emphasis on women’s sports never wavered. Pioneers like Dean Ehlers and Lee Morrison passed the baton to future leaders, and that commitment to equity in athletics program offerings has stood the test of time. As the nation marks 50 years of Title IX, the landmark legislation that ensured intercollegiate athletics opportunities for women, JMU Athletics celebrates its rich history of opportunity and achievement with sport-by-sport recognition throughout the 2022-23 academic year. At the same time, any reflection must be paired with a look ahead. JMU is committed to further expansion and exploration of the many benefits of women’s sports.
JMU’s women’s teams have accounted for two national championships, a Women’s College World Series appearance, 70 conference championships, numerous Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and NCAA postseason appearances, more than 100 All-Americans, and countless milestones and memories. Another 50 years of progress lie ahead.
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Bourne Dialogue on sportsmanship
BY JEFF BOURNE, director of athletics
One of the great things about being a college sports fan is that you truly feel part of the action and have a role in the game. The 12th man, sixth person — there are a variety of monikers, depending upon the sport. Energy, passion, deafening noise, gamechanging moments — this is what we love about college athletics!
As we move up to the Sun Belt Conference, we’re seeing tough competition every week. The margin for error is so thin that one play can make a difference. The energy from our fans can give our Dukes that little boost to break a big, momentum-changing play. We need you there, loud and cheering for our student-athletes!
However, there’s an appropriate way and an inappropriate way to be a fan, and it’s critically important to define that distinction and make it a priority at JMU. Sportsmanship has been a topic at the forefront of my mind for quite some time, and I’m committed to addressing it proactively as we are in a new year in a new conference.
Last year, there were multiple incidents of poor fan behavior, including at one of our most memorable events in recent history, the home win over the University of Virginia in men’s basketball. Derogatory, expletive-laced chants directed at our opponent were distinguishable to anyone present. Similar incidents occurred at multiple football games as well. Having a good time at a sporting event should never be defined by cursing the opponent, and there is no place for it at JMU.
For the 2022-23 competitive year, we have launched a “Dukes Do Better” campaign aimed at promoting positive fan behavior and sportsmanship. JMU has long embodied doing things the right way, and we want to not only maintain that image, but build upon it. The campaign began in August. Since then, messaging and activity picked up, engaging fans at events such as Meet the Dukes Day, the Weeks of Welcome pep rally and more. Our games have regular messaging on video boards and public address announcements at multiple intervals. Communication campaigns were activated across campus to reach as many different student groups as possible. We are also engaging targeted groups of student and nonstudent fans who can help us build and promote a positive game environment. We live in a challenging world where animosity and confrontation toward another person or group is far too frequent. It is a conscientious choice to not fall into that trap in a competitive sporting environment, and to choose to be vocal and energetic in a manner that builds up rather than tears down.
I call upon everyone in JMU Nation to be part of this important initiative and help us promote a culture where “Dukes Do Better!” Go Dukes!
Running the point
BY KHALIL GARRIOTT (’04)
In basketball, point guards are in more control of the game than ever before. Madison magazine sat down with graduate student Caroline Germond and redshirt sophomore Terell Strickland to discuss this trend, and much more, in these Q&As.
French transfer likes to dictate tempo
Madison magazine: How different is the culture in France from the culture in America? Germond: Food is the biggest [difference] — I love French food. But I also love E-Hall breadsticks! People in the U.S. are more welcoming and friendly, especially in Harrisonburg.
Madison: You transferred from Texas Christian University to JMU, both of which have purple in their school colors. What have you noticed about all the fans who have so much Purple Pride in JMU Nation?
Germond: I love seeing the passion of our fans at football games and seeing purple around town.
Madison: Why do you wear No. 20?
Germond: I was born in 2000, and everyone in my family (mom, dad, sister and brother) was born during the 20s of the month.
Madison: As a graduate student, can
you talk about the experience level and leadership you bring to the team?
Caroline Germond: With five years of basketball across three teams, I’ve had opportunities to grow and gain valuable experience. I believe these past experiences have helped improve my leadership abilities, which I’m excited to bring to the team.
Madison: The way basketball is played at the highest level has changed in recent years. As a guard, players like you can really dictate tempo, pace and strategy. Do you relish being a guard who can essentially control the game because of the position you play?
Germond: Of course! I like the system we run at JMU and feel that my style of play fits well with Coach Sean O’Regan’s, which I believe will lead to success on the court.
Madison: Student-athletes can now create personal brands for themselves. What is your personal vision for the future of those opportunities?
Germond: I think it’s great and will create opportunities, especially in women’s sports, leading to more recognition.
Madison: A steal or an assist — if you had to pick one, which do you enjoy more and why?
Germond: A steal that leads to an assist!
— John Bilello, assistant director for athletic communications, contributed to this report.
Son of NBA great sets the pace
Madison: Why do you wear No. 10?
Terell Strickland: That’s the number my dad, former NBA point guard Rod Strickland, wore in college. When he played in the NBA, he wore Nos. 1, 11 and 31 — there are four of us kids, so we each have a different number. My brother wears No. 13 because he switched the digits of 31, but I wear No. 10; my older sister wore No. 1; and my little sister wears No. 11.
Madison: What was it like growing up as the son of one of the NBA’s best point guards of his era?
Strickland: He was always just my dad to me. I didn’t know about how good he was until about seven or eight years ago. I only really saw him at the end of his career, so we would go watch him play and make jokes about his bad plays because he was our dad! Now I realize just how much I can learn from him, how much I can take from him in basketball and everyday life.
Madison: As a result of your dad’s career, you moved around a lot growing up. What was that like as a kid?
Strickland: I think moving around prepared me for college. I grew up used to finding ways to get comfortable in a new place. It’s made that part of things easier for me.
Madison: You excel in the classroom. What’s your advice for people juggling their studies with their sport?
Strickland: My dad always had a slogan, “You’re never too cool for school.” Coach [Mark] Byington tells us to never turn away from the people who are trying to help you. We have so much support and so many resources available to us, so you can’t be afraid to use them.
Madison: How did you persevere after having season-ending surgery last year? Beyond the physical rehab, how did you strengthen your mental game?
Strickland: My mental well-being took a toll going through that, but during the summer I changed my major to Psychology. I started drawing more. I’m working on a clothing brand right now. I started writing a lot more — I found other outlets besides basketball to keep my mind sharp and really work on myself.
Madison: Why are you majoring in Psychology?
Strickland: I’ve met a lot of different people in my life. I’ve watched people in situations like I’m in now as a college basketball player, and I enjoy learning about people’s perspectives. I like learning about why people are the way they are and why I am why I am.
Madison: What’s the key to getting so many steals?
Strickland: It probably has to do with why I enjoy psychology! I like getting into people’s minds and anticipating their next move. I put myself in the ballhandler’s shoes and try to think [about] what I would do in that situation — I try to read and react to what I think they’re about to do.
Madison: A steal or an assist — if you had to pick one, which do you enjoy more and why?
Strickland: Oh, that’s definitely an assist. There are tons of pictures here at JMU with me in the background after I pass it to somebody, and I’m jumping up with them or celebrating while they’re dunking or hitting a shot. It’s just exciting all the way around. — Jason Krech (’11), director for athletic communications, contributed to this report.
2023 Women Who amaze Summit
FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak (‘00)
