The Breeze 10.7.21 by The Breeze

Local parlor hits 20 years of tattoo culture By CHRISTINA BUTCHKO The Breeze

In a small lot nestled on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Reservoir Street lies Alley Cat Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio, one of Harrisonburg’s several tattoo shops. Nick Swartz, the owner of Alley Cat, said he spends most of his time at the shop. He uses the connected building space as his office, which is decorated in original paintings done by the shop’s resident tattoo artists and range from detailed Japanese paintings to classic tattoo art with its own creative twists. Most of the art created by Alley Cat tattoo artists was done by current employees, one piece being a drawing on a handkerchief hanging on Nick’s door that was drawn entirely with a ballpoint pen. The tiny pen strokes and intricate details were done completely freehand, without any stencils. “I want an image everywhere you look because I have to have a design for everybody,” Swartz said. “If I’ve got a blank wall, that’s wasted space.” Swartz was born in Clifton Forge, a small town in southwest Virginia. With a population of around 4,000 people, Swartz said this secluded community surrounded him for most of his life. Swartz’s upbringing was far different from the one his children have lived through. Until he was about 8 years old, his family lived off food stamps and resided in Section 8 housing, which is the federal government’s program assisting lowincome families. His grandparents helped raise Swartz and his brother when their father left the responsibility of parenting to his mother, taking the brothers under their wing and away from the violence that often followed their father. “They sort of protected us and taught us to respect ourselves and be responsible for our actions,” Swartz said. Swartz’s great uncle, Arthur Potter, was the first person to expose him to tattoo culture, along with the punk-rock era and skateboarding influence that spread tattoo culture when he was growing up. Swartz said that when he turned 18 in 1996, he got his first tattoo— a tribal piece on his upper left arm. Two months later, he got another, and now he’s almost reached his goal to have artwork decorating most of his body in what tattoo artists call a “body suit.” Swartz’s arrival in Harrisonburg was facilitated mostly by a few of his friends who worked at tattoo and piercing shops. He started his career in Roanoke, Virginia, manufacturing jewelry and doing some piercings. One of his friends working across town in Harrisonburg at Painted Lady Tattoos and Piercings and another friend working in Roanoke decided they wanted to open a shop of their own, which became Alley Cat. Swartz started managing the shop and periodically performing piercings for clients. “After three years, they weren’t around as much, so I was mostly running the day-to-day responsibilities and dealing with all the artists and the patrons and everything in between,” Swartz said. “My brother and I ended up buying the place after they split.” Swartz’s older brother turned business partner, Josh Swartz, jumped in to help, using equity from a house he’d purchased for himself as a way for them to borrow money. “We were so accustomed to not having anything that we had a 15-year loan that we paid off in three years,” Nick said. “We just didn’t pay ourselves any extra money or do anything additional, and we still take the same salary we started with 17 years ago.” see ALLEY CAT, page 18

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october 7, 2021 VOL. 100 NO.08 BREEZEJMU.ORG

FAMILY FIRST

JMU football’s brotherhood runs deep By SAVANNAH REGER The Breeze

Some things are bigger than football. Redshirt junior linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey ran off the practice field ahead of the Weber State game. It was Sept. 14, and he walked into his post-practice interview with a fatigued look on his face, possibly a mix of focus on the road trip ahead and exhaustion from practice. TuckerDorsey was asked about the Wildcats and what the Dukes had to do to win — his answer was all business, the look on his face never changing. That is, until he was asked about his younger brother Tyrique Tucker, a JMU football commit heading to Harrisonburg next year — then, Diamonte smiled. “We [are] grown men now,” Diamonte said. “We can actually kick it and enjoy our time together. I’m excited, [and] I know he’s excited.” He laughed as he talked about Tyrique. This is Diamonte’s brother and someone

who changed his business-like presence just slightly. Diamonte and Tyrique are just one example of JMU football’s family culture, and that ideal transfers not only from the team but to the community. Family Weekend is back at JMU this season after a spring full of chaos and unprecedented moments. The Dukes take on No. 11 Villanova in front of a sold-out Bridgeforth Stadium, and a win over the Wildcats would be a resume booster for the playoffs. The matchup isn’t the only reason why the game is sold out. Student tickets disappeared nearly immediately after they opened because parents and friends alike are headed to Harrisonburg this weekend to celebrate family. For the Dukes, family is a constant through the program and the conference. JMU currently has family ties on the team from the past, in the present and might in the future. “It’s Family Weekend, so I’m going to have a bunch of family members here,” redshirt sophomore running back Latrele Palmer said.

“Our fans are the best in the FCS, so it’s going to be very loud and physical.” JMU’s football program has family in its roots. It’s a principle of the team but the connections from the past to the present run even deeper. It’s not new for younger siblings to follow in their older siblings’ footsteps and play for the program. Redshirt junior wide receiver Devin Ravenel is an example of that — his older brother Brandon played for JMU from 2013-16 and was a captain on the 2016 national championship team. The same applies for redshirt senior tight end Clayton Cheatham and his older brother, Deane. The Cheathams are an example of past family connections — that is, players who’ve had a sibling play in the past and now have someone currently playing. Clayton said that with Deane’s new profession, he has more flexibility, so he went to see the Dukes play in New Hampshire. He’ll be in Bridgeforth for the showdown with the Wildcats. see FOOTBALL MEANS FAMILY, page 25

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In-person classes present new struggles

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Students are facing new problems with the long-awaited return to classes on campus, and those difficulties should be acknowledged.

Father and daughter artists have their art showcased at Smith House Galleries downtown.

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The book display is being featured online and in person in Rose Library, and it was first displayed Oct. 1. Photos by Matt Young / The Breeze

‘Read about Afghanistan’ New book display aims to inform and start conversations about Afghanistan

Thursday, October 7, 2021

By MCKINLEY MIHAILOFF contributing writer

On the first floor of Rose Library, sitting to the left of the entrance, 32 books about Afghanistan are shelved by the same individual who hand-selected them. Their placement is simple — one after another — but the events leading to this display’s existence are anything but. “I volunteered to do it because I am AfghanAmerican and felt a need to do something in the moment,” Yasmeen Shorish, the head of scholarly communications strategies and an associate professor for the libraries, said. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. began its final withdrawal from Afghanistan in April. Since then, the Taliban have taken control of nearly the entire nation. Shorish began planning the display, “Read About Afghanistan,” in August, and it was first displayed Friday, Oct. 1. The selection is being featured online and in person, and

Shorish said its aim is to inform and start conversations regarding the country. “I wanted the theme to be about Afghanistan as a whole, with more of the aspects that aren’t so commonly discussed,” Shorish said. “I tried to find titles that represented historical works, but there are also titles about things that share more of the culture that is not commonly talked about.” Shorish said that she worries the contemporary, culturally significant aspects of the Afghan people aren’t recognized in the same way as their tragedies. “We have these books about the art and the culture and the poetry but also the political struggles and the threat to human rights that is currently being experienced under de facto Taliban rule,” Shorish said. “I just don’t want Afghanistan to only be defined by its trauma.” One book included in the lineup, “Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier,” was written by Shah

Mahmoud Hanifi, a history professor at JMU who specializes in the Middle East and South Asia. Hanifi said he has concerns about the way Afghanistan is being defined in the eyes of non-Afghans. “It’s important for students to think not just about the information being projected about Afghanistan, but the political structures that are conditioning what we hear,” Hanifi said. “Most of the discussion on Afghanistan is through the voice of non-Afghans, and they tend to concentrate around certain issues, whether it’s terrorism or Islam. While that generates a lot of information, it also leaves a lot of other questions unaddressed.” Shorish said she felt a responsibility to change pace from the current concentrated discussions and views on Afghanistan. “In part, I felt an obligation to help provide a breadth of information,” Shorish said. “There’s a challenge with that, perhaps because so many books focus on narratives that I feel are overamplified. They mask the

totality of the human experience of Afghans and the larger diasporic communities.” Hours after its completion, the book display sat undisturbed. Mercedes Navarro, a sophomore biology major who said that she frequents Rose library, had just noticed the display for the first time. While she’s “somewhat educated” on what’s happening in Afghanistan, she said, she’s not confident in calling herself “100% knowledgeable.” Navarro wasn’t alone in her hesitancy to discuss Afghanistan. Multiple other students declined to comment on the display, citing they didn’t know enough to share their opinions. The display aims to challenge this line of thinking and open conversations about a broad range of topics. In particular, Hanifi commented on how the imperial controls over Afghanistan have impacted outside perception on the nation.

NEWS

Book display organizer Yasmeen Shorish said she worries that not all aspects of Afghan life and culture are recognized in society.

“We have these books about the art and the culture and the poetry but also the political struggles and the threat to human rights that is currently being experienced under de facto Taliban rule. I just don’t want Afghanistan to only be defined by its trauma.” Yasmeen Shorish

Head of scholarly communications strategies and associate professor for JMU Libraries display will appreciate the diversity of the Afghan story being told through the titles. Beyond this, she said, there’s a theme embedded in the display that she carries with her. “There is a poem by Saadi Sharazi inscribed on the United Nations building that talks about the completeness of humanity,” Shorish said. “You can view humanity as a body; when you harm a limb, the whole body is harmed. This is a spirit that I think is critical to our survival as a species. I think we should pay more attention to this message and extend care toward one another so that we can realize the best parts of that concept.” Shorish believes this message applies locally here in Harrisonburg. “You’ve got many students on this campus who come from the Afghan diaspora,” Shorish said. “The Afghan community is also an American community.” CONTACT McKinley Mihailoff at mihailmx@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter @BreezeNewsJMU.

History professor Shah Mahmoud Hanifi wrote one of the books in the display, titled, “Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier.”

Thursday, October 7, 2021

“What history highlights is how connected Afghanistan has been to its surroundings and the world,” Hanifi said. “This shows it to be international and cosmopolitan in ways that are the absolute opposite of how it’s portrayed. It’s amazing how the history of mobility and connections is erased because of the imperial desire to make it look that way.” No country is defined by a single factor, Shorish said, and is instead a sum of many different historical and cultural components. “Afghanistan is, like any country, a complex and heterogeneous place,” Shorish said. “We would be better served as a people if we were able to take all these things together and recognize the completeness of the situation. It’s not just violence, it’s not just oppression, it’s not just art — it’s not any one thing.” Navarro said that she thinks for students who aren’t familiar with Afghanistan, this display is a good way to self-educate. She plans to read some of the titles included in the display and tell students passing through the library about it. Shorish said she hopes readers of the

NEWS

Triple the dose

COVID-19 boosters arrive in the Shenandoah Valley By EMMA SWAIN contributing writer

Last week, booster shots for the PfizerBioNTech vaccine were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for those ages 65 and older. According to the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), the booster shots will be available to those in Shenandoah Valley within the next week. The CSHD says it expects a smooth rollout of this third round. “We have the capacity vaccine-wise, as well as the scale of our clinics as needed, so we definitely do not have any concerns about administration of the booster at all,” Jordi Shelton, the communications specialist at CSHD, said. These shots are only recommended for those who are: • Aged 65+ or may be living in long-term care facilities. • Between the ages of 50-64 with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk of COVID-19. • Between the ages of 18-49 and whose jobs may put them at a higher risk for COVID-19. • Between the ages 18-49 and at a higher risk due to underlying medical conditions.

Chey McClure, a freshman pre-nursing major who’s had Type 1 Diabetes for 13 years, said she’ll be getting the shot once it becomes available. She explained that having an autoimmune disorder is dangerous because her immune system can’t protect her as well, and she called it unfair that others can put her at even more risk by not following necessary precautions. “Any protection that is offered should be taken up as soon as possible,” McClure said. “It helps us fight off what we could get just because our immune system isn’t as efficient.” According to the FDA, individuals have to wait six months after receiving their last COVID-19 dose before getting the booster shot. Proof of occupation or medical history isn’t required for the administration of the booster shot. Shelton said that if anyone is unsure about their eligibility, they should talk to their medical care provider to work out a proper strategy plan. Isis Carter, a freshman nursing major, said underlying health conditions are prevalent in her family, making her anxious for the boosters shots to become available. As she said, “Not everyone is vaccinated, and it’s a big thing for me because my family has a lot of underlying health conditions.” She said it’s important that those with

underlying medical conditions, like her family, and those who are eldery feel safe in their own communities. The booster shot is only FDA-approved for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and Shelton said those who have the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine should wait for further updates on booster shots that may be available in the future. It’s not recommended that those with differing vaccinations from the Pfizer-BioNTech approved booster should take the shot. “Pfizer was the first vaccine to be authorized, and therefore, its data on any waiting effectiveness was also available first,” said Shelton. “We are anticipating some more information about Johnson & Johnson and Moderna.” CONTACT Emma Swain at swaineg@dukes.jmu. edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter @BreezeNewsJMU.

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NEWS

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Food at your fingertips

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The Pantry releases an app that makes shopping efficient

By KENZIE WHITE contributing writer

inventory. Currently at The Pantry, Hawkins and Smith said, there’s an online ordering form available, but the staff has to constantly update it manually. This app, they said, makes it easier for staff to accurately serve the needs of students who come. Anyone who wants to use The Pantry, Smith said, can experience a different level of control in being able to plan ahead. He said the app makes shopping at The Pantry more like shopping at a grocery store. “While doing some research for the app when I was in school, [my group] talked to different students that were food insecure,” Smith said. “One of them mentioned that it is difficult to concentrate when they’re

“[Food-insecure students] look around and see that others aren’t struggling in the same manner. That’s what this app addresses — it addresses the stigma that comes with using The Pantry.”

Isaac Smith

App developer and JMU alumnus

hungry and that the lack of nutrition was affecting their studying.” Smith said that after talking to Hawkins, he found out there’s a stigma for using The Pantry for some students experiencing food insecurity. He said it reflects a negative impact on a sense of belonging at the university. “[Food-insecure students] look around and see that others aren’t struggling in the same manner,” Smith said. “That’s what this app addresses — it addresses the stigma that comes with using The Pantry.” Hawkins said The Pantry is working in conjunction with the BRAFB for the app. Robin Swecker, partner engagement manager for the BRAFB, said The Pantry staff decides what foods they want for their inventory, and the Food Bank provides it. The BRAFB was originally partnered with Off Campus Kitchen, a food recovery network that redistributed campus food to graduate students. Swecker said that program moved over into The Pantry and became a resource that all students could access rather than just a select group. “I think that this app has more benefits than just anonymity,” Smith said. “This app saves everyone that wants to use The Pantry time and presents clarity.” CONTACT Kenzie White at white6mj@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter @BreezeNewsJMU.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

A new resource is coming to JMU students: The Pantry at JMU app. This app, dated to release October 2021, was created by Isaac Smith (’20) to revitalize the usage system of The Pantry. The Pantry is a resource for students on and off campus who may be food insecure. It provides free produce supplied by donors and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB). Over the course of about a year, Smith has curated The Pantry at JMU app for The Pantry. This app is set up to be an online ordering system for students to access The Pantry more efficiently, Jeremy Hawkins, founder of The Pantry and assistant director for Off-Campus Life, said. Hawkins and Smith have met monthly to make adjustments to the app, assembling it to be as efficient as possible, he said. Smith said the app started as a five-person school group project for his interactive design class while he was a senior at JMU. After brainstorming several ideas, Smith said the group outlined how an app would look for JMU’s food pantry. After graduation, Smith continued to build the app on his own and reached out to Hawkins for assistance in collaboration. “Isaac was looking to build up his skill set in apps for professional development and saw this as a perfect opportunity to do some real world good while gaining experience

and skill set,” Hawkins said. Students can go on the app and create an order from the The Pantry’s inventory, Hawkins said, and select curbside or inperson pickup. He said there will be a shelf where students can walk in, grab the items they ordered and leave. For curbside, students would go to a designated parking spot on Grace Street, call The Pantry and then have their order brought to them. He said students can choose a three-word identifier to stay anonymous when picking up an order. Part of that anonymity, Hawkins said, is born out of a desire to keep the app “low barrier” — one of the ways to do that, he said, is to not require personal information from the students picking up items. One feature of the app is its real-time

NEWS

Masks on, masks off JMU mask policy prompts community response

By KINGSTON THOMAS contributing writer

Thursday, October 7, 2021

As the fall 2021 semester continues, the pandemic’s shadow still looms over campus. Though the Delta variant persists alongside crowded campus spaces like classrooms and buses, some worry about whether real safety can come from mask mandates. Some students, like junior philosophy major Kamryn Hayward, question the efficacy of JMU’s measures. “I feel like [JMU is] trying,” Hayward said. “There’s not a lot of mask mandates actually happening, though I think people are doing better this year. I feel like people actually want to stay on campus, but for the most part, [the mandates] aren’t that strict.” Hayward said she feels like there’s almost 10 times as many people on campus than she ever remembers in her three years at JMU, calling the high volume of students “ridiculous.” “I feel like they could enforce masks better for sure and have more regular testing,” Hayward said. “I’m vaccinated, but I got a [COVID-19] test a couple of days ago because I was scared with being back on campus with all these people. I foresee

another [COVID-19] outbreak on campus, especially with all the partying.” JMU’s assistant director of media relations Ginny Cramer said JMU wants a community that puts everyone’s health and safety first, meaning they’re counting on everyone to wear a mask when indoors and in the presence of others. JMU’s official policy regarding masks requires them to be worn in places owned or leased by the university while individuals are in the presence of others, in residence hall rooms other than a student’s own or at dining halls when not eating or drinking. Associate biology professor James Herrick said he believes crowded events and buses could be hotspots and breeding grounds for COVID-19. He said he “highly recommends” wearing a mask on buses and to events like football games because everyone’s close together. Herrick said he believes JMU’s taking the proper measures to keep students and faculty safe. However, he still encourages people to stay alert. “We may have to pivot because this pandemic and virus change, and therefore, our response needs to change,” Herrick said. “It’s not just the fact that it’s mutating but

also that it can quickly spread through the population of a given area.” Herrick said all the measures put in place work in tandem with each other — masks, social distancing and vaccines all take part in reducing the infection risk. “It’s all a matter of how many infectious particles one is exposed to,” Herrick said. “The more preventative measures one does, the more the risk is reduced.” He explained that out of the three measures, the most important is the encouragement of vaccines due to the rising threat of the Delta variant, which is “almost twice as infectious as the original [virus],” Herrick said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, there’s some evidence that the Delta variant can cause more severe illness in unvaccinated people. The CDC has said layered prevention strategies, like mask wearing are still the most effective ways of reducing the variant’s spread. “There are indicators that there are over 1,000 times as many particles in the upper respiratory tract, meaning mask wearing is more important than it was even three or four months ago,” Herrick said. “Wear a

mask, and wear a good one.” Herrick said that due to the ever-changing nature of the virus, another COVID-19 outbreak is still possible, but the JMU population is in a “much stronger position” than it was last year because of vaccinations. On Aug. 9, JMU began sharing its COVID-19 data on an online dashboard, updating it every Monday at 10 a.m. As of Oct. 1, the dashboard reported 91.9% of students and 88.3% of staff are vaccinated, with 297 total cases among students and faculty since Aug. 10. Herrick said JMU is in a, “good spot’’ and called for students to be responsible while off campus. He said that if students wear their masks in public and follow health guidance, there won’t be another outbreak like last fall. “The preparations have already been made, it’s just that we all really need to comply,” Herrick said. “We’re all tired of this thing, but we can’t get so tired that we throw out all caution.” CONTACT Kingston Thomas at thoma2ks@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter @BreezeNewsJMU.

Associate biology professor James Herrick said that prevention strategies, such as vaccines, social distancing and masks, work together to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Christine Brady / The Breeze

Thursday, October 7, 2021

OPINION EDITOR Jacob Carter

EMAIL breezeopinion@gmail.com

Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts & Pats is the place to do it. Submit your own at breezejmu.org.

@TheBreezeOp

Be the change Mental health resources deserve exposure in on-campus restrooms

A "Mother-Earththanks-you" pat to the Forbes Center for providing performers with eco-friendly beverage containers.

ANIYAH MULLIGAN | contributing writer F e e l i n g anxious about returning to a lively campus after a year of isolation is completely normal. While everyone eases back into their usual routines academically and socially, students should be mindful of their mental health. JMU could alleviate some of the tension by exposing students to more campus resources revolving around mental health, and it begins in the bathrooms. Next time you’re inside of a campus bathroom facility, look around at the walls. JMU’s sexual assault resource boards are usually screwed into the wall, enclosed in a clear casing providing vital information for those who need it. Mental health resources should also be given the same attention and be posted in campus restrooms. Sexual assault resource information being displayed in every bathroom signifies that the university is aware of the possibility that students may be involved in difficult situations. The boards provide a 24-

From a patron who hopes this action might inspire a campus-wide ban on singleuse plastics.

A “how-dare-you” dart to the professor who gave me feedback on an assignment she didn't explain. From a disgruntled student. A “where's-my-wallet” dart to my luck. I had to cancel a date. From someone who's broke AND single.

hour hotline and numerous departments students can reach out to on campus. Now that the world is transitioning back to normal lives, JMU should recognize that poor mental health is an additional threat that students could face this year. Posting mental health resource boards in bathroom facilities generates a feeling of privacy. If a student is in need of mental health services, they’re less likely to feel timid when they can snag the information with no one looking. It’s all about privacy and not feeling any judgement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the United States during April-June 2020.” With the return of students to campus, especially freshmen, a new wave of anxieties have hit. “I was anxious about returning to classes,” freshman kinesiology major Avery Fernandez said. “I cried the first week of classes because my Office of Disability Services form hadn’t been approved to record class lectures." see MENTAL HEALTH, page 14

A “lack-of-parking” dart to the ICS buses for always being packed.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

From an avid social-distancer. A “you-made-my-day” pat to the girl in carrier who complimented my outfit.

Jacob Carter / The Breeze

From a trend-setter.

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OPINION

Take a shot NFL COVID-19 vaccine mandate affects players and fans alike

JOHN BREEDEN | The Breeze

Possible forfeitures due to COVID-19 outbreaks could drastically affect revenue for the league. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service

The NFL proposes that once 100% of players are vaccinated, COVID-19 protocols will no longer be needed. Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service

Prior to the start of the 2021 season, the National Football League (NFL) announced fines to be handed down to unvaccinated players for violating COVID-19 protocols. Each offense will result in a $14,650 fine, whether it’s for not wearing a mask or not social distancing. Instead of dangling fines above unvaccinated players’ heads, the NFL should create a mandate, making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory. The NFL updated its COVID-19 guidelines Aug. 30. Unvaccinated players must be tested daily. If an unvaccinated player misses a day of testing, they aren’t allowed in the team facility again until they have five straight days of negative tests. If an unvaccinated player tests positive for COVID-19, they must quarantine for at least 10 days. A pro regarding the fines is that it may urge unvaccinated players to get their vaccines. However, many NFL players are wealthy. The average NFL player’s salary in 2021 is $1-1.5 million. To some players, $14,000 may be spent like it’s nothing — but no one wants money taken out of their pocket for simply not wearing a mask. Yet, there’s a major flaw in this rule. A vaccinated person can still contract and spread COVID-19. Perhaps that’s why the National Football League Player’s Association (NFLPA) said it wants to increase COVID-19 testing and make masks mandatory for all players regardless of vaccination

status. Since vaccinated players currently aren’t required to wear masks, it puts unvaccinated players at risk because they aren’t protected by a vaccine. Mandating that all players be vaccinated would resolve this issue. The league has also stated that it isn’t going to reschedule games outside of the 18-week schedule due to COVID-19 outbreaks. If a team has an outbreak and their game can’t be rescheduled, they’ll lose by forfeit and players won’t get paid — which seems like quite the punishment for getting sick. Forfeiting games not only hurts player pay and the league’s revenue, but it also takes its toll on the NFL fan base as well. JMU senior Gates Dunham has been an avid football fan since he was 8 years old. His favorite team is the New York Giants, and he said he’d be disappointed if they had to forfeit games due to a COVID-19 outbreak. “That would be heartbreaking, especially over something that’s not in control of the players,” Dunham said. “That would suck, especially something that’s affecting my own team.” Although Dunham would be disappointed if games would be forfeited, he said, he knows the NFL has good intentions. Its goal is to keep players healthy so they can do what they’re paid to do. see NFL VACCINE MANDATES, page 15

Photo courtesy of Unsplash (Izaac Crayton)

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Unvaccinated players are required to get tested every day and wear masks indoors at all times, while vaccinated players only require one test per week and aren’t required to wear masks.

OPINION

back to school

(if you can find a spot)

On-campus parking lots and garages have seen an increase in student traffic this semester. Photo by Emma Connelly / The Breeze

Difficulties of the return to on-campus life should be acknowledged

Thursday, October 7, 2021

MARGARET WILLCOX | contributing writer After over a year of online classes, the return to in-person learning has been great. However, there bbare definitely some challenges that have come with it. As students are welcomed back to campus, some may be yearning for the days of wearing pajamas and sitting in bed during a lecture. That needs to be recognized and legitimized. Reem Al-Khoja, a senior at JMU, experienced this yearning. “In the beginning, it was a little bit hard, when you could just open your laptop and attend class,” Al-Khoja said. “Now you have to get up, get out of bed and go to class.” During fall 2020, JMU held almost all of its classes online. While some students decided not to return to campus in the fall of 2020, many still came back. Loads of students were taking their classes from the comfort of their apartments — a major shift in how learning looked. It was easy to half-listen to a lecture while making a cup of coffee. It was easy to roll out of bed ten minutes before the class started. As last year ended, some JMU students hadn’t stepped foot in Harrisonburg the entire year. Now, almost all of JMU’s

classes are being held in person — a move that required ample relearning processes. “It feels very different,” Al-Khoja said, “but I’ve gotten used to it. While some students have seemed to find routine, others have struggled with COVID-19 anxiety. Some students may be thrilled to see other — masked — faces in the classroom, but it may still feel weird and uncomfortable for many. Chloe Tarbell, a senior at JMU, has experienced COVID-19 anxiety when transitioning back to in-person classes. For Tarbell, much of it comes from resocialization. “I think the anxiety that comes with being around people,” Tarbell said, “that was really stressful.” This anxiety isn’t uncommon. It’s happening with students not only throughout the country but throughout the world. In a study conducted by PLOS ONE, a peer-reviewed science community, they discovered that in firstyear college students, “rates of moderatesevere anxiety increased 39.8 percent and rates of moderate-severe depression increased 47.9 percent from before to mid-pandemic.” Drawing from this data, one can conclude that the pandemic has severely impacted students’ mental health at an alarming rate as they return

to classrooms. “My perception of space has changed a lot,” Tarbell said. “Now, I walk into a classroom, and I’m like, ‘Wow, these people are sitting, like, really close to me.’” Alyssa Ames-Sikora is a faculty member at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders Westchester. She spoke about anxiety affecting students in the classroom, stating, “Anxiety and fear are normal human emotions, and they can be helpful when they prevent us from making bad choices and keeping ourselves safe. However, anxiety can be problematic when our fear level is elevated but the threat in the environment is low.” Even with social distancing precautions, masks and vaccinations, COVID-19 can still spread. While the environment at a university can feel secure, there’s always a bit of a risk. Not all students follow COVID-19 safety measures, and not everyone is vaccinated. This puts other students at a risk. The transition to in person has also forced students to learn differently. Students may have gotten so used to watching lectures online and taking exams virtually that this transition can be hard as well, Al-Khoja said. “I took some exams, and the averages have been pretty low,” Al-Khoja said. “We

haven’t taken an in-person exam in almost two years, and we just don’t know how to memorize stuff now.” Students became so comfortable with relying on notes and resources that the act of studying became completely different. While of course, these notes and resources were allowed, they may have set students back this year when taking exams. “We were used to taking exams where we would have to find the stuff,” Al-Khoja said. “We didn’t have to actually have them in our brain.” This additionally accounts for more anxiety. While this anxiety isn’t COVID-19 related, it brings back a fear for many students: test anxiety. The ability to take exams in the comfort of a student’s own home may have alleviated that anxiety a bit. Now back in the classroom, that anxiety is definitely apparent for students. While it may be great to be back in the classroom, don’t feel bad for yearning for the days of online learning. It’s normal, and developing new routines takes time. Some day, students will look back on this crazy college experience and be proud of themselves for getting through it. CONTACT Margaret Willcox at willcomr@ dukes.jmu.edu. Margaret Willcox is a media arts and design major.

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OPINION

Bathroom resource boards provide opportunity to reduce stigma from MENTAL HEALTH, page 10

Jacob Carter / The Breeze

Thursday, October 7, 2021

DESIGN. PRINT. MAIL. HERE.

JMU has 21,496 students enrolled, and a vast majority of this year’s freshmen haven’t attended face-to-face classes since March 2020. Therefore, it’s fair to assume this unique experience could affect students academically and socially. The U.S. Department of Education conducted a survey of college students where “respondents also reported having trouble maintaining a routine and staying connected with others.” It’s easy to feel small in a sizable community like JMU. It’s even easier to suffer in silence when resources appear to be nonexistent. College students are among those most at risk for dismissing the status of their mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “45% of those who stopped attending college because of mental health related reasons did not receive accommodations.” By incorporating the mental health resource boards in campus bathrooms adjacent to the sexual assault boards, JMU could minimize the stigma of reaching out for help. If JMU is seriously committed to “being the change,” then these statistics regarding mental health should be taken into consideration. It’s essential for students to remember their mental health is equally as important as their physical health. Having mental health resource boards sufficiently exhibited in clear casings and hammered into the wall could also

potentially enhance the university’s reputation as an institution that cares about the mental wellbeing of their community. Let’s be clear: The proposal of mental health resource boards is in no way an act to dismiss the importance of the sexual assault resources. The proposal is to simply recognize that both issues could affect students, and both resources should be constantly visible. JMU offers counseling resources, community clinicians, COVID-19 mental health options and mental health emergency assistance. However, this information is predominantly found on the university’s website, which isn’t always the most effective way to display information. People search for convenience and rummaging through a website could cause irritation. Mental health deterioration can be a silent killer that travels through college campuses annually, and even more so this year. According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness, “20% of college students say their mental health has worsened under COVID-19.” Allowing mental health resources to be constantly visible to students would serve as a healthy reminder that people are available and willing to listen. Mental health issues are not limited to a specific group of people. They can affect anyone. CONTACT Aniyah Mulligan at mulligag@ dukes.jmu.edu. Aniyah Mulligan is a junior communications major with a concentration in public relations.

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OPINION

Vaccine mandate would help NFL in long run from NFL VACCINE MANDATES, page 11 “I understand what the NFL’s doing,” Dunham said, “they just want to get through as best as possible so everyone’s able to play throughout the entire season.” The NFL’s message says once 100% of players are vaccinated, there’s no need for COVID-19 protocols. The rule that games won’t be rescheduled and players won’t be paid, however, is absurd. It’s one thing to mandate mask policies, but to punish people for contracting COVID-19 is out of line. One could argue that if athletes follow COVID-19 guidelines, no one would get sick, therefore making the punishment acceptable. It’s been well-established, though, that even if someone is doing all the right things to prevent COVID-19 contraction, they can still get it. It’s understandable why the league wants to put these rules in place to keep players healthy — avoiding postponed games benefits its bottom line. Yet, it should enforce rules that are reasonable. The NFL’s COVID-19 protocols are too convoluted with senseless punishments, whereas a vaccine mandate would simplify the process. They seemed to have no problem mandating a vaccine for staff who work “in close proximity to players.”

The NFLPA said it wants to increase COVID-19 testing and make masks mandatory, regardless of vaccination status. Photo courtesy of Unsplash (Al Soot)

Unfortunately, the union doesn’t believe a mandatory vaccine for players is the best idea. The league has said it believes if the union leaders green light a vaccine mandate, it could lead to backlash from players who don’t want a vaccine. “We know vaccines are effective, but we also know our strict protocols — when followed — are effective, as we proved last year,” NFLPA spokesman George Atallah told Mark Maske of The Washington Post. Atallah calling the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols strict is correct — in regard to the unvaccinated. Vaccinated players are tested only once a week, they aren’t required to wear masks or social distance and aren’t required to isolate if they come in close contact with someone who tested

positive for COVID-19. The NFL’s COVID-19 protocols aren’t effective because vaccinated players can still spread the virus. Even if the league is 100% fully vaccinated, the virus can still spread. At that point, the league is doing everything it can to protect its players. The NFLPA should take the risk of a player revolt because fines and forfeited games will hurt players and the league more than mandatory vaccines. The NFLPA should also realize that the vaccines are approved by federal agencies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in August. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock assures people that the Pfizer vaccine is risk-free.

“The public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” Woodcock said. It’s time for the NFLPA to step up and join the league in mandating COVID-19 vaccines. There won’t be the need to put penalties in place for unvaccinated players and the threat of canceling games. The vaccines are safe, and if the entire league becomes fully vaccinated, the players and NFLPA will realize they were holding out for nothing. CONTACT John Breeden at breed2jr@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more sports coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @ TheBreezeSports.

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OPINION

reunited

AND IT TASTES SO GOOD

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Piece of cake

JMU alumna grows business despite pandemic By SARAH ECCLESTON The Breeze

JMU alumna Alexis Cosby’s (’18) Mondays mean planning: when to bake that week’s cakes and when to decorate them. First comes the batter, then the cake, then decor over the next few days. Finally, Casby delivers the finished product. It started in 2019 when Cosby opened up A Sweet Confession. This summer, with business growing, she packed it up and moved to Maryland.

Small business struggles

It wasn’t a straight-forward journey. Cosby said COVID-19 temporarily shuttered A Sweet Confessions doors for a few months, just as it did to about 41.3% of United States businesses. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in the first year of the pandemic, 200,000 more businesses than the yearly average

closed — 130,000 being small businesses. As reported by Fortune in January, the restaurant and food service industry was hit the most, losing $240 billion in 2020 losses. This isn’t to say that small businesses had no support. Cited by the WSJ article, economists found that their struggles were eased with the help of federal aid, grants and loans — one organization, the Paycheck Protection Program, supported businesses by providing “$525 billion in forgivable loans” last year. The Society for Human Resource Management said 43% of small businesses reported that they were finding new ways to be open despite the pandemic. A Sweet Confession said it reopened again in May 2020, and Cosby received more orders than ever before — rather unusual in a time during less large gatherings. Due to the reduced number of people attending events, the cake orders received were for much smaller cakes than she’d done before. One creative solution Cosby produced during the

Alexis Cosby

Owner of A Sweet Confession

pandemic was to allow customers to make their own cupcakes from home through DIY holiday cupcake kits. The kits included 6 cupcakes, two bags of buttercream, sprinkles and cupcake toppers. Cosby made a video decorating the cupcakes on Facebook to show customers examples of how customers could decorate their cupcakes.

‘Definitely hard-working’

Cosby said she’s been interested in baking since high school, starting with cookies and brownies for friends. The hobby evolved during her senior year when she took a class at Michaels on cake decorating to further her baking knowledge. Going to college didn’t end her baking progress. Cosby said that while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work at JMU, she made a Founder’s Day banquet cake for her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and for the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After graduating, Cosby worked at a Publix grocery store as an apprentice cake decorator while earning a master’s degree in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Eight months later, A Sweet Confession was officially open for business. On top of running her business, she worked at VCU helping new transfer and high school students in their college transition. Pursuing her master’s degree, working a full-time job and completing cake orders, Cosby said she needed to be incredibly organized to make sure everything was done on time. Although she’s seen a spike in orders after re-opening, she doesn’t have any employees to help with her baking or

decorating process. Cosby’s fiance, Antonio Roberts, has stepped in to help her take photographs and videos of her cakes for the business’s social media and website. Lisa Dortch, Cosby’s mother, said Cosby’s constantly setting goals for herself, calling her “definitely hard-working.” Cosby’s close friend, Jalyn Baiden (’16), said she admires Cosby for her organization skills. Baiden’s family members are also loyal customers to her business. “She did my sister’s baby shower,” Baiden said. “She’s done my birthday, she’s done Valentine’s day for my husband and … I mean, she really is our go-to.” A Sweet Confession has now moved from Richmond, Virginia to Rockville, Maryland, as Cosby starts a job at the University of Maryland and continues to take online classes at VCU. Cosby said the leadership experience at JMU has proven valuable in her cake business, professional career and life. “The biggest thing I have gained from JMU is being part of this network,” Cosby said. Despite challenges that being the owner of her own business can bring, she said she’s grateful for her customers at the end of the day. “It can be stressful, it can be time consuming, but in the end, if it turns out to be exactly what the client was looking for, it makes it all worth it to me,” Cosby said. “It keeps me going and keeps me wanting to create different cakes that will be a part of people’s events and make them happy.” CONTACT Sarah Eccleston at ecclessk@ dukes.jmu.edu. Sarah is a School of Media and Design junior.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

“It can be stressful, it can be time consuming, but in the end, if it turns out to be exactly what the client was looking for, it makes it all worth it to me.”

Alexis Cosby has been baking since high school. Screen grab from Facebook

CULTURE

EDITORS

Amy Needham & Charlotte Matherly

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Sustained by culture

Nick said he prides himself on respecting the culture of tattooing and keeping originality in his designs. Photos by Matt Young / The Breeze

Alley Cat Tattoo and Body Piercing celebrates 20th anniversary

Thursday, October 7, 2021

from ALLEY CAT, page 1

Nick handles the business side of Alley Cat. He said he lets his tattoo artists use their creativity to the highest caliber possible — they’re the ones who understand the tools they’re using and tattooing basics, he said. However, Nick and all of his tattooers are knowledgeable about tattooing and the origins of all their designs, he said, because of their respect for the culture. He said the current crew at Alley Cat is the best it’s ever been, and the only hardships the business could possibly experience would be if one of the crew members decided to leave. “We are practitioners of a craft that is respectful of a culture,” Nick said, “and that culture sustains us.” In their free time, Nick said, most of his tattoo artists indulge in painting and drawing to help elevate their game and practice the style and role they want to maintain in their discipline. This practice, Nick said, helps to diversify the type of tattoos the artist is capable of doing. Alley Cat puts a major emphasis on originality and discourages copying art that someone else has on their body already. Tattoos are unique to the person they embody, he said. “Some people will ask us what the difference is between getting a tattoo from

our provided sheets and from getting one from a picture they show us that they found off the internet already on someone’s body,” Nick said. “The sheets are made for everybody, the picture of the tattoo on someone’s body was made for that person.” Tim Sorensen, a senior international business and German double major from Ashburn, Virginia, got his Japanese dragon tattoo at Alley Cat in June. Prior to going, Sorensen said, he scrolled through Alley Cat’s Instagram to check out their work and ended up seeing designs that aligned with the

tattoo he wanted to get. After consulting with his tattoo artist, Trevor Smith, he helped bring Sorensen’s tattoo to life. Sorensen decided on a Japanese dragon for his leg to match the Japaneseinspired tiger he’d gotten previously on his arm. Trevor’s own additions and mock-ups helped make the finished product something Sorensen said he “was incredibly proud of.” Breaking up the appointment into two sessions was essential, Sorensen said, as the total time to complete this particular piece was nearing nine hours.

“Being able to see an artist like Trevor doing his work was incredible, and the compliments I get have only made me love it even more,” Sorensen said. “I always tell them, ‘Go to Trevor.’” Alley Cat has five tattoo artists who take appointments and walk-ins on Fridays, leaving a line curling around the shop and into the parking lot with eager customers anticipating getting new ink or a piercing on their body. Generally, these artists are completely booked, so the Friday walk-ins fill up quickly. Each artist typically serves four to five customers a day, but this varies depending on the size, type and intricacy of the tattoo and whether there will be multiple sessions. On the other hand, piercings don’t take nearly as much time as tattooing does, so the wait for those appointments isn’t as long. Abigail Lambert, a fifth-year biotech major from Richmond, went to Alley Cat about a month ago to get her daith pierced. The daith piercing goes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold and is performed using a straight, hollow needle. “I’ve never gone to a tattoo shop to get a piercing done; in the past I’ve only ever gone to Piercing Pagoda or the places in the mall,” Lambert said. “My piercer [at Alley Cat] made me feel very comfortable considering I was a first-timer.”

CULTURE

LOCATION 990B Reservoir St.

The five tattoo artists at Alley Cat use their creativity to the highest caliber, Nick said.

HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 12:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

SUNDAY 12:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. In addition to tattooing, the shop also offers body piercings, which attract mostly students.

one of her breasts removed and decided to get a hawk tattoo in memory of her late husband, as a hawk had begun visiting her after his death. “You always meet people that you have appreciation for outside of the job or outside of what you’re doing,” Nick said. “Mary Jane proceeded to tell me this rich story about her life, and we’ve started inviting her to shop functions ever since.” Alley Cat’s 20th anniversary was on Sept. 1 — a major milestone Nick said he’s proud of. The crew celebrated by closing down the shop for three days. Mary Jane was one of the invitees to this event, alongside roughly 120 tattoo artists from across the country. “I’m grateful that coming from welfare, I’m able to now take care of my family in a way that I’m happy doing it,” Nick said. “I don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise, but I don’t think I would’ve been this happy.” After 20 years, Nick has no intention of retiring — and the spark that lit inside him at a young age is still going strong. “Tattooing is a culture that is deeper than just what is hot right now,” Nick said. “The richness of that is what really keeps me excited about tattoos to this day.” CONTACT Christina Butchko at butchkcl@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

For its 20th anniversary Sept. 1, Nick invited roughly 120 tattoo artists from across the country to join the celebration at Alley Cat.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Nick said students are typical piercing customers, while tattoo customers range from locals and students to newly turned 18-yearolds coming to celebrate. He does rounds at everybody’s station each day to see what they’re working on and to talk to clients — he wants to be an ambassador for tattoo culture, he said. “I want people to understand that it’s a viable art form that is a unique trait as well,” Nick said. “We’ve tried to introduce tattoo culture to this community, and as a result, it’s been well-received, and a lot of people are getting bigger stuff.” Nick keeps busy outside of Alley Cat. His role as a father to two young children and involvement with his family are important to him, he said, as well as keeping up with “No Lies Just BS,” a storytelling podcast he hosts that he said has kept him busy the past five years. He currently has 263 episodes and has consistently published weekly since starting it in October 2016. He said he enjoys inviting people he meets to ask them questions about their lives and to learn their stories, ranging from tattoo artists to local characters — the most recent being his seventh-grade teacher. One stand-out guest was an “unforgettable” 70-year-old woman named Mary Jane, Nick said, who came into Alley Cat asking to get her ear tattooed. Usually, Nick said, he’d discourage tattoos in this area because of its likelihood to expand with age, but this woman was different. Nick Swartz said she’d also had

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CULTURE

Metal and bones

Father-daughter duo showcases art at Smith House Galleries By ALEX WEISMAN

contributing writer

Last Friday night — opening night — guests sauntered around the gallery admiring the art, speaking with the artists, snapping photos and enjoying snacks and beverages provided by the Arts Council of the Valley (ACV). A change in artwork accompanies a change of the seasons at the ACV’s new Smith House Galleries exhibitions this October. Situated in two rooms in the historic Smith House Gallery in downtown Harrisonburg, new works by sculptor Michael Hough and painter Lydia Hough, Michael’s daughter, are available for viewing.

Artistic attitude

Michael has been in Bridgewater College’s art department for 25 years. “Born into a household of artists,” Michael said, he knew he’d be making artwork as a living “somehow, some way.” Michael came across welding, his “favorite” medium to work in by chance. “At Bridgewater, I had a student come to me and say, ‘You know, I’d really like to learn how to weld,’” Michael said. “So, we bought

a welder and we sort of taught each other.” In the back room of the Smith House Galleries is the impossible-to-miss “New Works in Metal,” Michael’s series of discovered metal masks. Made primarily from found steel, Michael said he gets his material from scrap yards, Craigslist, auctions and any other means to get his hands on “raw material.” “I just love that each object, each piece, has had a prior life,” Michael said of the items he uses. Michael said there’s a “sense of play” in his work, as well as a “sense of joy” and “attitude.” Spiky prongs of metal act as hair and bulging metallic circular eyes, and horseshoes double as mouths in just a few of the innovative ways Michael builds his works. The playfulness in Michael’s work is abundantly clear — not just because of its exaggerated features and whimsical expressions but because of the pieces’ names. Names such as “Gertrude,” “Dayla,” “Sloane” and “Dolores” can be seen written underneath the plaques by the respective masks. “Some of them are named after specific people,” Michael said. “Others are names I just happened to like.”

CULTURE

Michael (right), an associate professor at Bridgewater College, shares Smith House Galleries’ current exhibit with his daughter, Lydia. Photos by Megan Bradshaw / The Breeze

“Gertrude,” one of Michael’s found metal masks, has a dark brown metallic color. Eight tools, ranging from a wrench to a plier, shoot up from its circular, disk-like head. Two round, layered eyes protrude out staring into the distance, mounted onto “Gertrude’s” dropping nose. A gaping O-shaped mouth hangs below the mask, giving it a look of shock. After his art shows for the past year were canceled due to the pandemic, this was also the first time Michael presented his works in a non-campus capacity.

Like father, like daughter

Presenting alongside her father, Lydia, a junior art major at Bridgewater College, works through painting rather than sculpting. After

literary arts,” according to the ACV’s website. Burden also said the ACV likes to focus on supporting educators in school systems. “What is the first thing [school systems] cut? It’s the arts,” Burden said. “So, we try to fill that hole.” Michael said that the ACV brings “so much,” including artists and events, to the Shenandoah Valley — an exciting contrast to the pandemic’s early months. Looking to the future, Michael said he wants next summer to “be an art summer.” “I really am going to carve out as much time as possible to make a whole new body of work,” Michael said. “I will treat it like a sabbatical.” Once his planned artistic time takes more shape, Michael said, he’ll start looking for opportunities to showcase more of his work. Michael said he hopes the audience will take away that it’s crucial for “people to understand that you need to engage with the work.” It’s not enough to “read words about sculptures” or “see pictures of them,” Michael said. CONTACT Alex Weisman at weismaar@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

HOURS Oct. 1 - 29 Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

LOCATION Smith House Galleries 311 S Main St.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

spending a year working on her series of paintings, this is Lydia’s first exhibition. Lydia’s artwork, titled “Headbones,” features a series of intricately painted skulls, which provide a pensive contrast to her father’s more mischievously welded masks. Her paintings are done in acrylic on either canvas or wooden boards and have a variety of hues and shades that bring the paintings to life. “Most bones are off-white,” Lydia said. “But I like to use oranges and purples to create depth.” Just like her father, Lydia also gives what she called “pet names” to her bone paintings, including “Princess,” “Mazie,” “Rufus” and “Wilfred.” “Beatrice,” one of Lydia’s works, is a skull painted against a black circular backdrop. Its face, with its prominent forehead and large eye sockets, watches the audience, conjuring up questions of the living thing the skull used to be. Delicate shading adds to the alluring presence of the painting. Jenny Burden, executive director at the ACV, said the exhibition represents both “emerging and established artists,” which she said is core to ACV’s mission to promote artists in the region. Besides the art exhibitions, the ACV supports the arts through the “Advancing the Arts Grant Program.’’ The grant gives between $500-1,500 twice per year to “organizations, art educators, and artists working in the visual, performing, and

CULTURE

Trust the process

Diop said she wants her art to challenge typical ideas of beauty and to make her audience stop and think. Cathryn Tateosian / The Breeze

Professor inspires others through abstract art

Thursday, Ocotber 7, 2021

By MORGAN VUKNIC The Breeze

Using her Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV mirrorless camera and a scanner, Corinne Diop, art professor and associate director in the School of Art, Design and Art History (SADAH), creates unique images using nontraditional photography practices. Particularly, she manipulates photos to make them look like something different — like a painting or fabric — and forces the viewer to question what they’re seeing. “Ever since grad school, I’ve been photographing flat surfaces like the ground or fabrics,” Diop said. “I’m interested in the idealization of nature, like in patterns that are made in wallpaper or something from nature that is repeated.” This fascination has been with Diop (’84) since she was getting her Bachelor of Science in art at JMU. She said JMU’s art program requires students to take a class in almost every type of media, no matter their major. This allowed her to learn different types of techniques, which she now incorporates into her photography. Diop said teaching influences her art just as much as her art influences her teaching. When she first started working at JMU in 1989, digital photography was just starting to pick up speed. She started with color film photos and learned new techniques as they came out. It was a big learning curve, Diop said, but it’s greatly changed the way she takes photos. “In undergrad, I would take pictures of friends doing wacky things, but it was very staged,” Diop said. “Now, I do more objects I’ve found. It’s still staged, but it’s about the importance of the object.” Diop’s process involves creating something different out of an image. She said she likes to challenge the typical opinion of what’s aesthetically pleasing and what’s beautiful. Many of her photos are distressed, left outside, painted on or put together to create a pattern to make something that doesn’t look like a

photograph. Diop’s “Pandemic Harvest,” which features this process, is displayed in the annual SADAH faculty show, which will remain open until Oct. 9. The work deals with large-scale prints on top of a large piece of metal with old items like paint cans and lamps over the prints. Diop left the piece outside so that anything not covered by an object would be washed away by rain and wind. “Pandemic Harvest” also incorporates the ability to change over time, as it’s never really finished — Diop said part of it may fall onto the gallery floor during the exhibit. “The piece relates to the pandemic through isolation,” Diop said. “Everything felt so abandoned as I went outside, much like life during the pandemic. When I photographed [the piece], there were no people there. So, the way I don’t have control over my photos when they’re out in the weather is similar to how we know the processes [of COVID-19], but we can’t really do anything about them.” To Diop, seeing the dilapidated pictures is a symbol for those affected by COVID-19. “So many people are dying, and there’s so much illness,” Diop said. “There’s a sort of sadness in … this print that was perfect and was supposed to last all these years is now all deteriorated and is now stuck to a big piece of trash metal.” Diop learns new techniques for her students so she can show them real life examples. She said she spent one summer traveling and learning how to use a bigger camera so she’d be better equipped to teach her students. A former student of Diop’s and current SADAH adjunct faculty member, Sarah Phillips, said Diop would always encourage her to go outside of her comfort zone. “She would let you fail up in a lot of ways,” Phillips said. “If you really bombed an assignment, she would be like, ‘OK, cool, but what if you poured water on it or let your cat sit on it?’ She was always about how far you could push the image.” As much as her students motivate her, Diop’s

colleagues say working with her is “inspiring” because of how open she is with sharing her insights and processes. Beth Hinderliter, director of the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art, said being able to see Diop’s vision is “wonderful.” “It’s been greatly appreciated over the years, all of the energy and dynamic programs she’s brought to campus,” Hinderliter said. “She’s brought artists from across the country, and it has made an incredible and transformative impact on campus.” Phillips said it’s been gratifying to see her relationship with Diop change from one of student and teacher to one of colleagues. Diop is like a “mom to her,” Phillips said, and she’s always supportive of her. She said she can count on Diop when she needs her — like when she wasn’t feeling well, and Diop showed up in about 10 minutes with a footlong sub because “that’s just the type of person she is.” “She’s always let me grow,” Phillips said. “I could always ask her about the most ridiculous problems, and now I can talk to her about more grown-up issues. She also never holds your old self against you.” Seeing Diop and her other colleagues work in the faculty shows is “super fun,” Phillips said. She said that since she was Diop’s student, she’s seen Diop’s work become more mature and, especially during the pandemic, seen her focus on her own art more and spend more time in her studio. “Everyone had to basically shut down for a year,” Phillips said. “Everyone was discarding stuff that they didn’t need, and [Diop] saw this as an opportunity.” Although the pandemic has put much of the art world on hold, Diop said she’s regularly trying new things and growing as an artist. Currently, she said, she’s working on a set of abstract distressed prints. Diop said she finds everyday items on the street like cracks on the sidewalk, rocks or flowers, blows them up and makes changes to make the images appear more unusual. Diop said this project is a relatively normal

photography process, but it’s been a long time since she’s done something like it — and she’s excited to take these abstract prints and document them. “I’m asking people to be challenged by what they’re seeing,” Diop said. “I would expect people to look closer and longer at a photo and maybe figure something out about it. I’m interested in the poetic aspect — like [in] a poem, you don’t always know exactly [the meaning], but you get a feeling.” CONTACT Morgan Vuknic at vuknicma@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

“Reflection” is part of Diop’s “Equilibrium” series. The objects in the piece were left outside to weather. Photo courtesy of Corinne Diop

Safety first CULTURE

Five ways to take caution on campus By JAKE DODOHARA The Breeze

strange behavior going on nearby.

As many JMU students can attest, the Harrisonburg community is vast and vibrant, with on- and off-campus events being held at many times of day. Even though JMU ranked 46th among the nation’s safest colleges, according to a 2018 study done by Alarms.org, students may feel urged to improve their safety habits as days become shorter with daylight savings time approaching. Here are five habits to take advantage of to improve your safety both on and off campus.

For any students feeling vulnerable walking alone, attending a self-defense class is a surefire way to increase strength and confidence. Harrisonburg hosts a broad assortment of martial arts centers, with kickboxing classes offered at Edge Effect Fitness and jiu-jitsu taught at the Pressure Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. These classes can provide a fun, effective workout and the chance to develop vital self-defense skills.

Travel in groups

While traveling alone is sometimes inevitable, “safety in numbers” is a tried and true adage. When attending a party or event, you should keep a “buddy” or person you can trust with you at all times. This way, you’re both able to watch out for each other. If attending an event alone is unavoidable, make sure to let others know where you’re going and who you’re with in case anything goes awry. Sharing your location through apps like Life360 and Find My Friends is also a good idea. Additionally, JMU offers free safety escorts to any student feeling unsafe on campus.

Take precautions in your living space

College is often the first time people live on their own, making it an ideal time to begin implementing a precautionary routine in your living space. Make sure to always lock doors behind you, and never share the keys to your apartment to keep unexpected visitors out. You should also make sure to close your blinds after dark to ward off onlookers. Moreover, buying a safe for your room or apartment is a practical investment and can guard valuables from any visitors or roommates. If you’re living off campus, apps like NextDoor and Neighbor can offer insight into your surroundings. The apps connect users with their neighbors to stay informed on crime or

Take self-defense classes

Post carefully on social media

Although posting on social media is a staple of the Generation Z lifestyle, doing so can have a downside. When someone posts their daily routine in real time, it can become easy for people to anticipate their next move. Avoid posting anything that would make your living space identifiable or daily routine obvious. Leave out geotags and turn off location services in settings to steer clear of disclosing your location altogether. Removing followers you don’t know can also be helpful in order to eliminate anyone you don’t know or trust from accessing your personal information.

Take COVID-19 seriously

Even though 91.9% of JMU students and 88.3% of faculty are vaccinated, students should still be aware of COVID-19’s dangers. Even though the symptoms are markedly lessened, it’s still possible to contract COVID-19 while vaccinated. Keep tabs on who you’re interacting with: Check that they’re feeling alright and stay informed on their vaccination status before hanging out. While implementing these habits into your everyday life can be tiresome, they can be imperative to your well-being on campus. Remember to have fun and get involved during your time at JMU but, as always, safety first. CONTACT Jake Dodohara at dodohajh@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

One of the best ways students can keep themselves safe is by continuing to follow COVID-19 precuations. Christine Brady / The Breeze

SPORTS

EDITORS Savannah Reger & Madison Hricik

EMAIL breezesports@gmail.com

@TheBreezeSports

Christine Brady / The Breeze Trevor Cockburn / The Breeze

What coaches and players are saying heading into JMU football's matchup against Villanova

Thursday, October 7, 2021

By MADISON HRICIK The Breeze

Home sweet home again — for this week, at least. JMU football makes its return to Bridgeforth Stadium to host No. 11 Villanova in its third CAA matchup of the season and the first home game since its 55-7 win over Maine on Sept. 11. The 4-0 Dukes are seeing an increase in matchup intensity, going from No. 25 New Hampshire to the Wildcats on Saturday. National ranking aside, JMU head coach Curt Cignetti is well aware of what this game means for JMU. “This is definitely our toughest challenge to date, no question in my mind," Cignetti said.

From the office: what Cignetti is saying

Out of 21 points scored by UNH in Week Five, 14 were scored by the defense. The defensive explosion led to JMU trailing 21-

17 heading into the fourth quarter — the first time the Dukes have been behind all season. Having to make a comeback, redshirt senior quarterback Cole Johnson found redshirt junior wide receiver Kris Thronton for the game-winning touchdown, and redshirt junior linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Doresy sealed the win with an interception with 1:45 left in the game. While the high-pressure situation wasn’t part of the game plan for the Dukes, Cignetti said, he felt that overcoming the adversity was good for the team — citing a similar situation with the 2020 FCS Semifinals game against Sam Houston. “It was probably a good thing for us to be in that situation,” Cignetti said. “It’s a lot of adversity coming from that game … and it was good for us to happen away.” Now with Villanova on the head coach’s mind, Cignetti said the Wildcats use a creative offensive structure — presenting a new challenge for JMU defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. Cignetti often referenced plays from the last time Villanova made the trip to Harrisonburg in 2019. “I was really impressed with what they were doing, and they blitzed us a lot in that game,” Cigentti said. “It was a crazy backand-forth game, and I thought that was a big day for our team then.” The Wildcats are aggressive both offensively and defensively, only allowing 42 rushing yards per game. Cignetti predicts that it’ll be a physical game, making the emphasis on minimizing turnovers stronger than before. “We missed a lot of tackles, particularly toward the end of the game,” Cignetti said. “At times, our coverage was good on Saturday,

but we have to control the turnovers against this team.”

On the field: how the players are feeling

The Dukes said they know the mistakes they made and realize what they need to do to fix them. JMU continually emphasizes the importance of leaving the past behind and focusing on the next game. Redshirt sophomore running back Latrele Palmer echoed the sentiment, saying JMU needs to “protect the football because [the offense didn’t do that very well [against New Hampshire].” Palmer had his first career carries and touchdown against Villanova in 2019 as a true freshman. The running back forced the final blow against the Wildcats, coming in to fill gaps in the running game. Now as a leading member of JMU's backfield, Palmer said he looks back on the first game with joy and wants to continue his success this weekend. “[Cignetti] told me, 'You better be ready when your name’s called,’” Palmer said. “I realized that I’m 18, and I can ball with the big boys. So, it’s definitely a confidence booster.” For the defense, the key element of Saturday’s game is making smart decisions — both on and off the field. The Dukes are in their most difficult stretch of the season, and they said they know the importance of staying healthy. The Wildcats are coming off a bye week and a loss — JMU isn’t. Redshirt senior defensive end Bryce Carter said the importance of staying consistent in these difficult stretches goes back to practice and staying rested even if it’s still game week. “There’s an importance in recovery that I make sure to do,” Carter said. “As long as we

do that, we should be in good shape.” On the field, reading formations and making every assignment is the task at hand for the defense. While Carter and the defense say they trust Hetherman and each other to make the most out of their preparations, the most important part is to translate it onto the field. “[Villanova graduate quarterback Daniel Smith] does a good job of extending plays and looking all over the field,” Carter said. “We just have to do a good job of communicating so we’re all on the same page and keep him contained on the field.” The commonality between both offense and defense? Keep the confidence high. The second half against UNH wasn’t what JMU had in store, but the Dukes said they know they need to use the adversity to their advantage. There was a feeling of humbleness in the postgame conference, but instead of nerves, JMU looks to convert the humbleness into confidence. “They have a very good defense, just like we faced a really good defense last week as well,” Palmer said. “It should be a good game.” Yet, what both Carter and Palmer said what they’re looking forward to the most is seeing their families in the stands Saturday. With the sold-out game on Family Weekend, Palmer is looking forward to his family being a part of the 25,000 packed into Bridgeforth at 2 p.m. “I’m having a bunch of family members in the stands, and I’m excited for that,” Palmer said. “Our fans are the best fans in the FCS so it’s going to be a loud and physical game.” CONTACT Madison Hricik at breezesports@ gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @TheBreezeSports.

SPORTS

Football means family Emma Connelly / The Breeze

Clayton (left) and Deane both have worn No. 37 for JMU fooball. Breeze file photo.

Past, present and future brotherhood connects JMU football

from FAMILY FIRST, page 1

quarterback] in him. For other people to see it and for it to be a constant thing, it’s been great.” While watching Cole is “great,” Critt said having his family around supporting everyone is what’s important. The Johnsons are scattered across the East Coast, ranging from North Carolina to New York. Critt said his father, Andy Johnson, was deployed when he was in high school. “Whenever my parents or my siblings are there, it’s always great to see their face or wave to them in the crowd,” Critt said. “If they’re not at my game, then they’re at my brothers or my sisters, so it’s definitely special.” The sibling connection in JMU football, or even the CAA, is mature and runs deep. It’s molding the past with the Cheathams, the present with the Johnsons and the future. That future is Diamonte and Tyrique. Diamonte and Tyrique have one season together: fall 2022. Tyrique enters JMU as a defensive lineman, and Diamonte is a linebacker — both are on defense, and both will get to work together. “It means a lot that [he’s coming here],” Diamonte said. “He went through the same thing that I went through in high school … I was just happy to get him his first real offer, and we’re excited about the school. It’s a great school to come to.” Tyrique said a big factor in his decision to come to JMU was the relationship-based atmosphere. He’s seen the culture, and he’s seen what Diamonte’s made of it. “[Coming to JMU] was a no-brainer,” Tyrique said. “I already had relationships with everyone on the team, and I had my brother.” Both Diamonte and Tyrique emphasized that it’s been a long time since they’ve had the opportunity to play together, and they’re going to take advantage of it. The brothers played a season together in high school, but

Diamonte was on varsity and Tyrique was on JV. This time around, the brothers are at the same level. “I’m elated,” Tyrique said. “The opportunity has presented itself again, and I think that we’re going to make the most of it.” When thinking about playing with Diamonte again, Tyrique said it signified leadership for him. “I got someone I can always go talk to,” Tyrique said, “[someone] who can guide me through my first year.” Diamonte and Tyrique both described their relationship as close, and Diamonte said he’s excited for Tyrique to come to JMU because he sees similarities to his own recruitment, like getting late offers — a process Diamonte helped with. It’s a motto for the Dukes that the team is family, but sometimes it means more than that — the Cheathams, Johnsons and Tuckers are examples of that. Family Weekend is back, and in a year where COVID-19 has separated and broken some traditions, others stay the same and are intact — that includes JMU football and its rich family values. “There’s plenty of challenges that come with playing college football,” Clayton said. “You just have to remember that there’s a lot of people that did it before you and it’s not about you or this team, but it’s about the people that did it before you, and it’s about setting an example for the people that are younger — it’s about carrying on the rich tradition of this program.” CONTACT Savannah Reger at breezesports@ gmail.com. For more sports coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @TheBreezeSports.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Clayton said having Deane around and knowing he went through JMU football and what it entails is comfortable. Having Deane there lets him know that he’s not the only one going through this, Clayton said, and that someone else gets it. The two are so similar that they both have worn the same number as Dukes — No. 37. “Deane’s been awesome,” Clayton said. “Just having him around, he went through some of the similar things that I go through on a daily basis.” Cheatham added that seeing his brother work hard in the past makes him want to work even harder in the present. “It’s just comfortable to know that, like, ‘Hey, he did it, I can do it,’” Clayton said. “Every day here is not the greatest day in the world; there’s plenty of challenges that come with it.” Clayton said it’s all about putting in work every day to keep up with the schedule, and Deane being there means having a familiar face in the crowd. The Cheathams aren’t the only example of family relationships through JMU football — redshirt senior quarterback Cole Johnson has family connections, except his are elsewhere in the CAA. Johnson, a native from Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a member of an athletic family. His sister, Gracie Johnson, plays Division I volleyball at Duke, and his brother, Critt Johnson, is a graduate offensive lineman at Albany — one of JMU’s CAA foes. “[Gracie, Cole and] I would always be outside,” Critt said. “We’d always want to compete against each other. [Cole and] I would make it competitive in just about everything.” Critt said he and Cole grew up playing

football together. Their parents sent them both to football camps, and while Critt is an offensive lineman now, he said he played tight end more in high school. Critt said he and Cole always threw the ball around when they had the chance. “We always just loved playing sports and being together,” Critt said. “Usually if I was outside, then Cole would be outside as well and just constantly playing sports.” While Cole has stayed at JMU for six years, Critt’s football career started at VMI, then he transferred to Albany after the 2019 season. He said that when he was at VMI, he came to Harrisonburg whenever he could to watch Cole and the Dukes — even if his brother wasn’t playing. “I would come watch him play, or even if he didn’t play, I was always there,” Critt said. “We both had [times] in college where we weren’t really playing, and we just kept each other positive.” In the spring, Critt started in three games for Albany on the offensive line and is playing right tackle for the Great Danes this fall. Although he can’t see Cole in person as much since he’s with Albany, he said he does anything he can to watch JMU’s games and support him from afar. “I make sure to watch every game,” Critt said. “Sunday, when we’re done with film and lifting, I come back and I make sure to watch JMU’s game … It’s great to watch.” Critt sees consistent minutes now for Albany, just like how Cole’s the starter for JMU. Critt said that looking back on Cole’s journey, he’s glad to see Cole doing well as the starting quarterback, saying that even from a young age, Cole had the determination and work ethic to do the job well. “[He started] taking quarterback seriously around eighth grade, and it’s exciting to see how he’s progressed,” Critt said. “I’ve always known that he has [the success at

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JMU field hockey sisters share unique bond playing for the Dukes with the same number By COURTNEY RYDER The Breeze

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Taryn Mayer sweeps the ball against ODU. Christine Brady / The Breeze

Corey Mayer lunges for a reverse chip. Trevor Cockburn / The Breeze

Taryn Mayer was born into a legacy. The JMU freshman is a defender and midfielder for JMU field hockey. But while her collegiate career is just getting started, field hockey has been part of her life since the day she was born. “One of my earliest memories is being a toddler and … being in a little wagon with my two older sisters, watching [the high school team her mother coached],” Taryn said. “I could not even walk, but she would just be carrying me around — she’d be coaching drills, and I’d just be on her arm.” Taryn is the youngest of three daughters to Kurt and Shawn Mayer. Taryn’s mother, Shawn, played Division I field hockey at Penn State and turned to coaching after graduation. Like her daughters, Shawn got involved in the sport at a young age. “A [junior varsity] coach from the high school worked at [my] elementary school, and she would do an intramural program for fourth, fifth and sixth graders,” Shawn said. “That was my first introduction to field hockey, and I was hooked.” Field hockey is a family affair for the Mayers — both of Taryn’s older sisters also grew up playing the sport. Taryn was in second grade when she joined her first club team and has been coached by her mother and sister multiple times throughout her career. Taryn said there was a whiteboard hanging in the family’s kitchen that they gathered around as a family after games. “It was incredible, and it was such a fun experience to have that connection and come back from games and talk about field hockey nonstop,” Taryn said. Corey Mayer, the oldest of Taryn’s sisters, played for JMU from 2015-18. She stayed at JMU to earn her master’s degree in elementary education and joined head coach Christy Morgan’s staff as the student assistant coach in 2019 and volunteer assistant coach during the modified spring 2020 season. Taryn’s other older sister, Jamie, is a senior Division III field hockey player at Ursinus College in Philadelphia. Taryn and Jamie were high school teammates their freshman and senior seasons, respectively. All three sisters grew up on the field together, practicing skills and pushing each other to improve. Taryn said watching her sisters play provided her with close-tohome role models and pushed her growth forward at an accelerated pace. Taryn said she originally didn’t consider

JMU because she wanted to forge her own path from her sister, but she found herself comparing other programs to JMU. A threeday training camp sealed the deal, Taryn said, and she knew JMU was the perfect match. “[Corey’s] experiences, her dedication and all the core values that she was living with here were in my mind,” Taryn, a sixth grader during Corey’s freshman year at JMU, said. “I didn’t even realize it but once I started going through the recruiting process, I was looking for those things in other schools thinking … if every other school would have these components.” What stood out most to Taryn about JMU’s field hockey program, she said, was the culture. Taryn said that unlike other programs she considered, she never felt scared or uncomfortable during camps or scrimmages because the team was so welcoming. “I think the biggest thing is if you love the culture, you see it and you want a piece of it, then you probably are it,” Morgan said. “When you find somebody like Taryn who sees it and says, ‘I want to be a part of that because that’s who I am,’ then you know it’s a good fit.”

Photo submitted by Shawn Mayer

SPORTS

“It was such a fun experience to have that connection and come back from games and talk about field hockey nonstop.” Taryn Mayer

JMU field hockey freshman defender Morgan — JMU field hockey’s head coach from 1991-04 and 2015-present — coached Corey and worked alongside her as a coach. During Corey’s time at JMU, Morgan got to know the Mayer family, including Taryn. “[The Mayers are] a really committed family,” Morgan said. “We saw Taryn around a lot [at Corey’s games] and she was just a little sponge, just so eager.” Taryn had a highly successful high school career by the books. She was a three-year captain and is her high school’s all-time leading scorer — holding the freshman, sophomore, junior and single-season records. Taryn reached her goal of 100 career goals before the end of her junior year, telling Pa. Prep Live writer Ed Morlock that she accomplished the feat by constantly pushing herself and remembering what she was working toward. All of this was done under the leadership of her head coach — Shawn, her mother. “I didn’t want to be a head coach with my kids on the team … but it worked out,” Shawn said. “Taryn has a strong personality and she’s very knowledgeable of the game, so it wasn’t

that hard to coach her.” Although Taryn is focused on creating her own story and legacy at JMU separate from her sister, she took a step to honor both Corey and their mother. Taryn wears No. 27, the same number worn by Corey at JMU and their mother at Penn State. “I wanted to honor Corey in a way,” Taryn said. “She left such a great legacy; [I want to] show that I can do the same.” Coming to JMU, Taryn said she wants to be able to look back and say she left an impact on the program — leaving it better than when she joined. She also said she’s excited to learn and grow as a player and help her teammates do the same. “The best thing about Taryn is her desire,” Morgan said. “What I look for Taryn to do is grow 1% every day, and I see Taryn having a bright, bright future here at James Madison and being an impact player.” CONTACT Courtney Ryder at ryderce@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more field hockey coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @TheBreezeSports.

Taryn Mayer dribbles down the field. Matt Young / The Breeze

Thursday, October 7, 2021

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Dukes vs. Cats A look into JMU football’s matchup with Villanova

Thursday, Ocotober 7, 2021

By SAVANNAH REGER The Breeze

Nothing was normal about spring football in the CAA. Teams were split into divisions, games were constantly postponed, fans were almost nonexistent for the first half of the season and the game atmosphere didn’t resemble 2019. This fall, some of that has returned. Fans are at full capacity, tailgating begins early in the day and CAA teams are back to their normal schedules. JMU football hosting Villanova for Family Weekend is part of that normalcy, and that’s something Dukes fans have come to expect. The Wildcats traveled to Harrisonburg in 2019 for a previous top-five FCS matchup, and they now return again two years later for what JMU football head coach Curt Cignetti calls the Dukes’ “toughest challenge to date.” “It’s going to be a very big event for us,” redshirt senior defensive lineman Bryce Carter said. “Playing in front of the home crowd always gives the [players] some juice.” The battle in 2019 was an electric one — the Dukes took a 38-24 victory in Harrisonburg. Down 24-17 in the fourth quarter, the then-No. 2 team stepped up, scoring three touchdowns — including an 83-yard picksix by redshirt senior saftey MJ Hampton to defeat the Wildcats and stay perfect at home. Cignetti recognizes the battle that the 2019 game was, he said, but the 2021 Wildcats have grown from that game. “[Villanova gave] us fits for about three quarters here in [2019],” Cignetti said. “[Villanova] blitzed a lot … You know this year the package has evolved again.”

JMU enters the game on a five-game win streak over Villanova, with the last loss to the Wildcats in 2014 on the road 49-31. The Dukes haven’t lost at home to the Wildcats since 2009, and in the series history between the two rivals, JMU averages 27.7 points per game. Historically, the Dukes have the Wildcats’ number, but as heard around the CAA time and time again, there’s no off week in the CAA, and Cignetti’s acknowledged that fact. “[Villanova] has good players,” Cignetti said. “Villanova’s got 15 senior starters — these guys have been together a long time, and they’re a really good football team.” The Dukes are coming off a 23-21 win over New Hampshire in a far from perfect game. Two turnovers led to 14 points for the home team, including redshirt senior quarterback Cole Johnson’s first interception of the season. Redshirt sophomore running back Latrele Palmer was responsible for a fumble in the win over New Hampshire. Palmer said he’s focusing on ball security in this week’s practices because the Dukes “didn’t do a good job of that this past weekend.” It’s crucial that JMU doesn’t turn the ball over to Villanova this week — the Wildcats will take advantage, he said. The Dukes utilized their depth chart last week while mixing in injured players returning to the lineup. Redshirt senior running back Percy Agyei-Obese entered the game for the first time this season against New Hampshire, saying postgame that he’s “finally back.” That first game back, he said, left him “speechless.” Redshirt senior running back Lorenzo Bryant Jr. is a depth player that saw snaps

Oct. 3. Despite this being his seventh season, Bryant Jr. is fast and strong — a tough running back to play against who’s deep on the depth chart. Redshirt junior and redshirt freshman wide receivers Reggie Brown and Kevin Curry Jr. saw receptions against New Hampshire, and JMU looks for Brown to have a big impact against Villanova — especially with the coverage around redshirt freshman wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. On the Wildcats’ side, this is an experienced team and potentially JMU’s toughest CAA matchup for the year. Graduate quarterback Daniel Smith is in his final season for Villanova but at the peak of his career. He’s mobile, tends to move outside the pocket and is possibly Villanova’s biggest weapon — he’s faced JMU before and remembers what happened in 2019. “[Smith] does a lot of stuff outside of the scheme,” Carter said. “We just have to make sure we do a good job of communicating so we can play fast and keep him contained.” Graduate running back Justin Covington and junior wide receiver Rayjoun Pringle could be the top two offensive threats outside of Smith for Villanova due to their experience and speed. Covington didn’t play against JMU in 2019 due to injury, but he’s healthy now and playing at the top of his game. He’s quick and has over 300 yards on 50 carries so far this season — JMU’s defense needs to be ready for Covington’s versatility, Cignetti said. Pringle has also proven himself to be a dependable receiver to Smith. The Dumfries, Virginia, native has 250 yards on 10 receptions to start the season. “The best thing for us is going to be

communication,” Carter said. “Everybody’s on the same page so we can all play fast.” Defensively, Villanova’s linebackers match JMU’s with speed and aggression. Graduate linebacker Forrest Rhyne leads the Wildcats with 24 tackles so far this year, with 11 against Penn State. Senior linebacker Amin Black has had an impressive start to the season with 20 tackles — four of them being tackles for loss. The linebackers for the Wildcats play at high intensity, and Villanova’s run defense averages under 50 yards per game. But, with patience, Palmer said JMU can score on the ground. “[To get past Villanova’s defense], we need to win our one-on-one matchups,” Palmer said. “[We] need to be more patient on the offensive line.” One factor to note: a sold-out Bridgeforth Stadium. It’s Family Weekend, and student tickets sold out a couple of hours after opening. Cignetti described the atmosphere as “juiced up” ahead of the first home game in almost a month. With the atmosphere at its full capacity and a top-15 matchup between two teams that haven’t seen each other since the 2019 contest, it should be high-scoring and electric. After this, the Dukes hit the road for two more weeks. “I think everybody’s going to be really excited,” Cignetti said. “It’ll be a great atmosphere … Fans are going to be loud, and I know it’s going to get our guys juiced up.” CONTACT Savannah Reger at breezesports@gmail.com. For more sports coverage, follow the sports desk on Twitter @TheBreezeSports.

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FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 4, 2021

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

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DOWN 1 Ledger entry

10/4/21

By Chris Gross

2 “Fear of Flying” author Jong 3 Impulses 4 Firewood units 5 Victorian or Elizabethan 6 Janet __, attorney general after Barr 7 Hamburg’s river 8 Prefix with metric 9 Never been used 10 Terrible quality 11 Low-visibility snow events 12 Gateway Arch designer Saarinen 13 Bucks in a forest 18 Doing nothing 22 “For shame!” 24 Meadow mom 25 Respiratory cavity 26 MIT’s “I”: Abbr. 28 Froot Loops mascot __ Sam 29 Fox-and-hounds pursuits 30 Shade provider 31 Alphabet sequence symbolizing ease 32 Word with row or sail

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

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ACROSS 1 Card that loses to a trey 6 Equine control 10 Dazzled 14 Boo-boo 15 Besides that 16 Waterslide cry 17 *Yellow tomato with red swirls 19 Dismiss from work 20 __ coffee: cool drink 21 Anonymous Jane 22 One-on-one teacher 23 Mortarboard hanger 25 Flier’s seat choice 27 *“Our group doesn’t agree” 31 Heed, with “by” 35 Couple’s pronoun 36 Currency for 19 states 38 Dull movie, say 39 “Spider-Man” actress Kirsten 40 Staircase part 41 Fish that complains a lot? 42 One less than nona43 Liability offset on a balance sheet 44 *Phillie Phanatic, notably 47 Environmentally friendly 48 Highway divider 53 Opposite of old age 55 Long, long time 57 About, on a memo 58 Inuit word for “house” 59 Concludes with no clear winner ... and what each answer to a starred clue does? 62 Bosc or Anjou 63 Snail __: letter carrier’s burden 64 Golfer Sam 65 Arid 66 “Do __ others ... ” 67 Singer __ Rae Jepsen

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33 Imperfect, as sale goods 34 Arrival’s opposite 37 Choose (to) 39 Capitol feature 43 Absorbed, as a cost 45 [Yawn] 46 Upscale hotel 49 Ross or Rigg 50 Prefix meaning “between”

10/4/21

51 Sans-serif font 52 Impoverished 53 Golfer’s putting jitters, with “the” 54 Curved molding 55 Do some prosetightening 56 Nobel Peace Prize city 59 Big Aussie bird 60 Indian bread 61 Pres. advisory group

MADISON MARKETPLACE

Madison Marketplace is open for business, and all text-only listings are FREE! Post job listings, announcements, rentals and more using our online placement tool. Ads run two weeks online and in two print editions.

JOBS

Police Officer (Testing & Employment Opportunities) - *$6,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS* *$6,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS* The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for individuals interested in joining HPD, which offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System. Find out more/apply online by 10/11 at 5pm: https://www.harrisonburgva. gov/employment. EOE.

Field Trip Driver - Starting Pay: $15.35-$15.85/Hour

Do you want to utilize your driving skills for a part-time job that fits your flexible schedule? If so, the Field Trip Driver with the City of Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation may be the right job for you! Starting pay: $15.35-$15.85/hour. Find out more/apply online at: https://www. harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.

911 Emergency Communicator

Do you want to give back to your community and know your job has a direct impact in the local community? Have you ever thought about becoming a 911 Emergency Communicator? If so, apply to become part of the HRECC team! Find out more and apply online at: https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/ employment. EOE.

Career Opportunity - Recreation Program Specialist II - Youth & Childcare Programs

Are you seeking a challenging yet rewarding career opportunity that allows you to utilize your knowledge/ skills/abilities to oversee recreationallybased programs for children (grades K-5)? If so, apply to the Recreation Program Specialist II - Youth & Childcare Programs position with the City of Harrisonburg! Apply online at: https:// www.harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.

Country Inn & Suites in Harrisonburg is currently hiring Guest Service Representatives. Great experience for Hospitality majors or others interested in working with people. Flexible Hours, starting pay $12 an hour. 540-433-2400

LASER MARBLE AND GRANITE OFFICE/ SALES We are looking for someone to work in the office and help customers choose their granite, quartz, or marble tops. Call Diane in our Ashland office 804-798-0600 or Diana in our Lorton office 703-987-5150

COMMUNITY

Kids’ Night Out Hey Parents, do you need a night off? Join us for Kid’s Night Out at Horizons Edge! Experienced program staff changes up theme each month. Includes Clip ‘n Climb, bounce castles, field games, etc. Second Friday of each month.6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Kids ages 6 – 12. $35/child. HorizonsEdgeVa.com/ KidsNightOut

HOUSING

One Bedroom Apartment Fully Furnished 1 Bed Room, Pots & Pans, Dishes, Silverware, Refrigerator, Electric Heat & AC included. High Speed Internet Available, Country Setting, 10 miles north of Harrisonburg on Rt. 1. $1,000 per month/security deposit required. 540-432-1989 FOR SALE

2006 Mini Cooper 2006 Mini Cooper, Excellent Condition, Manual transmission 5 speed, 172000 miles, Sun roof, two door, creamy white color, new tires, 42 miles per gallon. All service manuals, Hatch back with folding back seats for more space, 4 seats. Cell 540-421-4890

Calling all piano accompanists!

Calling all piano accompanists! If you are a non-music major who enjoys musicmaking as a pianist and accompanying singers, the JMU School of Music has multiple opportunities for collaborations! $30.00 per hour. Please contact the JMU Voice Area Coordinator for more details and contact information: vanderjx@ jmu.edu

Career Opportunity - Transportation Administrative Support Hotel Guest Services

Help Wanted

Are you searching for a challenging yet rewarding administrative position that allows you the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals? If so, consider applying for the City of Harrisonburg’s Transportation Administrative Support (Program Support Specialist Senior) position! Find out more/apply online at: https://www. harrisonburgva.gov/employment. EOE.

For more information, qualiﬁcations, and to apply, please go to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/9864 or visit joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting number “J1803.”

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Post your ad at BreezeJMU.org/classifieds

The JMU Athletics Communications Department is looking for a student to assist with photographing intercollegiate sports during the 2021-2022 school year. Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate), and be willing to work nights and weekends.

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LET’S MAKE HISTORY AGAIN IN 2021.

Go to IWillVote.com/VA to make a plan to vote early or on November 2.