The Breeze JMU’s award-winning newspaper since 1922
Behind the scenes of JMU athletic training
March 30, 2023 VOL. 101 NO.23 BREEZEJMU.ORG
Harrisonburg drag scene pushes forward after national threats to the craft By K. MAUSER The Breeze
By MADISON HRICIK The Breeze
Gov. Bill Lee (Tenn.) signed a bill March 2 that will make Tennessee the first state to ban all public drag shows starting July 1. Harrisonburg drag queen Jayda Knight said she’s fearful this ban will reach the Friendly City. This bill, which JMU political science p ro f e s s o r Ma r t y C o h e n d e s c r i b e s a s attempting to “quote-unquote, ‘protect children from the LGBTQ,’” will forbid any performances in public by topless, go-go or exotic dancers, strippers or male or female impersonators who’ve been deemed “harmful to minors,” according to The New York Times. “It’s a big deal because a significant percentage of the population is concerned with these issues,” Cohen said. “It’s a very politically controversial issue and it does get people fired up and get them going to the polls.” Knight, CEO of drag company Rhinestone Productions, said the ban on drag in Te n n e s s e e i s b o t h “s a d d e n i n g ” a n d “disheartening.” “I was like, ‘Is this real? This can’t be real,’” Knight said. Knight said she’s been doing drag shows in Harrisonburg for over 20 years. She said the group does monthly events, such as its drag brunch and performances at various pride events. “We have a good foundation [for our] support system,” Knight said. “I think our audience members are growing rapidly. We meet new people with every event, new faces, which is amazing.” For many years, drag had been underground, Knight said. She said it became much more popular and accepted in recent years. “Drag brings a lot of joy and laughter … It’s a safe space for people of all walks of life to come together and celebrate themselves,” she said. “It’s empowering.”
In 2018, during JMU head athletic trainer Bryan Schneider’s (‘18) first year in Harrisonburg, he responded to one of the worst medical emergencies — a stroke. In the middle of the weight room, a former student-athlete fell unconscious and began showing the symptoms of a stroke. Jumping into action, Schneider and the rest of the medical team identified the problem, alerted U.Va. Hospital and got the student-athlete the tests they needed. That student-athlete made a full recovery — his extremities, speech and brain function all remained completely intact. While this particular athlete never returned to the field, Schneider said he knew in that circumstance he’d done more than get someone back on the field. He saved their life. “Those are the moments where you sit back and go, you know, ‘I just helped somebody,’” Schneider said. “I didn’t help somebody recover from an ACL. I helped somebody see the next day and see out the rest of their JMU career as a college student, healthy.” Student-athletes train everyday, from 6 a.m. lifts, two- to three-hour practices and game days; it all adds up to immense wear-and-tear on their bodies. Every time an athlete is injured, the athletic trainer comes onto the field to check on them. Oftentimes, they’re one of the most trusted members of a team’s support staff, and in some cases, they’re the reason any athlete gets back on the field. These trainers work for years to earn opportunities with Division I programs, often learning from trainers who work for professional teams. They’re considered some of the most selfless people and they dedicate their life’s work to the well-being of student-athletes. “I think they get better care because it’s just me and I’m able to cater to them,” JMU lacrosse athletic trainer Alex Lovgren said.
see ATHLETIC TRAINING, page 18
Jayda Knight, drag queen and CEO of Rhinestone Productions, interacts with people on social media as she holds up her microphone to a ring light. She said the company will “take the course of action as needed” if the Tennessee drag ban reaches Virginia. K. Mauser / The Breeze
see DRAG, page 10
Students who died in crash live on through memories of loved ones By CHARLOTTE MATHERLY & SHIRIN ZIA FAQIRI The Breeze
After the passing of three JMU students — John “Luke” Fergusson, Joshua Mardis and Nicholas Troutman — in a car accident on Feb. 3, The Breeze has reported on the events that followed, the vigil and the memorial services, as well as how their families are grieving and finding healing and support. This week, The Breeze takes a look at the lives and legacies of Luke, Joshua and Nicholas. Family and friends share their memories of those who passed. Luke’s sister says he was a great older brother, and others
NEWS
close to him say he had a passion for sports, especially the Washington Commanders. Luke’s pastor said his friends found him so entertaining that they liked not just watching the game, but watching him watch the game. Joshua’s loved ones remember him as outgoing and willing to strike up a conversation with anyone. They say he was resilient and hard-working, and even though he had Alabama football in his blood, he loved being a Duke. Nicholas’ family and friends say he was kind and goofy and “had no rizz whatsoever.” His mom said Nicholas loved his friends, but he also loved coming home to rest and recharge and binge TV shows with his family.
4 SPORTS
Broken up into three profile pieces, each article delves into how they’re remembered by those who love and care about them. If you or anyone you know needs mental health help or counseling, please contact the JMU Counseling Center or call 540-568-6552.
18 OPINION
see LUKE, page 4 see JOSHUA, page 5 see NICHOLAS, page 6
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