Letters to the editor

Championship game spawns rivalry

The 2004 I-AA Football Playoffs may have sparked a new and seemingly unlikely rivalry. The National Championship game between James Madison and Montana produced intense competition not only on the field, but also in the stands. Thanks to various Internet sports message boards, fans were able to engage in friendly banter leading up to the game in Chattanooga and have continued to do so since the bout. The 2004 Capital One Mascot Challenge provided another venue for the two institutions and their fans to compete. Monte’s victory over Duke Dog sparked another wave of chatter between fans of the two programs.

While many would say it is unlikely that the two schools will develop a rivalry considering they are separated by over 2,300 miles, the chances may be greater than you think. Considering the format of the 1-AA playoffs and the fact that Montana has made a record 12 consecutive appearances in the tournament, there is a good chance the Dukes could see the Griz again if they qualify for the postseason. Due to the fact that non-conference games are traditionally scheduled years in advance, the chances of a regular season game between the two schools being played in the near future is unlikely. However, if a rivalry was to develop, it is something the two programs could make happen in the future.

While only time will tell if a true rivalry develops between Montana and JMU, chances are Dukes fans have not seen the last of the Griz.

Jon McNamara
junior, SMAD

‘Experience’ hurts deeper relationships

I came to JMU an innocent virgin and left experienced, to put it nicely. Once I lost my virginity, I saw no reason to hold back. Casual sex was exhilarating and I wasn’t worried, as long as he wore a condom. I never thought I was hurting anyone.

I graduated, entered a few more serious relationships and met the man of my dreams. He asked and I can’t lie, so I told him. Knowing my past threw him into a whirlwind of disgust and has tormented our relationship ever since. Not until I saw the man I truly love look at me that way did I realize the extent of the damage I had done. Had I known how much my actions would hurt the person I would spend the rest of my life with, I would have kept my numbers down.

You’re not the only one being affected by your actions. They will haunt you for the rest of your life. When you find someone you can’t live without, they deserve you in the purest form.

Kristy Fowler, ’01

Student’s AIDS donations appreciated

We at the Valley AIDS Network would like to thank all the individuals and groups who contributed and supported the Warm a Winter Wish project. The donations from generous donors such as you enable the Valley AIDS Network to provide much needed holiday support to our clients, which is not available through traditional funding sources. You brighten the lives of many children and adults who are frequently consumed by the most primary needs.

We would like to applaud the students, facility and staff for its community awareness in recognizing that HIV and AIDS are impacting many lives in our community. A growing number of people in the Shenandoah Valley are struggling to live with this virus and your efforts foster hope and optimism, which only can be created by care and compassion. It would not be possible for Valley AIDS Network to duplicate the outpouring of kindness evident in your generous efforts.

Your donations speak directly to the spirit of the season, and touch the hearts of many people deeply.

Gary Race
Cherrianne Long
Heike Peckruhn
Tony Sierra
Valley AIDS Network staff