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The Eastern Echo Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Sports

Indoor track and field equipment in gray, green, and white fills the space, with athletes standing off to the sides of most of the competition areas.

Track and field: Season finale in Lexington

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, June 7, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's track and field program concluded its 2026 outdoor season following a series of competitive performances at the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Lexington, Kentucky. Nine Eagles represented the university, achieving several marks that now rank among the top ten in program history across both track and field disciplines.

Football field with gray turf reads "Eastern" on either end zone. Empty bleachers and goalposts surround the field.

EMU athletics shatters department GPA records

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, June 6, 2026

Eastern Michigan University student-athletes have reached an unprecedented academic milestone, posting a department-record cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.517 during the Winter 2026 semester. This historic achievement marks the seventh consecutive semester of record-breaking performance and signifies the first time in department history that every athletic program maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0.

Women's lacrosse players of different teams run on the field near while one tries to knock the ball out of the other's stick.

EMU Lacrosse sets program record with 21 Academic All-MAC selections

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, June 6, 2026

Eastern Michigan University's lacrosse program has established a new benchmark for collegiate excellence by placing a program-record 21 student-athletes on the 2026 Academic All-MAC list. This achievement marks the third consecutive year the Eagles have led the Mid-American Conference in academic honorees, coinciding with the most successful competitive season in the program's history.

Tennis

Jeff Westmeyer named Eastern Michigan’s 11th Head tennis coach: A proven program builder returns to the MAC

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, June 6, 2026

Jeff Westmeyer has been appointed as the 11th head tennis coach at Eastern Michigan University, bringing a storied legacy of national success from the University of Findlay to the Eagles' program. A two-time conference Coach of the Year with deep roots in the Mid-American Conference, Westmeyer aims to transform EMU into a powerhouse through a focus on competitive ferocity, academic excellence, and comprehensive player development.

Golf.

Janae Leovao makes history as Eastern Michigan’s first WGCA All-American

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, June 5, 2026

Janae Leovao has made history as the first Eastern Michigan University golfer to be named a WGCA All-American, marking a transformative season for both the individual and the program. Her leadership and record-breaking statistics propelled the Eagles to the NCAA Championship semifinals, cementing her legacy as one of the most decorated athletes in EMU history.

The wall of a baseball stadium from outside. Text in the top center reads "Oestrike Stadium." One entrance is visible with a hanging sign that reads "Center Entrance."

The hiring of Mike Ott and the new era of EMU Baseball

By Ruby Brannon · Tuesday, June 2, 2026

As the 2026 college baseball head coach carousel spins with high-profile shifts at programs like NC State and Houston, Eastern Michigan University has made a calculated bet on a proven program builder to revitalize its storied tradition. After a period of uncertainty that left the dugout vacant as the transfer portal opened, the Eagles have landed Mike Ott, the winningest coach in Kalamazoo College history, to steer the program back to prominence.

Floor

Eastern Michigan soars with Inaugural MAC Institutional Sportsmanship award

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, May 31, 2026

Eastern Michigan University has achieved a historic milestone by receiving its first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) Institutional Sportsmanship Award. Voted on by peer institutions, this honor recognizes the university’s commitment to integrity, respect, and competitive excellence across its entire athletic department.

Mariana Vega crouches on golf course to think while gazing off into the distance.

From 219th to the Final Four: The storybook season of Eastern Michigan Women's golf

By Ruby Brannon · Saturday, May 30, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University (EMU) women’s golf team completed a historic 2025-26 season by reaching the NCAA Match Play semifinals, marking a meteoric rise from being ranked 219th just two years prior. This "Cinderella" story was fueled by significant alumni investment and strategic coaching, culminating in a monumental upset of fourth-seeded Texas before falling to top-seeded Stanford.

Golf.

EMU Women's golf historic run to NCAA semifinals

By Ruby Brannon · Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team has authored a stunning Cinderella story by advancing to the NCAA Match Play semifinals after a historic upset of No. 4 Texas. Making their debut appearance in the national tournament, the Eagles have become the first non-Power 4 program to reach the semifinals since the match play format was established in 2015.

A baseball player mid-swing at outdoor game. Teammates stand in the background.

EMU Baseball: Reflecting on the 2026 Season

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, May 25, 2026

The 2026 Eastern Michigan University baseball season was defined by a resilient team culture that balanced competitive grit on the diamond with elite academic achievement in the classroom. Despite a challenging 19-34 overall record, the program secured significant conference accolades and established a lasting legacy of leadership through its graduating senior class.

Indoor track and field equipment in gray, green, and white fills the space, with athletes standing off to the sides of most of the competition areas.

A legacy continued: Eastern Michigan track and field claims 11 All-MAC honors

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, May 24, 2026

Following a series of dominant performances at the conference championships, eleven Eastern Michigan University student-athletes have been recognized with 2026 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Outdoor Track & Field All-MAC honors. These prestigious selections, which include seven first-team and four second-team accolades, highlight the program's depth as the Eagles prepare for the upcoming NCAA East Prelims in Lexington.

The wall of a baseball stadium from outside. Text in the top center reads "Oestrike Stadium." One entrance is visible with a hanging sign that reads "Center Entrance."

Nick Weaver named to MAC All-Defensive Team: A historic honor for Eastern Michigan’s defensive leader

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, May 22, 2026

Nick Weaver, a standout junior catcher for Eastern Michigan University, has quickly established himself as a premier defensive force in the Mid-American Conference by leading the league in runners caught stealing. This article explores his remarkable journey from a multi-sport high school star in Illinois to a national defensive leader and 2026 MAC All-Defensive Team selection.

Eastern Michigan vs Buffalo Women's Tennis

End of an era in Ypsilanti: Head coach Ryan Kucera announces resignation as Eastern Michigan launches national search

By Ruby Brannon · Monday, May 18, 2026

After three seasons of record-breaking home dominance and significant postseason progress, Head Coach Ryan Kucera has officially resigned from the Eastern Michigan University tennis program. The university has launched a national search for its 12th head coach to build upon the foundation of individual player accolades and the first 100-win careers seen in Ypsilanti in a decade.

Track & Field

EMU Men Secure Runner-Up Finish as Women Surge to Fifth at MAC Outdoor Championships

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, May 17, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University track and field teams concluded the 2026 MAC Outdoor Championships with three individual/relay titles and a total of 148.5 points for the men and 75 points for the women. The men’s team secured a runner-up finish while the women’s squad surged to fifth place, highlighted by a sweep of the women's relay events and a school record in the decathlon 1500m.

Rowing

Eastern Michigan makes history at the inaugural MAC rowing championship

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, May 17, 2026

Eastern Michigan University hosted the historic inaugural Mid-American Conference (MAC) Women's Rowing Championship on Ford Lake, featuring a standout performance from the Eagles' Third Varsity Eight. The regatta was highlighted by EMU’s 3V8+ boat securing a silver medal and shattering the previous program record by over 15 seconds.

Baseball player slides face-first towards first base while the pitcher of the opposing team throws ball towards their teammate who is positioned near first base.

Eagles clinch series victory and celebrate senior milestones in 2026 season finale

By Ruby Brannon · Sunday, May 17, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University baseball team concluded its 2026 regular season by winning two of three games in a hard-fought series against Ohio University at Oestrike Stadium. The weekend featured a dominant combined shutout, a dramatic eight-run comeback, and a sentimental Senior Day celebration that honored 17 departing Eagles and saw outfielder John Hale reach the 100-career hit milestone.

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Ypsilanti Memorial Day Procession, May 25, 2026