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The Eastern Echo Thursday, June 4, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Sports

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.

EMU golf player leans to the side while hitting a golf ball with a golf club outdoors on a cloudy day.

Year in review: Eastern Michigan Mens golf builds momentum through 2025-26 season

By Darrell Justice · Friday, May 15, 2026

Eastern Michigan golf showcased consistency, resilience, and steady growth throughout the 2025-26 season, competing against strong conference and regional competition while continuing to build momentum within the program. From standout individual performances to key team finishes, the Eagles demonstrated determination and progress that laid a strong foundation for the future of EMU golf.

A group of about 10 people stands together on a tennis court.

Beyond the baseline: Eastern Michigan’s Daneva and Mendez Carreño ace the Academic All-District honors

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, May 15, 2026

Iva Daneva and Regina Mendez Carreño of the Eastern Michigan University tennis program have been named to the 2025-26 CSC Academic All-District team, recognizing their elite performance in the classroom and on the court. To earn this national honor, both student-athletes maintained a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA while competing in at least 75 percent of the team's spring schedule.

Eastern Michigan Track at UofM Invitational feb 17th

Hawkins and Oliveira sweep MAC honors as Eastern Michigan primed for championship glory

By Ruby Brannon · Friday, May 15, 2026

Eastern Michigan University standouts Michael Hawkins and Gabe Oliveira have been named the Mid-American Conference Men’s Track and Field Athletes of the Week following dominant performances at the Hillsdale Last Chance meet and the Len Paddock Open. These honors represent the first time the Eagles have secured multiple conference awards in the same week during the outdoor season, signaling a powerful surge of momentum heading into the MAC Outdoor Championships.

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

A new era on the green: Jesse Siordia and the rise of women's flag football at Eastern Michigan

By Ruby Brannon · Thursday, May 14, 2026

Eastern Michigan University is expanding its athletic department to 21 varsity programs with the addition of women’s flag football, which is scheduled to begin intercollegiate competition in the spring of 2027. To lead this new initiative, the university has appointed Jesse Siordia, a former Navy veteran and national championship-winning coach, as the program’s first head coach.

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

Women's golf punches first ticket to NCAA Championships in program history

By Ruby Brannon · Thursday, May 14, 2026

The Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team made history by finishing fourth at the 2026 NCAA Tallahassee Regional, securing their first-ever berth to the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships. Led by top-10 individual performances from Janae Leovao and Baiyok Sukterm, the Eagles became only the second program in Mid-American Conference history to reach the national stage.

Baseball player winds up pitch while teammate, umpire, and spectators watch at varying distances.

Spartans outlast Eagles in East Lansing

By Ruby Brannon · Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Michigan State University secured a 5-2 victory over Eastern Michigan University on May 12, 2026, behind a decisive three-run surge in the sixth inning and a late two-RBI triple. The win extends the Spartans' current winning streak against the Eagles to eight games, continuing a period of historical dominance in this regional rivalry.

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Ypsilanti Memorial Day Procession, May 25, 2026