Patrice Beasley, John Bowler, Nikki Knapp, Ben Reese, and Bill Tuscany are the five men and women who have been selected to join the Eastern Michigan E-Club Alumni Chapter, the official varsity athletic letterwinners club, as the latest inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame.
All five are set to be honored during the Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct. 10, 2025, in the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
Each member of this class helped lead a different sport’s program to success during his or her time at Eastern Michigan University, and four of them graduated during the mid to late 2000s.
Here is a look at their illustrious individual resumes.
Patrice Beasley | Women’s Track & Field
Beasley graduated from EMU in 2007 as one of the most decorated runners the school had ever seen. As a four-year letterwinner on the Eagles’ indoor and outdoor track teams, she attained eight individual Mid-American Conference titles and an additional five as a member of the relay team.
Beasley secured numerous victories in the MAC Indoor Championships throughout her time at EMU and was equally triumphant in outdoor competitions. She was named to the 2005 Women’s Outdoor Track & Field All-MAC First Team and received numerous MAC Athlete of the Week accolades.
John Bowler | Men’s Basketball
When John Bowler stepped onto the court, chances were that he would be leaving it with a double double.
As one of only two MAC players to average a double double during their senior campaign (20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds), Bowler further cemented his place in the Eagles' history by ending his career as one of only three players to score 1,400+ points and pull down 800+ boards during their time at EMU.
Bowler was also a four-year letterwinner from 2002-06. After graduation, he continued his playing career in Germany’s top professional league, suiting up for Telekom Baskets Bonn and MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
Nikki Knapp | Women’s Basketball
As a four-year starter for Eastern Michigan’s women’s basketball team from 2002-2006, Nikki Knapp contributed to one of the most successful runs the program has ever seen.
Boasting an 80-30 overall record and 47-17 MAC record as well as two National Invitation Tournament appearances and one NCAA Tournament appearance, the Eagles soared during Knapp’s tenure thanks to her 1,511 total points and school record 802 rebounds.
Multiple All-MAC Second Team appearances, an All-MAC Third Team appearance, and an All-MAC Freshman Team nomination also highlight the bevy of individual achievements Knapp nabbed during her playing days.
Ben Reese | Men’s Track & Field
Graduating in 2003, Ben Reese was a four-year letter winner for Eastern Michigan’s men’s track and field and cross-country teams from 1996–2000.
He was named to the all-regional team twice, the All-MAC team twice, and won the Michigan Invitational championship in cross country in 1998. His accomplishments did not stop there – he was also named a six-time NCAA All-American in track and field.
Bill Tuscany | Associate Head Athletic Trainer
Graduating with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from EMU, Bill Tuscany served as the associate head athletic trainer for 32 years, working with 105 different EMU conference championship-winning sports teams during his tenure.
Tuscany, a certified member of the National Athletic Trainer's Association for many years and a teacher in EMU’s athletic training curriculum, announced his retirement in 2018.
