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The Eastern Echo Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Several college-aged gymnasts wearing black and green Eastern Michigan University leotards energetically high-five one another and smile.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales | Jan. 13-19

A pivotal mid-January stretch lies ahead for Eastern Michigan University Athletics as Eagle teams gear up for some key matchups. From essential matchup insights to notable moments from the program’s history, here’s everything fans need to know as the Eagles take the floor Jan. 13-19, 2026. 

Gymnastics

  • The scouting report: The Eagles return to home soil in Ypsilanti on Friday, Jan. 17, 2026, to host the Northern Illinois University Huskies.
  • Current momentum: In their last home meeting on the same date in 2025, the Eagles secured a strong 195.125-193.275 victory over the Huskies.
  • Historical snapshot: The date of Jan. 17 has been kind to the program before; for example, on that date in 2004, the Eagles defeated NIU at home, 192.850-191.325. 
  • Streaming info: Fans can watch the meet live on ESPN+ or via Eagle All-Access.

Women's tennis

  • The scouting report: A heavy home schedule arrives Saturday, Jan. 18, 2026, as the Eagles welcome the Ferris State University Bulldogs to Ypsilanti.
  • Current momentum: The Eagles achieved a rare double-header sweep against the Bulldogs on Jan. 18, 2025, winning both matches with dominant scores of 7-0 and 4-0.
  • Historical snapshot: The team has historically used this late-January window to build win streaks, currently holding a four-win streak against Ferris State dating back to 2024.
  • Streaming info: While live video is not available, fans can check for live scoring and updates on Eagle All-Access.

Men’s basketball

Women’s basketball

  • The scouting report: The team travels to Mount Pleasant on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2026, to face the Central Michigan University Chippewas.
  • Current momentum: The Eagles are looking to flip the script following a 64-73 road loss to the Chippewas on this same date in 2025.
  • Historical snapshot: EMU has a record of finding success against CMU Jan. 13-19 in previous years, including a 76-68 home win Jan. 13, 1996, and a dominant 77-62 victory Jan. 17, 2007.
  • Streaming info: The game will be available for streaming on ESPN+.

Track and field

  • The scouting report: The mid-January window is traditionally reserved for high-stakes regional competition at the Michigan Invitational in Ann Arbor.
  • Current momentum: This meet serves as a platform for athletes to land Mid-American Conference top-three marks, a feat the women's team achieved during the January 2025 iteration of the event.
  • Historical snapshot: The Eagles have consistently competed in Ann Arbor during this specific week for decades, with meet appearances recorded on Jan. 13, Jan. 14, Jan. 17, and Jan. 18 across various recent seasons.
  • Streaming info: Coverage and results will be posted on Eagle All-Access.

Ruby Brannon

Ruby Brannon uses she/her pronouns, and has worked for The Eastern Echo since Fall 2025. She started as a sports reporter, then moved to Sports Editor in the 2026 winter semester. Brannon is a communications major with a double minor in psychology and marketing.

Her job entails covering EMU athletics by writing game recaps, features, and previews, focusing on telling accurate, engaging stories about our dedicated student-athletes and programs. For Brannon, the best part is capturing the energy behind EMU sports, spotlighting our incredible athletes, and sharpening my skills as a sports journalist for my future endeavors. Contact her with any questions at rbranno1@emich.edu. Brannon is on Instagram (@rubybrannon).