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The Eastern Echo Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Sports-Features

Image shows a student athlete with their back to the camera, wearing a green jersey.

Excellence defined: 22 Eagles achieve All-MAC Academic status

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The Eastern Michigan University track and field programs have demonstrated that their speed on the track is matched only by their diligence in the classroom, landing 22 student-athletes on the Academic All-MAC list. This recognition highlights a department-wide culture of excellence where athletes manage rigorous majors alongside Division I competition


A women's basketball player aims a free throw while players of both teams are lined up on either side of the lane on an indoor court.

Eagle excellence: Honors for Eastern Michigan student-athletes

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Several remarkable Eastern Michigan University student-athletes have recently secured prestigious academic and athletic honors across multiple sports. These dedicated Eagles are setting new standards of excellence, proving that success for EMU is found both in the heat of competition and the rigor of the classroom.


Gray cement sidewalks and structures surround the black gate, closed in front of a football stadium on a partly cloudy day. A metal statue of a basketball player holding a ball above its head is positioned in the middle of the walkway.

Building the wall: EMU football fortifies coaching staff for 2026

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Eastern Michigan University head coach Chris Creighton has finalized three key additions to the Eagles' coaching staff, signaling a strategic blend of internal continuity and outside expertise for the 2026 season. These appointments, featuring the return of a former coordinator and the promotion of a defensive mainstay, aim to solidify the program's "blue-collar" identity.




Women's lacrosse player with ball in the pocket of their stick dodges out of the way of opposing team player on the field.

Tracy Grollman: A legacy of excellence on and off the lacrosse field

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Senior attacker Tracy Grollman continues to cement her legacy at Eastern Michigan University, earning Mid-American Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors after leading the Eagles to a historic win over the University of Oregon and surpassing 100 career points. With record-breaking performances on the field and a 3.0-plus GPA in the classroom, Grollman stands as a defining figure in the rise of EMU lacrosse, both athletically and academically.


Gray cement sidewalks and structures surround the black gate, closed in front of a football stadium on a partly cloudy day. A metal statue of a basketball player holding a ball above its head is positioned in the middle of the walkway.

'30 Under 30' coach Antreal Allen named new cornerbacks coach at Eastern Michigan

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Eastern Michigan University football has added rising coaching talent Antreal Allen as its new cornerbacks coach. Allen brings with him a reputation for defensive discipline and player development recognized by the 247Sports.com “30 Under 30” list. With experience at University of West Georgia and Georgia State University, Allen aims to strengthen the Eagles’ secondary ahead of spring practice and reinforce the program’s emphasis on turnovers, pass efficiency defense, and holistic athlete growth.


Jasmine Jones wears an Olympic uniform and smiles with arms crossed.

Jasmine Jones ends a four-decade drought: From the track to Olympic bronze on the ice

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On Feb. 21, 2026, Jasmine Jones won bronze in the two-woman bobsleigh competition at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, marking Eastern Michigan University’s first U.S. Olympic medal in 42 years and its first ever on the ice. The former EMU track standout’s historic podium finish alongside Kaillie Armbruster Humphries ended a drought dating back to Earl Jones in 1984 and cemented her place among the university’s all-time Olympic greats.



The Leovao sisters stand and smile for the photo together and hold a fluffy eagle stuffed animal between them.

Eagles dominate the links: Leovao sisters and Robby Turnbull sweep MAC weekly honors

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Eastern Michigan University golf is building historic momentum after the Leovao sisters swept MAC Women’s Golfer of the Week honors and freshman Robby Turnbull earned Men’s Golfer of the Week, fueled by record-setting performances against nationally ranked competition. As the women prepare to co-host the GameAbove Invitational with University of Southern California in California and the men head to Texas for the All-American Collegiate, both programs are poised to continue a season defined by national climbs and program-best achievements.


An Eastern Michigan lacrosse player in a white jersey with a green number 9 stands holding her crosse against her body while looking to the left.

Eagles ascend: 5 Eastern Michigan student-athletes named MAC weekly honorees

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Eastern Michigan University dominated the Mid-American Conference weekly awards, with five athletes across lacrosse and tennis earning honors after standout performances on the field and court. Led by a lacrosse sweep and a breakout showing from the freshman tennis duo, the Eagles’ latest accolades signal a rising standard of excellence as both programs continue their strong 2026 campaigns.






Ford Field

Motor City MACtion: Eagles set to trade The Factory for Ford Field

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Eastern Michigan University and Central Michigan University have moved their historic Mid-American Conference rivalry to Ford Field for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, transforming a century-old matchup into a marquee Motor City MACtion event. By shifting the series to an NFL venue in Detroit, both programs aim to elevate the rivalry, reconnect with alumni and spotlight the MAC on a major stage.