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The Eastern Echo Monday, March 23, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Sports

Josephine Oloye sprints on an indoor track in the Eastern Michigan green and white track uniform.

Eagles soar to new heights at Michigan Invitational with record marks and event wins

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The Eastern Michigan University track and field teams turned in an impressive showing at the Michigan Invitational on Feb. 7, 2026, combining for four program top 10 marks, 11 personal bests and three individual event victories in a highly competitive field. Powered by dominant field event performances and multiple podium finishes across both rosters, the Eagles continue to build momentum as they head into a pivotal split-meet weekend.



EMU Womens Lacrosse Vs. Marquette

Blackwell hits 150-goal milestone as lacrosse drops season opener at Marquette

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Despite a historic outing from senior attacker Mackenzie Blackwell, who became the first player in program history to reach 150 career goals, Eastern Michigan lacrosse fell 20-9 to Marquette in its 2026 season opener Friday afternoon. The Eagles showed flashes of offensive efficiency but were unable to overcome Marquette’s extended scoring runs and possession advantage, opening the season at 0-1.


An Eastern Michigan University Men's Basketball player runs on court.

A heart-stopping MAC showdown comes down to the wire

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The Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball suffered a heartbreaking 66–64 loss to Akron University on Feb. 3, 2026, in a tightly contested MAC battle that featured 15 lead changes and was decided by a game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds. Despite strong performances from Gregory Lawson II and Addison Patterson, along with advantages in shooting and rebounding, the Eagles’ late surge fell just short against the conference-leading Zips.

EMU player #7, in a white jersey, dribbling the basketball.

Eagle Watch | Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

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This week's Eagle Watch, highlights emerging and veteran Eastern Michigan University athletes, including freshman guard Gregory Lawson II, senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe, senior basketball playmaker Ainhoa Cea, record-setting track athletes Kian Wiles and Shamoya Clemetson, tennis phenom Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya and lacrosse leader Mackenzie Blackwell.




Several swimmers are pictured together from the shoulders up. They face the same direction as if they are listening to someone speak off camera.

Eagle Sports Tips and Tales | Feb. 3-9

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Eastern Michigan University sports kick off a jam-packed week from Feb. 3-9, 2026, featuring high-stakes basketball matchups, season openers and senior celebrations across multiple programs.


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

Wiles breaks sub-four-minute barrier in historic track and field weekend

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Eastern Michigan University's track and field teams showcased exceptional depth and talent across two Midwest meets, highlighted by seven personal bests and three top-10 program marks. Kian Wiles' historic sub-four-minute mile led the weekend, while athletes and distance runners alike continued to shatter records and position the Eagles for a strong indoor season.



EMU gymnast Katin Childress mid-air in a splits position above the balance beam while her teammates watch.

Eagles soar to historic victory in inaugural meeting with Wilberforce

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The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team delivered a dominant 191.575–155.025 victory over Wilberforce University on Feb. 27 in Ypsilanti, marking the first meeting between the programs and extending the Eagles’ undefeated home record. With strong performances across all four rotations and a meet-high all-around showing from senior Kyrie Lowe, EMU showcased its depth, balance and momentum as the 2025 season continues.



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

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales | Jan. 27- Feb. 2

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Eastern Michigan University fans can look forward to a jam-packed week of athletic action from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, 2026, featuring historic rivalries, standout performances, and multi-state competitions across men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, track & field and tennis. From thrilling comebacks to record-breaking wins, this guide offers tips and viewing options to keep fans connected to every exciting moment.


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.


Image swimmers in the swim lanes of a pool with water splashing around them.

Dominant dives highlight EMU’s battle with Ball State despite loss

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Eastern Michigan University’s swim and dive teams returned to Jones Natatorium on Jan. 24 for a conference matchup against Ball State, falling 166.5–133.5 despite strong individual performances. The Eagles dominated the diving events, swept the 100-yard butterfly and recorded six personal bests, showcasing their depth and talent as they look ahead to Senior Day on Feb. 7.


EMU Gymnastics Team

Eagles tested against elite field at Air Force Quad

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Eastern Michigan University gymnastics faced a loaded field at the Air Force Quad on Jan. 23, finishing third with a 193.750 behind Air Force and Boise State. Highlighted by standout performances from Abby Brushwood and a season-high balance beam rotation, the Eagles improved to 5–2 overall and continued to build momentum in their 50th varsity season.


Braelon Green dribbles the ball down the basketball court while avoiding defensive players from the other team.

Eagles fall in double-overtime heartbreaker to Kent State

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The Eastern Michigan University Eagles pushed Kent State University to the brink in a thrilling double-overtime battle but ultimately came up just short in a heartbreaking loss. Despite resilient late-game execution and extended play, the Eagles were unable to secure the win as Kent State capitalized in the final moments.


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.

Eagles dominate Bowen Field House at 3rd annual Bob Parks Memorial

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Eastern Michigan University’s track and field teams dominated the third annual Bob Parks Memorial at Bowen Field House, highlighted by multiple personal-best performances and event victories across sprints, hurdles, jumps and distance races. The meet also celebrated the contributions of 11 seniors, setting the stage for EMU to carry strong momentum into upcoming indoor competitions.


#6 Fernanda Ovalle, in a green Eastern Michigan University jersey, dribbling the ball.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales | Jan. 20-26

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This guide to sports at Eastern Michigan University for Jan. 20–26, 2026, highlights a busy week of competition across multiple sports, paired with key historical notes from each program. Featuring home and road matchups in basketball, gymnastics, track and field, swimming and diving, and women’s tennis, this guide provides fans with viewing information and context on rivalries, records and past performances shaping the week ahead.


A group of EMU gymnasts wearing green and white cheer and clap for their teammate on the beam.

Golden Girls glory: Eastern Michigan gymnastics triumphs in home opener

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The Eastern Michigan Eagles celebrated their 50th varsity season with a hard-fought victory over Northern Illinois and SUNY Brockport at the second annual Golden Girls Classic. Senior Kyrie Lowe anchored the performance by clinching the all-around title with a 38.825, leading the Eagles to a win in their final scheduled regular-season Mid-American Conference meeting with the Huskies.

Joshua Nieman reviews The Eastern Echo's print stories from the past week.