Eastern Michigan Athletics
Charlie Batch Voted the "Face of the Program" by ESPN.com
6/20/2008 1:31:12 PM | Football
Fans can go onto ESPN.com and select one of EMU choices, including Elton Rynerson and L.J. Shelton
YPSILANTI, Mich. - ESPN.com is unveiling the "Face of the Program" for each of the 119 Division I-FBS footbal programs. Eastern Michigan Michigan University was announced Monday, June 16, and former Eagle great and NFL quarterback Charlie Batch was the selection. But the debate isn't over. Fans can go onto ESPN.com and select one of EMU choices, including Elton Rynerson and L.J. Shelton.
ESPN.com's EMU Signature Quote:
"I had had a good career at Eastern Michigan, but I guess people thought because the school is small that it meant nothing. I played in four different offenses there. ... That experience helped me learn how to study defenses on film and how to recognize coverages." -- Charlie Batch
Charlie Batch
Six years after arriving at Eastern Michigan, Batch left with a slew of offensive records, including passing yards (7,592), touchdown passes (53) and total plays (1,179). A Prop 48 player, Batch sat out as a freshman and earned a medical hardship the next year. When he finally got on the field, he sizzled, earning first-team All-MAC honors in 1995 after throwing for 3,177 yards and 21 touchdowns. A leg injury cut short his 1996 season, but he returned the next fall and set single-season school records with 3,280 yards and 23 touchdowns. The two-time captain earned the inaugural team MVP award in 1997 before becoming a draft choice of the Detroit Lions.
Elton Rynearson
Coached Eagles for 26 seasons and had record of 114-58-15, went 40-4-2 between 1925-30, stadium is named after him.
L.J. Shelton
Nine-year NFL veteran protected Batch's blind side and earned first-team All-MAC honors in each of his final two seasons.
Who do you think is the Face of the Program for EMU football. Click here to vote. Once on the page, make sure June 16: Air Force-Purde is chosen and click the red circle to read about ESPN's selection and vote on your choice.
