Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Welcomes the Class of 2024
9/20/2024 10:11:00 PM | Baseball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Track & Field, General, E-Club
Kory Hallas, Tavelyn James, Matt Shoemaker, and Gina Tempro were part of the 48th anniversary class
Watch the Full Ceremony | Hallas Video | James Video | Shoemaker Video | Tempro Video
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University E-Club Alumni Chapter, the official varsity athletic letterwinners club, celebrated the achievements of its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees in a ceremony held at the George Gervin GameAbove Center Friday, Sept. 20. This year, four extraordinary athletes—men's basketball star Kory Hallas, women's basketball legend Tavelyn James, MLB pitcher Matt Shoemaker, and track sensation Gina Tempro—were honored for their contributions to EMU's athletic history. Additionally, Jack Brusewitz, a former men's basketball letterman, received the Ron Oestrike Distinguished Service Award for his tireless dedication to EMU Athletics.
The event was an emotional evening, filled with heartwarming speeches, fond memories, and reflections on years of hard work and perseverance. The Class of 2024 will also be recognized during the EMU football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, as the Eagles take on St. Francis University at 2 p.m.
Honoring Excellence: The Inductees Speak
Hallas, known for his dominance on the basketball court, led EMU's men's team to new heights during his time. His speech reflected not only his deep appreciation for the honor but also the humility that defined his career. "I owe everything in my life to basketball. My family, my business—everything I have was because I had the opportunity to play professionally overseas and experience a world I never would have known had I not come to Eastern," Hallas shared. He humorously recounted arriving at EMU in 1988 in a gray Chrysler K car and reflected on the massive changes the campus has undergone in the 36 years since. Hallas was also proud to recognize his teammates from the historic 1991 Sweet 16 team, making sure they shared in the celebration of his achievement.
James, a former women's basketball star and one of the most decorated athletes in EMU history, spoke with heartfelt emotion as she accepted her induction. "Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the unpredictable nature of life. From my humble beginnings as a cheerleader to discovering my passion for basketball, little did I know that this sport would take me around the world and shape me into the person I am today," James said. A 2012 graduate, James' illustrious career included leading the Eagles to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship, being named the 2012 MAC Player of the Year, and representing Team USA at the 2011 Pan American Games. Her words honored the challenges she faced and the support she received from her teammates, friends, and family.
Shoemaker, a standout pitcher for EMU's baseball team before making his mark in Major League Baseball (MLB), was visibly moved by the recognition. "It's a roller coaster of talent, success, and failure. For all you student-athletes, keep fighting, keep persevering—because you never know what's around the corner," Shoemaker advised during his speech. Shoemaker's journey, which included earning All-MAC Second Team honors, tying for fifth in NCAA Division I saves in 2007, and eventually pitching for nine seasons in the MLB, is a testament to his dedication. Shoemaker reminded everyone of the importance of strong family support, saying, "Without my wife, my kids, my parents in my corner, you don't know what's going to happen. I had a great support system, and they got me to where I am today."
Shoemaker also took a moment to recognize EMU's longtime athletic trainer, Bill Tuscany. "Bill kept us on the field, kept us winning," he said. Tuscany had dedicated 32 years to EMU Athletics, and Shoemaker's heartfelt thanks underscored the importance of a strong support system in an athlete's career.
Tempro, who represented EMU in track and field from 1981-85, expressed genuine surprise and gratitude when she received the call informing her of her induction. "I asked, 'Are you sure you have the right person?'" Tempro joked, reflecting on her years of hard work and dedication. A six-time MAC individual champion and NCAA All-American, Tempro reminisced about her journey from the small island of Barbados to EMU and thanked the mentors, coaches, and teammates who helped shape her success. Her legacy as a hurdler still lives on, as she holds multiple EMU and MAC records to this day.
A Legacy of Service: Jack Brusewitz
While the night celebrated the athletes, it also honored Brusewitz, a former men's basketball player, with the Ron Oestrike Distinguished Service Award. Brusewitz's decades of dedication to EMU Athletics were recognized, including his role in numerous fundraising campaigns, his leadership in the E-Club, and his countless contributions to various university initiatives. His tireless work, which earned him a place in the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, continues to impact EMU today through his leadership and philanthropy.
By the Numbers: Inductees' Stats and Achievements
- Hallas: Scored 1,464 points, ranked 13th in EMU's all-time points list, and had 743 rebounds, ranking 9th.
- James: Scored a record 2,470 points, the highest in EMU basketball history, men's or women's.
- Shoemaker: Pitched for nine MLB seasons, accumulating 580 strikeouts and a career 4.24 ERA.
- Tempro: Six-time MAC champion in hurdles and NCAA All-American in the 100m hurdles.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University E-Club Alumni Chapter, the official varsity athletic letterwinners club, celebrated the achievements of its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees in a ceremony held at the George Gervin GameAbove Center Friday, Sept. 20. This year, four extraordinary athletes—men's basketball star Kory Hallas, women's basketball legend Tavelyn James, MLB pitcher Matt Shoemaker, and track sensation Gina Tempro—were honored for their contributions to EMU's athletic history. Additionally, Jack Brusewitz, a former men's basketball letterman, received the Ron Oestrike Distinguished Service Award for his tireless dedication to EMU Athletics.
The event was an emotional evening, filled with heartwarming speeches, fond memories, and reflections on years of hard work and perseverance. The Class of 2024 will also be recognized during the EMU football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, as the Eagles take on St. Francis University at 2 p.m.
Honoring Excellence: The Inductees Speak
Hallas, known for his dominance on the basketball court, led EMU's men's team to new heights during his time. His speech reflected not only his deep appreciation for the honor but also the humility that defined his career. "I owe everything in my life to basketball. My family, my business—everything I have was because I had the opportunity to play professionally overseas and experience a world I never would have known had I not come to Eastern," Hallas shared. He humorously recounted arriving at EMU in 1988 in a gray Chrysler K car and reflected on the massive changes the campus has undergone in the 36 years since. Hallas was also proud to recognize his teammates from the historic 1991 Sweet 16 team, making sure they shared in the celebration of his achievement.
James, a former women's basketball star and one of the most decorated athletes in EMU history, spoke with heartfelt emotion as she accepted her induction. "Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the unpredictable nature of life. From my humble beginnings as a cheerleader to discovering my passion for basketball, little did I know that this sport would take me around the world and shape me into the person I am today," James said. A 2012 graduate, James' illustrious career included leading the Eagles to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship, being named the 2012 MAC Player of the Year, and representing Team USA at the 2011 Pan American Games. Her words honored the challenges she faced and the support she received from her teammates, friends, and family.
Shoemaker, a standout pitcher for EMU's baseball team before making his mark in Major League Baseball (MLB), was visibly moved by the recognition. "It's a roller coaster of talent, success, and failure. For all you student-athletes, keep fighting, keep persevering—because you never know what's around the corner," Shoemaker advised during his speech. Shoemaker's journey, which included earning All-MAC Second Team honors, tying for fifth in NCAA Division I saves in 2007, and eventually pitching for nine seasons in the MLB, is a testament to his dedication. Shoemaker reminded everyone of the importance of strong family support, saying, "Without my wife, my kids, my parents in my corner, you don't know what's going to happen. I had a great support system, and they got me to where I am today."
Shoemaker also took a moment to recognize EMU's longtime athletic trainer, Bill Tuscany. "Bill kept us on the field, kept us winning," he said. Tuscany had dedicated 32 years to EMU Athletics, and Shoemaker's heartfelt thanks underscored the importance of a strong support system in an athlete's career.
Tempro, who represented EMU in track and field from 1981-85, expressed genuine surprise and gratitude when she received the call informing her of her induction. "I asked, 'Are you sure you have the right person?'" Tempro joked, reflecting on her years of hard work and dedication. A six-time MAC individual champion and NCAA All-American, Tempro reminisced about her journey from the small island of Barbados to EMU and thanked the mentors, coaches, and teammates who helped shape her success. Her legacy as a hurdler still lives on, as she holds multiple EMU and MAC records to this day.
A Legacy of Service: Jack Brusewitz
While the night celebrated the athletes, it also honored Brusewitz, a former men's basketball player, with the Ron Oestrike Distinguished Service Award. Brusewitz's decades of dedication to EMU Athletics were recognized, including his role in numerous fundraising campaigns, his leadership in the E-Club, and his countless contributions to various university initiatives. His tireless work, which earned him a place in the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, continues to impact EMU today through his leadership and philanthropy.
By the Numbers: Inductees' Stats and Achievements
- Hallas: Scored 1,464 points, ranked 13th in EMU's all-time points list, and had 743 rebounds, ranking 9th.
- James: Scored a record 2,470 points, the highest in EMU basketball history, men's or women's.
- Shoemaker: Pitched for nine MLB seasons, accumulating 580 strikeouts and a career 4.24 ERA.
- Tempro: Six-time MAC champion in hurdles and NCAA All-American in the 100m hurdles.
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