Athletic Media Relations Office

Assoc. AD/Media Relations: Greg Steiner 799 North Hewitt Road Asst. Director of Media Relations: Katie Gonzales Convocation Center Suite 307 Asst. Director of Media Relations: Kyler Ludlow Ypsilanti, MI 48197 AMR Graduate Assistant: Alexis Chevalier 734.487.0317 / 734.487.0318 AMR Graduate Assistant: Maddie Heaps @EMUAthletics / #EMUEagles AMR Graduate Assistant: Alex Jewell EMUEagles.com Aug. 8, 2019 For Immediate Release EASTERN REVEALS 1990s ALL-DECADE FOOTBALL TEAM EMU continues its celebration of Rynearson Stadium’s 50th season

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - In celebration of the 150th-year of and the 50th season Eastern Michigan University’s football team has called Rynearson Stadium home, the EMU department of athletics is unveiling the best to don the Green and White decade-by-decade over a five-week span. Below is the 25-man team comprised of the best players from the 1990s.

The 1990s All-Decade team includes Charlie Batch, Walter Church, Stephen Whitfield, Jermaine Sheffield, Steve Clay, Brandon Campbell, Ontario Pryor, L.J. Shelton, Frank Rocca, Bobby Pandelidis, Barry Stokes, Ashley Travis, Walter Campbell, Lional Dalton, Kevin Kwiatkowski, Reese McCaskill, Richard Palmer, Donald McCall, Lincoln Dupree, Werner Blakely, Vashone Adams, Ron Rice, Nick Avondet, Justin Ventura, and Craig Thompson.

An era defined largely by great play under center, two of the best quarterbacks to even don the Green and White called EMU home during the 1990s. So good was their play, in fact, that both Batch and Church highlight the 1990s All-Decade team offense as co-quarterbacks.

One of the best quarterbacks in school history, Batch was a prototypical “gunslinger.” A First Team All-MAC selection in 1995, Batch undoubtedly made his mark in the EMU record books, where he still ranks third in total yards (7,715), second in touchdowns (53), fourth in completions (579), and third in passing yards (7,592). Batch holds the all-time record for single-season passing yards with 3,280, and his 3,390 total yards in 1997 rank third in school history for a single season. Batch was drafted in the second round, 60th overall, by the Detroit Lions in the 1998 NFL draft and went on to become a two-time champion as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Like Batch, Church was one of the most statistically successful quarterbacks in Eastern Michigan history. The Ypsilanti native holds numerous all-time records at EMU, ranking first in total offensive plays (1,657), pass completions (807), pass attempts (1,441), and passing yards (9,142). He threw for 43 touchdowns in his career, good for third-most in school history. Church also threw for over 400 yards in a game twice in his career, and threw for 2,000 yards or more in each of his four years as the Eagles’ starter. Church was also the first EMU player to eclipse 8,000 career yards of total offense, a club that would not be joined untilBrogan Roback eclipsed 8,000 career yards in 2017.

Defensively, Lional Dalton highlights a star-studded cast of EMU greats. Dalton, a three-time letterwinner from 1995-97, was a multi-year starter for the Eagles and served as team captain during the 1997 campaign. Nicknamed “Jelly Roll,” Dalton was a First Team All-MAC selection in 1996 and 1997. The Detroit native totaled 116 tackles, four sacks and two forced during his career. In 1997, Dalton was selected as the winner of the John E. Borowiec Award, given to EMU’s most valuable defensive player at the end of each season. He would go on to play nine NFL seasons with five different teams, earning a Super Bowl Ring as a member of the 2001 Ravens. Dalton finished his NFL career with 110 tackles, nine sacks, 30 tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles.

Credited with 10,618 career punting yards, Nick Avondet gets the nod as the 1990s All-Decade punter. A Second-Team All-MAC selection in 2000, Avondet finished his career with a 40.5 yard-per-punt average, good for fourth all-time at EMU. Avondet also tallied the best single-game punting performance in school history, accumulating 642 punting yards in a single game against Michigan State University in 1999.

The team selections were made through a list of criteria including: all-americans, all-conference student- athletes, Hall of Fame recipients, and statistical leaders from the decade.

Full bios for each of the 25 players named to the 1990s All-Decade Team can be found via the link at the top of the story. The 2000s All-Decade team will be announced Thursday, Aug. 15. As always, visit EMUEagles.com or follow @EMUAthletics on Twitter for the latest news about Eastern Michigan Athletics. 1990s Eastern Michigan University Football All-Decade Roster

# Name Pos Ht Wt Years Hometown

OFFENSIVE TEAM 16 Charlie Batch 6-2 206 1994-97 Homestead, Pa. 19 Walter Church 6-3 214 1996-99 Ypsilanti, Mich. 22 Stephen Whitfield 5-11 195 1991-94 Mansfield, Ohio 84 Jermaine Sheffield 6-5 201 1996-99 Stronsville, Ohio 25 Steve Clay 5-5 145 1992-95 Cincinnati, Ohio 25 Brandon Campbell 5-10 162 1996-99 Lakeview Terrace, Calif. 84 Ontario Pryor 6-1 213 1994-97 Chicago, Ill. 70 L.J. Shelton 6-6 317 1994-97 Rochester Hills, Mich. 68 Frank Rocca 6-6 300 1992-96 Sudbury, Ontario 73 Bobby Pandelidis 6-3 284 1989-92 Laval, Quebec 64 Barry Stokes 6-4 285 1992-95 Davison, Mich.

DEFENSIVE TEAM 52 Ashley Travis 6-4 250 1996-99 Detroit, Mich. 96 Walter Campbell 6-3 262 1989-92 Detroit, Mich. 74 Lional Dalton 6-1 315 1994-97 Detroit, Mich. 97 Kevin Kwiatkowski 6-4 275 1992-96 Seven Hills, Ohio 55 Reese McCaskill 6-3 247 1991-94 Southfield, Mich. 12 Richard Palmer 6-0 185 1991-93 Mt. Clemens, Mich. 13 Donald McCall 6-0 190 1996-99 Colton, Calif. 3 Lincoln Dupree 5-10 186 1996-99 Sacramento, Calif. 20 Werner Blakely 6-1 187 1988-91 Detroit, Mich. 14 Vashone Adams 6-0 190 1993-94 Aurora, Colo. 5 Ron Rice 6-2 200 1990-93 Detroit, Mich.

SPECIAL TEAMS 20 Nick Avondet 6-2 173 1997-00 Brookpark, Ohio 17 Justin Ventura 5-9 183 1995-98 Claremont, Calif. 13 Craig Thompson 5-7 156 1990-93 Cincinnati, Ohio ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of the best quarterbacks in school history, Batch was a prototypical “gunslinger.” A First Team All-MAC selection in 1995, Batch undoubtedly made his mark in the EMU record books, where he still ranks third in total yards (7,715), second in touchdowns (53), fourth in completions (579), and third in passing yards (7,592). Batch holds the all-time record for single-season passing yards with 3,280, and his 3,390 total yards in 1997 rank third in school history for a single season. Batch was drafted in the second round, 60th overall, by the Detroit Lions in the 1998 NFL draft and went on to become a two- time Super Bowl champion as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Charlie Batch QB | 6-2 | 206 1994-97 Homestead, Pa.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Like Batch, Church was one of the most statistically successful quarterbacks in Eastern Michigan history. The Ypsilanti native holds numerous all-time records at EMU, ranking first in total offensive plays (1,657), pass completions (807), pass attempts (1,441), and passing yards (9,142). He threw for 43 touchdowns in his career, good for third-most in school history. Church also threw for over 400 yards in a game twice in his career, and threw for 2,000 yards or more in each of his four years as the Eagles’ starter. Church was also the first EMU player to eclipse 8,000 career yards of total offense, a club that would not be joined until Brogan Roback eclipsed 8,000 career Walter Church yards in 2017. QB | 6-3 | 214 1996-00 Ypsilanti, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Stephen Whitfield is not only one of the best running backs of his era, but one of the best to ever don the Green and White. One of just 10 players in EMU history to rush for 2,000 career yards, Whitfield ranks eighth all-time in rushing yards at Eastern, and had five 100 yard rushing games throughout his collegiate career. The Mansfield, Ohio native punched in nine touchdowns in 1994, and was named the offensive MVP of the team the same season.

Stephen Whitfield RB | 5-11 | 195 1991-94 Mansfield, Ohio ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A second-team All-MAC Selection in 1998, Sheffield’s 126 catches rank sixth all-time in school history, and his 2,043 yards are good for third most all-time at EMU. The Strongsville, Ohio native ranks tied for fourth all-time with 14 career touchdown receptions. Sheffield led the team in receiving yards in 1998, finishing with 62 receptions, while racking-up 953 yards of offense, and four touchdowns.

Jermaine Sheffield WR | 6-5 | 201 1996-99 Strongsville, Ohio

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of the most successful receivers of the 1990s, Clay ranks inside the top-15 in career touchdowns (18), and ranks fifth all-time in both receptions (133) and career receiving yards (1,846). Clay also ranks third in career punt return yardage (656). The Cincinnati native also recorded two of the top-10 longest kickoff returns in school history.

Steve Clay WR | 5-5 | 145 1992-95 Cincinnati, Ohio

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Campbell’s 1,548 total receiving yards (career) rank eighth among EMU wide-outs all-time, and his career 105 receptions are good for 12th all-time at EMU. Campbell led the team in 1999 with 53 receptions. The California native added two 100-yard receiving games while donning the Green and White.

Brandon Campbell WR | 5-10 | 162 1996-99 Lakeview Terrace, Calif. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A Second Team All-MAC selection in 1996, Pryor led the team in passes caught (62) and yards (1,031) during that year’s campaign. His 1,448 career yards ranks 10th all-time among EMU receivers. Pryor had two of the greatest receiving games in EMU football history, going for 202 yards on seven catches against Temple in 1996, and a school record 241 yards on 14 catches against rival Central Michigan in the same season.

Ontario Pryor WR | 6-1 | 213 1994-97 Chicago, Ill.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A third-team All-America selection via The Football News after the 1998 season, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Shelton was a two-time First Team All-MAC selection at offensive tackle. He became the first player in EMU football history to earn invitations to four post-season senior All-Star games. Shelton then became the highest draft choice in school history when he was selected 21st overall in the 1999 NFL Draft as the first round selection of the Arizona Cardinals.

LJ Shelton OL | 6-6 | 317 1994-97 Rochester Hills, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Rocca was a versatile player on the Eagle offensive line, splitting time as the team’s primary center while also filling in at other positions within the offensive line. A three-year letterman from 1994-1996, Rocca was drafted in the third round of the Canadian Football League Draft in 1997.

Frank Rocca OL | 6-6 | 300 1992-96 Sudbury, Ontario ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A four-year letterman from 1989-92, Pandelidis was an All-MAC selection in 1991 and 1992, and received the James M. “Bingo” Brown Award for, given to the team’s offensive MVP, in 1992.

Bobby Pandelidis OL | 6-3 | 284 1989-92 Laval, Quebec

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Stokes earned four letters for EMU from 1992- 95, and served as a captain during the 1995 campaign. He was selected as a First Team All-Mid-American Conference offensive lineman in 1995, and played in 44 games during his EMU career, including making 35 starts. Following his collegiate career, Stokes went on to play in the NFL, where he was named the Detroit Lions representative for the 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The Davison, Mich. native also established the Barry Stokes Foundation, and began the Barry Stokes Youth Football League to benefit his hometown area of Davison-Flint. Barry Stokes OL | 6-4 | 285 1992-95 Davison, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Travis, a four-time letterwinner from 1996- 99, was a staple of the defensive line in the later part of the decade. A multi-year starter for the Green and White, Travis had his most successful season as a senior in 1999. During his final campaign, Travis accumulated six sacks and three forced fumbles. He also led the team in tackles-for-loss with 15. Travis was be selected as the 1999 winner of the John E. Borowiec Award for his outstanding defensive play.

Ashley Travis DL | 6-4 | 250 1996-99 Detroit, Mich. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Campbell, a four-time letterwinner from 1990- 93, was a force on the defensive line in the early 1990s. The Detroit native led the team in sacks in both the 1990 and 1991 seasons, tallying eight in both years respectively. That number is good for sixth all-time in a single season at EMU. During the 1992 campaign Campbell also led the team with 19 tackles-for-loss, good for tenth all-time for a single season. In 1991, Campbell earned Second Team All-MAC honors, and followed it up with First Team All-MAC honors in 1992. In 1993 Campbell won John E. Borowiec Award as the team’s most valuable defensive player. Walter Campbell DL | 6-3 | 262 1989-92 Detroit, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dalton, a three-time letterwinner from 1995- 97, was a multi-year starter for the Eagles and served as team captain during the 1997 campaign. Nicknamed “Jelly Roll,” Dalton was a First Team All-MAC selection in 1996 and 1997. The Detroit native totaled 116 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles during his career. In 1997, Dalton was selected as the winner of the John E. Borowiec Award. He would go on to play nine NFL seasons with five different teams, earning a Super Bowl Ring as a member of the 2001 . Dalton finished his NFL career with 110 tackles, nine sacks, 30 tackles-for-loss and three forced fumbles. Lional Dalton DL | 6-1 | 315 1994-97 Detroit, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Kwiatkowski started three seasons for the Eagles and served as a team captain for the 1995 and 1996 seasons. In 1993 and 1994 Kwiatkowski took home the Harold E. Sponberg Award, given to the team’s lineman who exhibits excellence in the classroom with athletic achievement. On the field, Kwiatkowski is fifth all-time in the single season record books with 20 tackles-for-loss. The Seven Hills, Ohio native was a Second Team All-MAC selection in 1994 and 1996, respectively.

Kevin Kwiatkowski DL | 6-4 | 275 1992-96 Seven Hills, Ohio ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Brown totaled 290 tackles over his career sporting the Green and White. During the 1996 campaign, Brown recorded 26 tackles-for-loss, the most in a single season in EMU football history. He also owns the record for sacks in a season with 11 in 1996. Brown also ranks fourth with 10 sacks in 1995, and is the EMU career leader with 25 sacks. He earned Second Team All-MAC for his performance in the 1995 season.

Avery Brown LB | 6-3 | 246 1994-97 Dearborn Heights, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: McCall holds two of the top-three all-time records for career solo tackles, including a school best 102 tackles in 1999. In that same season, he finished with 156 total tackles, which is good for third-best in school history. McCall finished with 282 career total tackles.

Donald McCall LB | 6-0 | 190 1996-99 Colton, Calif.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: McCaskill, a four-time letterwinner from 1992- 95 is the all-time leader in total tackles for EMU (450). The Southfield, Mich. native led the team in tackles during three separate seasons during his career. In 1994 he tied for the team lead in interceptions. McCaskill earned the John E. Borowiec award for most outstanding defensive player in 1995. His 450 total tackles rank 13th all-time in the NCAA record books.

Reese McCaskill LB | 6-3 | 247 1991-94 Southfield, Mich. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Palmer is one of the best defensive backs to ever don the Green and White. A two-time First Team All-MAC selection, Palmer ranks tied for fourth all-time in single season interceptions (7), and ranks eighth all-time in career interceptions (10). Selected a co-captain in 1993, Palmer turned in an outstanding season in the defensive backfield in 1991 when he tied for sixth in interceptions in the Division I ranks with seven. He also made his mark on the single- game side as the last EMU player to record four interceptions in a game when he accomplished that feat against Western Michigan, Oct. 19, 1991. Overall, he totalled 178 tackles during his EMU career. Richard Palmer DB | 6-0 | 185 1991-93 Mt. Clemens, Mich.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Adams, a two-time letterwinner, from 1993-94, led the team in interceptions in both of his seasons with the Eagles, registering five in each year, respectively. Adams went on to play five seasons with five NFL teams, playing in 29 game and registering 61 tackles, along with one interception.

Vashone Adams DB | 6-0 | 190 1993-94 Aurora, Colo.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Rice, a four-time letterwinner from 1991-94, started 38 games during his four years as an Eagle. The Detroit native registered 325 total tackles, good for sixth all-time at EMU. In 1994, he finished second on the team in tackles with 94 and earned a First Team All-MAC selection for his performances. Rice also took home the John E. Borowiec Award in 1994. Following his senior campaign, Rice signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. In 2000, Rice was named as the Detroit Lions Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner.

Ron Rice DB | 6-2 | 200 1991-94 Detroit, Mich. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Dupree led the team in interceptions in each of his two final seasons donning the Green and White, nabbing five in 1998 and three in 1999, respectively. These performances landed Dupree a First Team All-MAC selection in 1998 and a Second Team All- MAC honor in 1999.

Lincoln Dupree DB | 5-10 | 186 1996-99 Sacramento, Calif.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Credited with 10,618 career punting yards, Avondet was a Second-Team All-MAC selection in 2000. He finished his career with a 40.5 yard-per-punt average, good for fourth all-time at EMU. Avondet also tallied the best single-game punting performance in school history, accumulating 642 punting yards in a single game against Michigan State University in 1999.

Nick Avondet P | 6-2 | 173 1997-00 Brookpark, Ohio

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Ventura, the all-time leader in extra points at EMU, notched 113-career extra point attempts, and ranks second all- time in made field goals (42). Ventura joined the “50-yard club,” when he drilled a 52-yard field goal against Marshall, in 1997. His spectacular 1997 season earned him a spot on the Second-Team All-MAC roster.

Justin Ventura K | 5-9 | 183 1995-98 Clearemont, Calif. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One of the most explosive return specialists in EMU history, Thompson holds the top spot for any Eagle with 705 total return yards in his career. He also holds the school record for longest punt return (96 yards)Thompson is also all over the record books for kick returns as well, ranking eighth all-time with 1,232 career return yards, despite only handling the primary return duties for just one season. Thompson’s 95-yard return for a touchdown against Akron in 1995 is the third longest kick return in school history.

Craig Thompson RET | 5-7 | 156 1990-93 Cincinnati, Ohio