Got Royals sports memorabilia? Send us a pic and share your story!

If you were among the thousands of Royals athletes who competed for Eastern Mennonite University, we know special memorabilia brings back memories of grueling workouts, special wins, hard fought losses, and team camaraderie.

Help us make a digital collage of these memory joggers. Share a photo and description of that pair of running spikes, game ball, practice shirt, or maybe a favorite post-game photo.

We’ve started the celebration in a small way already — with the photo above that appeared in the spring/summer issue of Crossroads magazine. The photo is one of several pages devoted to “EMU Artifacts,” items that symbolize significant themes and programs in the institution’s history.

The piece of basketball netting, the volleyball jersey, the baseball– each object has a story about the sports that student-athletes have participated in during EMU’s 100-year history.

Daryl Lambert ’92 saved this ball from a 1990 victory over Bridgewater College, the first win over the cross-town rival in program history. (Courtesy photos)

Click here to find the photo and read more.

Because we couldn’t ask you to part with your own objects (well, we could, but they would need to be shipped from locations around the globe!), we decided to use objects on hand.

Current coaches Roger Mast (men’s soccer), Ted Erickson (women’s soccer), J.D. McCurdy (softball) and Carrie Bert (women’s volleyball) each had important pieces of EMU sports history in their offices.

Sandy Brownscombe, who coached field hockey, women’s basketball and men’s volleyball, also donated a few important items [like a piece of net snipped after the Royals won the first ODAC women’s basketball championship!].

The trophy cases outside Yoder Arena provided some objects. Former golf coach Wendell Eberly, who coached the first mens’ and women’s golf teams, brought by clubs, tees, balls, and a bag (not pictured), fittingly as he was on his way to play a round of golf.

One object that came from a former athlete is the baseball, provided by centerfielder Daryl Lambert ’92. Daryl has a collection of all the balls he caught to make the last out in winning games, including this one that he caught when EMC beat cross-town rival Bridgewater College for the first time.

For more good reading on Royals sports, see the Fall 2009-10 issue of Crossroads magazine below.