LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Class, honoring the exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to Mountaineer Athletics. 

The inductees will be celebrated at the EOU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 9, in the David E. Gilbert Center. The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Phillip Busby – Football (1978-79)
A dominant force on the football field, Phillip Busby earned his place in history through talent, dedication, and leadership. During the 1978 and 1979 seasons, Busby was a cornerstone of his team, earning First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District honors in both years. His exceptional performance and athleticism earned him an All-American recognition, solidifying his status as one of the premier players of his era. 

Busby's talent took him to the professional level as well, where he was invited to camp with the Seattle Seahawks, a testament to his skill and work ethic. Following his playing career, Busby continued to impact the game as a football coach at EOU from 1980 to 1983, where he helped develop the next generation of athletes. He spent 14 years as a football coach, and is well known as a prison ministry pastor, husband, father, foster father, and grandfather.

Michael Meek – Mountaineer Athletic Legacy Award
The Mountaineer Athletic Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have made positive contributions to athletics while attaining outstanding accomplishments and/or achievements in their professions. A former Eastern Oregon University player, Michael Meek has built a remarkable coaching career to earn the honor for his outstanding impact on women's basketball.

After a highly successful tenure at George Fox University, he became the head coach of the University of Portland women's basketball team in 2019. Under his leadership, the Pilots have won three WCC Tournament championships, earned NCAA Tournament bids, and achieved historic milestones, including defeating No. 11 Gonzaga in 2020. 

Meek's career spans from high school coaching, where he led Southridge High School to five state titles, to NCAA Division III success, guiding George Fox to two championship game appearances. With a career coaching record of 360-97, Meek is recognized as one of the top Division I coaches in the nation, cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in women's basketball.

Rob & Carrie Lane – Meritorious Athletic Service Award
The Meritorious Athletic Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have provided extraordinary service in support of the goals and mission of the Eastern Oregon University Athletic Department. Rob and Carrie Lane exemplify this commitment through their unwavering support and generous contributions to Mountaineer Athletics.

Longtime supporters of EOU, Rob and Carrie are a consistent presence at athletic events, proudly cheering on the Mounties. As dedicated members of the Mountaineer Athletic Association, they have gone above and beyond by hosting cross country meets on their property and making significant contributions to the EOU soccer programs.

Their impact, however, extends far beyond the university. The Lanes are deeply involved in numerous causes throughout the La Grande community, embodying the true spirit of service.

2003 Men's Track & Field Team
The 2003 Men's Track & Field Team etched its name into EOU history by capturing the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship for the first time since 1956. A total of seventeen athletes claimed CCC titles in their respective events, with many others earning top placements and a chance to compete on the national stage. The team's remarkable success continued at the National Championships in Olathe, Kansas, where they finished 15th overall with several athletes securing spots in the top 25 in their events. The standout performances were highlighted by Shawn Trimble's national victory in the pole vault.

The team was led by Ben Welch, who was in his first season as the head coach for Track & Field, though he had served as the Cross Country head coach since 1991. Welch's leadership earned him the CCC Coach of the Year honor, while Jerry Morris and Shawn Trimble were recognized as All-Americans for their exceptional performances. This historic season elevated the program to new heights and cemented the legacy of the team that exemplified dedication, teamwork, and excellence.

2007-08 Men's Basketball Team
The 2007-08 Men's Basketball Team delivered one of the most historic seasons in EOU history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Looney, the Mountaineers posted a remarkable 26-6 overall record and a 17-3 mark in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, finishing first in the CCC and recording the best conference season and second-best overall record in program history.

Statistically dominant, the team set several program records and top-ten finishes, including the single-season assist record of 568. The team also ranks fourth all-time in field goals made, fifth in single-season points and total rebounds, and sixth in field goal percentage. 

The 2007-08 team was not only statistically elite, but also stacked with individual talent. Mark Carollo, Paul Carollo, and Neil Fryer earned All-Conference honors, Jermy Templeton was named to the All-Defensive Team, and coach Ryan Looney was recognized as CCC Coach of the Year. The squad laid the foundation for a new era of success and set the standard for excellence in Mountaineer basketball.

2008-09 Men's Basketball Team
Building on the momentum of the previous season, the 2008-09 EOU Men's Basketball Team solidified its place among the all-time greats with another dominant campaign. Finishing with a 25-8 overall record and a 15-5 mark in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, the Mountaineers tied for first place in the CCC and recorded the second-best conference season in program history.

The team's high-powered offense and disciplined defense led to numerous top-10 program records, including second all-time in single-season points and field goal percentage, third in field goals and free throws made, fourth in three-point percentage and assists, seventh in free throw percentage, and eighth in total rebounds.

Led by Head Coach Ryan Looney, the team featured standout performances from All-Conference selections Kris Groce, Neil Fryer, and Paul Carollo. Defensive anchor Jermy Templeton was once again named to the All-Defensive Team, highlighting the squad's two-way excellence. The 2008-09 Mountaineers continued to elevate the standard of excellence for EOU basketball and left an enduring legacy as one of the top teams in school history.