Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 12
11/12/2024 4:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball, Football, General
MACtion, Milestones, and Major Moves
Click Here to Listen Now!
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In Episode 12 of the Eastern Insider, Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner dive into a packed week of Eastern Michigan sports and a few scheduling quirks that ultimately worked out for the podcast's release. The two banter about delaying the episode by a day, aiming to avoid overlapping with major events like Michigan State basketball, creating a seamless lead-in to several exciting EMU matchups throughout the week.
The main sports highlight focuses on Wednesday night's upcoming MACtion face-off between EMU and Ohio, marking a rare meeting with the Ohio Bobcats, a team EMU hasn't hosted since 2016. Helmer and Steiner discuss Ohio's strong record yet note the Bobcats' vulnerabilities as they fight to stay atop the MAC standings, fresh off a dominant win over Kent State. They also note EMU's recent struggles to maintain fourth-quarter leads, emphasizing the need for consistency as the season nears its end.
In addition to football, they highlight the success of EMU alum Jake Julian, who recently set a North American punting record in the CFL and now eyes a potential move to the NFL. Fans of Eastern Michigan's basketball also have something to cheer about, with new star Sisi Eleko from Canisius making waves as a powerful addition to the team. Eleko's strong bond with Coach Sahar Nusseibeh played a pivotal role in her decision to join EMU, reflecting the coach's impact on her career.
Segment 1 - Jake Julien
This week on Eastern Insider, former EMU punter and current Edmonton Elks standout Jake Julien joined Tom Helmer to reflect on his record-breaking season in the CFL. Julien, who led the league with an incredible 54.0-yard punt average—a new CFL record that topped Jon Ryan's 50.6-yard mark set in 2005—discussed his journey since leaving Eastern Michigan in 2021. With a 40-yard net average and eight punts landing inside the opponent's 10-yard line, Julien's precision and power set him apart this season.
Julien attributes his success to a disciplined routine and a shift in perspective, especially given the CFL's no-fair-catch rule, which demands precise, directional punts for optimal field coverage. He credits his experience with the New England Patriots, where he picked up professional habits and the importance of consistency from NFL veterans, as instrumental in refining his approach. Since joining the Elks, Julien has embraced the energy of Edmonton, even laughing about an awkward moment when he unknowingly asked NHL star Connor McDavid to move aside during a warmup.
Looking back on his EMU days, Julien fondly recalls the Eagles' victories over Big Ten teams and Coach Chris Creighton's lasting impact, saying that Creighton's guidance shaped him both on and off the field. With hopes of a return to the NFL, Julien is optimistic as he awaits the CFL's free-agent window, which opens after the Grey Cup. His record-breaking season has made him a player to watch, and he's eager for any opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Segment 2 - Sisi Eleko
EMU women's basketball standout Sisi Eleko discussed her journey from Montreal to Ypsilanti with host Tom Helmer. After transferring from Canisius, Eleko explained her decision to join Eastern, driven largely by her strong bond with Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh. Though she received offers from multiple Power Five programs during her time in the transfer portal, Eleko chose Eastern because of Nusseibeh's coaching style and mentorship, which she described as supportive and motivating without being harsh. Eleko values coaches who treat players with respect, having previously experienced more verbally aggressive coaching styles, something she's now eager to avoid.
Eleko shared that choosing Eastern meant following her heart, despite her long-held dream of playing at a Power Five school. The opportunity to continue working with Coach Sahar and staff, whom she deeply trusts, ultimately won out over the allure of larger arenas and crowds. Her connection with the coaches and their support in her growth as both a player and person resonated deeply with her.
Looking to the future, Eleko hopes to reach the professional level, ideally the WNBA. Inspired by her favorite player, A'ja Wilson, Eleko works diligently on refining her mid-range game, a skill she's been focusing on with Coach Sahar. Having had the chance to watch Wilson play live, Eleko is motivated to continue elevating her skills and versatility on the court. As she embraces her journey at EMU, Eleko is excited about her development under Coach Nusseibeh's guidance and the possibilities ahead in her career.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In Episode 12 of the Eastern Insider, Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner dive into a packed week of Eastern Michigan sports and a few scheduling quirks that ultimately worked out for the podcast's release. The two banter about delaying the episode by a day, aiming to avoid overlapping with major events like Michigan State basketball, creating a seamless lead-in to several exciting EMU matchups throughout the week.
The main sports highlight focuses on Wednesday night's upcoming MACtion face-off between EMU and Ohio, marking a rare meeting with the Ohio Bobcats, a team EMU hasn't hosted since 2016. Helmer and Steiner discuss Ohio's strong record yet note the Bobcats' vulnerabilities as they fight to stay atop the MAC standings, fresh off a dominant win over Kent State. They also note EMU's recent struggles to maintain fourth-quarter leads, emphasizing the need for consistency as the season nears its end.
In addition to football, they highlight the success of EMU alum Jake Julian, who recently set a North American punting record in the CFL and now eyes a potential move to the NFL. Fans of Eastern Michigan's basketball also have something to cheer about, with new star Sisi Eleko from Canisius making waves as a powerful addition to the team. Eleko's strong bond with Coach Sahar Nusseibeh played a pivotal role in her decision to join EMU, reflecting the coach's impact on her career.
Segment 1 - Jake Julien
This week on Eastern Insider, former EMU punter and current Edmonton Elks standout Jake Julien joined Tom Helmer to reflect on his record-breaking season in the CFL. Julien, who led the league with an incredible 54.0-yard punt average—a new CFL record that topped Jon Ryan's 50.6-yard mark set in 2005—discussed his journey since leaving Eastern Michigan in 2021. With a 40-yard net average and eight punts landing inside the opponent's 10-yard line, Julien's precision and power set him apart this season.
Julien attributes his success to a disciplined routine and a shift in perspective, especially given the CFL's no-fair-catch rule, which demands precise, directional punts for optimal field coverage. He credits his experience with the New England Patriots, where he picked up professional habits and the importance of consistency from NFL veterans, as instrumental in refining his approach. Since joining the Elks, Julien has embraced the energy of Edmonton, even laughing about an awkward moment when he unknowingly asked NHL star Connor McDavid to move aside during a warmup.
Looking back on his EMU days, Julien fondly recalls the Eagles' victories over Big Ten teams and Coach Chris Creighton's lasting impact, saying that Creighton's guidance shaped him both on and off the field. With hopes of a return to the NFL, Julien is optimistic as he awaits the CFL's free-agent window, which opens after the Grey Cup. His record-breaking season has made him a player to watch, and he's eager for any opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Segment 2 - Sisi Eleko
EMU women's basketball standout Sisi Eleko discussed her journey from Montreal to Ypsilanti with host Tom Helmer. After transferring from Canisius, Eleko explained her decision to join Eastern, driven largely by her strong bond with Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh. Though she received offers from multiple Power Five programs during her time in the transfer portal, Eleko chose Eastern because of Nusseibeh's coaching style and mentorship, which she described as supportive and motivating without being harsh. Eleko values coaches who treat players with respect, having previously experienced more verbally aggressive coaching styles, something she's now eager to avoid.
Eleko shared that choosing Eastern meant following her heart, despite her long-held dream of playing at a Power Five school. The opportunity to continue working with Coach Sahar and staff, whom she deeply trusts, ultimately won out over the allure of larger arenas and crowds. Her connection with the coaches and their support in her growth as both a player and person resonated deeply with her.
Looking to the future, Eleko hopes to reach the professional level, ideally the WNBA. Inspired by her favorite player, A'ja Wilson, Eleko works diligently on refining her mid-range game, a skill she's been focusing on with Coach Sahar. Having had the chance to watch Wilson play live, Eleko is motivated to continue elevating her skills and versatility on the court. As she embraces her journey at EMU, Eleko is excited about her development under Coach Nusseibeh's guidance and the possibilities ahead in her career.
Players Mentioned
M/F
/ Women's BasketballWrigley with a career-best 10 blocks!🙅♀️🚫
Monday, October 27
Season 8 - Episode 10: Halloween Humor and Hoops Talk
Monday, October 27
It’s more than a rivalry, it’s a chance to make a difference! 💚🥫
Monday, October 27
Game week work😤
Monday, October 27