Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 14
11/25/2024 5:38:00 PM | Football, General
Feast Week Frenzy - Rivalry Clashes and Postseason Hopes
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Feast Week is here, and Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked off Episode 14 of the Eastern Insider podcast with a lively discussion on the jam-packed week ahead for EMU athletics. Tom likened his schedule to a loaded Thanksgiving plate: basketball tournaments, rivalry football, and high-stakes showdowns all around.
The men's basketball team recently notched a pivotal win against Oakland, showcasing disciplined and cohesive play—a sign of growth compared to seasons past. The victory sets the stage for another Metro Series clash as they face Detroit Mercy. Meanwhile, the women's team is fighting to break their losing streak with a critical game against Detroit Mercy before returning home to face a tough Xavier squad. As Greg noted, these non-conference matchups are essential building blocks toward Mid-American Conference play.
Football dominates the week's narrative, with EMU preparing for its rivalry clash against Western Michigan. Both teams are 5-6, with bowl eligibility and bragging rights on the line. Greg and Tom emphasized the stakes: a win could salvage Eastern's season and extend their bowl streak, while a loss ends their postseason hopes. Defensive lapses and turnover woes have plagued the Eagles during their losing streak, but Saturday presents an opportunity for redemption. The duo highlighted players like Joey Zelinsky, whose fiery leadership is fueling optimism within the locker room.
As the pair closed the segment, they reflected on the transformative nature of college sports and the challenges that come with modern athletics. From NIL deals to roster cuts, the landscape continues to evolve, but for EMU, this week is all about playing for pride, trophies, and postseason dreams.
Segment 1 - Joey Zelinsky
For Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky, Saturday's showdown against Western Michigan represents more than just the final regular-season game of his college career. It's a chance to secure bowl eligibility, reclaim the Michigan MAC Trophy, and cap off a journey fueled by perseverance, hard work, and faith.
"It's like a Super Bowl vibe," Zelinsky said in this week's interview on The Eastern Insider Podcast. "We've got so much on the line, and every senior in this locker room knows what's at stake. We're practicing and preparing like it."
Zelinsky's path to EMU was anything but traditional. A standout at Blue Mountain High School in Pennsylvania, he initially struggled with academics, graduating with a 1.3 GPA and limited options for his athletic future. But his determination drove him to Hudson Valley Community College, where he endured eviction, financial hardship, and skepticism about his abilities. "I looked myself in the mirror and decided I'd prove everyone wrong," Zelinsky recalled.
Despite the odds, Zelinsky's grit caught the attention of EMU's coaching staff, thanks to his unique approach—handwritten letters to college programs. "Coach Needham was the only one to respond," Zelinsky said. "I told him I just needed one opportunity, and I wouldn't waste it."
Zelinsky joined EMU as a walk-on and quickly proved he belonged, earning his first start against Ball State and eventually a full scholarship. "That call changed my life," he said, describing the moment he shared the news with his family.
Now a leader on and off the field, Zelinsky emphasizes the camaraderie of this year's team. "I've never been in a locker room like this," he said. "We're not going to lose this game. Every guy in there is ready to give it their all."
For those facing doubt, Zelinsky offers simple advice: "Never give up. Keep working, stay focused, and believe you belong. The little things make the difference."
As EMU fights for a bowl berth Saturday, Zelinsky's inspiring journey will be front and center—a testament to resilience and determination.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
Saturday's clash in Kalamazoo between Eastern and Western is shaping up to be one of the most significant games in the history of the Michigan MAC Trophy rivalry. For EMU, the stakes are clear: capture the outright trophy and secure bowl eligibility. Head coach Chris Creighton summed it up, saying, "We're playing for the Michigan MAC championship. We've earned the right to be here, and our guys want it. We're going to give everything we've got to get it."
EMU's journey to this pivotal moment has been a testament to resilience. Once sitting at 5-2, the Eagles endured four tough losses but refused to falter. "I'm so proud of our guys," Creighton said. "In a weird way, you want to find out what your team is made of—whether handling success or enduring adversity. Our team hasn't cracked, and that's a testament to their resolve."
The Eagles will need that resolve against a WMU squad that excels on both sides of the ball. Creighton noted the Broncos' balanced attack, highlighting their commitment to the run game, led by a talented offensive line and dynamic running backs. "They're not just a one-dimensional team," Creighton observed. "They throw it well and have been super effective in the run game."
Reflecting on last week's 37-20 loss to Buffalo, Creighton acknowledged the challenges posed by turnovers and field position but remained optimistic. "Turnovers can be the difference in #MACtion games in November," he said. "We've got to take care of the ball and capitalize on opportunities."
This game also carries emotional weight, marking the last time this roster will compete together under the current NCAA roster rules. Creighton expressed gratitude for his team's character, saying, "We've got great dudes who care and work hard. Even in tough times, I'm thankful to get up and work with these guys every day."
With the Michigan MAC Trophy and a bowl berth on the line, Saturday promises to be a defining moment for the Eagles. "Tough times don't last, tough people do," Creighton said, rallying his team and fans ahead of this high-stakes showdown.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Feast Week is here, and Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked off Episode 14 of the Eastern Insider podcast with a lively discussion on the jam-packed week ahead for EMU athletics. Tom likened his schedule to a loaded Thanksgiving plate: basketball tournaments, rivalry football, and high-stakes showdowns all around.
The men's basketball team recently notched a pivotal win against Oakland, showcasing disciplined and cohesive play—a sign of growth compared to seasons past. The victory sets the stage for another Metro Series clash as they face Detroit Mercy. Meanwhile, the women's team is fighting to break their losing streak with a critical game against Detroit Mercy before returning home to face a tough Xavier squad. As Greg noted, these non-conference matchups are essential building blocks toward Mid-American Conference play.
Football dominates the week's narrative, with EMU preparing for its rivalry clash against Western Michigan. Both teams are 5-6, with bowl eligibility and bragging rights on the line. Greg and Tom emphasized the stakes: a win could salvage Eastern's season and extend their bowl streak, while a loss ends their postseason hopes. Defensive lapses and turnover woes have plagued the Eagles during their losing streak, but Saturday presents an opportunity for redemption. The duo highlighted players like Joey Zelinsky, whose fiery leadership is fueling optimism within the locker room.
As the pair closed the segment, they reflected on the transformative nature of college sports and the challenges that come with modern athletics. From NIL deals to roster cuts, the landscape continues to evolve, but for EMU, this week is all about playing for pride, trophies, and postseason dreams.
Segment 1 - Joey Zelinsky
For Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Joey Zelinsky, Saturday's showdown against Western Michigan represents more than just the final regular-season game of his college career. It's a chance to secure bowl eligibility, reclaim the Michigan MAC Trophy, and cap off a journey fueled by perseverance, hard work, and faith.
"It's like a Super Bowl vibe," Zelinsky said in this week's interview on The Eastern Insider Podcast. "We've got so much on the line, and every senior in this locker room knows what's at stake. We're practicing and preparing like it."
Zelinsky's path to EMU was anything but traditional. A standout at Blue Mountain High School in Pennsylvania, he initially struggled with academics, graduating with a 1.3 GPA and limited options for his athletic future. But his determination drove him to Hudson Valley Community College, where he endured eviction, financial hardship, and skepticism about his abilities. "I looked myself in the mirror and decided I'd prove everyone wrong," Zelinsky recalled.
Despite the odds, Zelinsky's grit caught the attention of EMU's coaching staff, thanks to his unique approach—handwritten letters to college programs. "Coach Needham was the only one to respond," Zelinsky said. "I told him I just needed one opportunity, and I wouldn't waste it."
Zelinsky joined EMU as a walk-on and quickly proved he belonged, earning his first start against Ball State and eventually a full scholarship. "That call changed my life," he said, describing the moment he shared the news with his family.
Now a leader on and off the field, Zelinsky emphasizes the camaraderie of this year's team. "I've never been in a locker room like this," he said. "We're not going to lose this game. Every guy in there is ready to give it their all."
For those facing doubt, Zelinsky offers simple advice: "Never give up. Keep working, stay focused, and believe you belong. The little things make the difference."
As EMU fights for a bowl berth Saturday, Zelinsky's inspiring journey will be front and center—a testament to resilience and determination.
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
Saturday's clash in Kalamazoo between Eastern and Western is shaping up to be one of the most significant games in the history of the Michigan MAC Trophy rivalry. For EMU, the stakes are clear: capture the outright trophy and secure bowl eligibility. Head coach Chris Creighton summed it up, saying, "We're playing for the Michigan MAC championship. We've earned the right to be here, and our guys want it. We're going to give everything we've got to get it."
EMU's journey to this pivotal moment has been a testament to resilience. Once sitting at 5-2, the Eagles endured four tough losses but refused to falter. "I'm so proud of our guys," Creighton said. "In a weird way, you want to find out what your team is made of—whether handling success or enduring adversity. Our team hasn't cracked, and that's a testament to their resolve."
The Eagles will need that resolve against a WMU squad that excels on both sides of the ball. Creighton noted the Broncos' balanced attack, highlighting their commitment to the run game, led by a talented offensive line and dynamic running backs. "They're not just a one-dimensional team," Creighton observed. "They throw it well and have been super effective in the run game."
Reflecting on last week's 37-20 loss to Buffalo, Creighton acknowledged the challenges posed by turnovers and field position but remained optimistic. "Turnovers can be the difference in #MACtion games in November," he said. "We've got to take care of the ball and capitalize on opportunities."
This game also carries emotional weight, marking the last time this roster will compete together under the current NCAA roster rules. Creighton expressed gratitude for his team's character, saying, "We've got great dudes who care and work hard. Even in tough times, I'm thankful to get up and work with these guys every day."
With the Michigan MAC Trophy and a bowl berth on the line, Saturday promises to be a defining moment for the Eagles. "Tough times don't last, tough people do," Creighton said, rallying his team and fans ahead of this high-stakes showdown.
Players Mentioned
DL
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