Eastern Michigan Athletics
Need to Know EMU Football Traditions: A Legacy of Toughness
9/12/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
Gear up for Saturday’s home opener against Jacksonville State at 7 p.m.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Since taking the reins as head coach of Eastern Michigan University football in 2014, Chris Creighton has transformed the team on the field and laid the foundation for a series of unique and meaningful traditions. Creighton's deep understanding of EMU, Ypsilanti, and Southeast Michigan's blue-collar identity is evident in every aspect of his program. Under his leadership, traditions such as The Wrench, The Factory, and the team's symbolic gray turf have become cornerstones of EMU football, embodying the spirit of resilience, grit, and determination.
Game Day Timeline
The Wrench: A Symbol of Adversity
One of the most visible symbols of EMU football is a 51-pound green-painted pipe wrench that never touches the ground during games. Instead, it is carried on the shoulders of a player throughout the entire game. This wrench signifies three core pillars of the program: the blue-collar nature of EMU, the drive to "close the gap" between one's current state and future potential, and the unwavering embrace of adversity.
In Creighton's words: "I realized who we were—EMU, Ypsilanti, Southeast Michigan. We are tough, hardworking, and determined, and the wrench symbolizes all of that. It's about blue-collar grit, constantly improving, and facing adversity head-on."
The story behind the wrench go back to Creighton's first summer in Ypsilanti. The team's core identity as a blue-collar, tough-minded unit inspired a graduate assistant to approach a local tool company, which gifted the program the now-iconic 51-pound pipe wrench. The wrench's dual vises represent the team's mission to "close the gap"—between where they are and where they want to be—and the choice to confront adversity rather than shy away from it.
In addition to its role on the sideline, the wrench takes center stage before each game, as it is carried onto the field by a player or community member who has overcome significant adversity. Whether it's a cancer survivor, a player mourning a lost loved one, or someone in need of encouragement, the wrench is more than just a piece of metal—it's a reminder of the human spirit's capacity to overcome hardship. As Creighton puts it, "It's not a publicity deal or gimmick. It's about who we are."
The Factory: EMU's Tough and Gritty Home Field
Rynearson Stadium, affectionately known as The Factory, is another key symbol of EMU's blue-collar ethos. Dubbed "The Factory" in 2014, the stadium represents the hard work, dedication, and resilience that the program stands for. This identity honors the industrial history of Southeast Michigan, once a manufacturing powerhouse. The stadium is adorned with diamond-plated accents, and signs proudly declare, "Champions Built Here," reminding players and fans of the hardworking culture that defines EMU football.
Creighton described the essence of The Factory: "Our colors are green and white, but our collars are blue. The Factory is where our players develop, and our coaches go to work every day. When opponents come to The Factory, they're in for a 60-minute fight."
The tradition extends beyond mere symbolism. Each game day, the team enters the field by breaking through a cinder block wall emblazoned with The Factory, representing the players' ongoing effort to "breakthrough" their obstacles and achieve success. It visually embodies their blue-collar roots, perseverance, and relentless drive.
The Hammers: Recognizing the Hardest Hits
The sledgehammers further emphasize the team's hard-hitting mentality. Each week, three players—one from offense, defense, and special teams—are selected based on delivering the hardest, legal hits in the previous game. These players are entrusted with breaking through "The Wall" with sledgehammers as part of the pre-game entrance ritual, symbolizing their commitment to relentless physicality and effort.
The Gray Turf: A Symbol of Toughness
Eastern Michigan is one of only three teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) that plays on a non-green surface. Its iconic gray field stands alongside Boise State's blue and Coastal Carolina's teal fields. The story behind the installation of the gray turf is just as powerful as its visual impact.
During a frigid winter workout in 2014, Creighton pushed his team to practice on the snow-covered field rather than in their indoor facility. As they braved the cold, Creighton famously remarked, "We'll play anyone, anytime, anywhere—even on a parking lot covered with broken glass." Inspired by the team's resilience during that practice, Creighton conceptualized the gray turf, symbolizing the toughness needed to compete against all odds. The gray field represents a parking lot—where hard work and grit shine through, no matter the conditions.
The Eagle and The Eagle Walk: Honoring Tradition and Community
Pregame festivities at EMU also include the stirring flight of a bald eagle across the field during the national anthem, a tradition unique to Eastern Michigan in college football. The majestic bird, soaring above Rynearson Stadium, serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and strength, adding an inspiring layer to game day.
Before every game, the Eagle Walk allows fans to interact with the team before they take the field. Accompanied by the EMU marching band, the players make their way to the stadium, greeted by cheering fans. It's a moment of unity where the team and community rally behind EMU football, showcasing the strong bond between the players and their supporters.
The E Tough Mentality
Underlying all of these traditions is the team's core mentality: "E TOUGH." This concept reflects the resilience, sacrifice, and determination that permeate every aspect of EMU football. It's not just about winning games—it's about instilling a mentality of overcoming adversity, working harder than the competition, and pushing oneself to constantly improve.
Creighton's vision for the program is rooted in this idea, with E TOUGH standing for:
- Team First: A selfless approach, putting the team above individual achievements.
- Obsessed with Getting Better: A relentless drive to improve, both on and off the field.
- Unwavering in Adversity & Belief: Facing challenges head-on, never backing down.
- Grit: When passion meets perseverance toward a long term goal
- Heart: Refuse to lose and play with passion, purpose, and pride for your community and school.
More than just wins and losses have defined Creighton's tenure at Eastern Michigan University. Through powerful traditions like The Wrench, The Factory, and the symbolic gray turf, he has instilled a sense of identity and purpose in the program. These traditions, deeply connected to the blue-collar spirit of the region, have become an integral part of EMU football, celebrating toughness, resilience, and the will to overcome any adversity. Whether on the field or in the community, Eastern Michigan's football program is a testament to the idea that hard work and perseverance can close the gap between potential and success.
Game Day Timeline
The Wrench: A Symbol of Adversity
One of the most visible symbols of EMU football is a 51-pound green-painted pipe wrench that never touches the ground during games. Instead, it is carried on the shoulders of a player throughout the entire game. This wrench signifies three core pillars of the program: the blue-collar nature of EMU, the drive to "close the gap" between one's current state and future potential, and the unwavering embrace of adversity.
In Creighton's words: "I realized who we were—EMU, Ypsilanti, Southeast Michigan. We are tough, hardworking, and determined, and the wrench symbolizes all of that. It's about blue-collar grit, constantly improving, and facing adversity head-on."
The story behind the wrench go back to Creighton's first summer in Ypsilanti. The team's core identity as a blue-collar, tough-minded unit inspired a graduate assistant to approach a local tool company, which gifted the program the now-iconic 51-pound pipe wrench. The wrench's dual vises represent the team's mission to "close the gap"—between where they are and where they want to be—and the choice to confront adversity rather than shy away from it.
In addition to its role on the sideline, the wrench takes center stage before each game, as it is carried onto the field by a player or community member who has overcome significant adversity. Whether it's a cancer survivor, a player mourning a lost loved one, or someone in need of encouragement, the wrench is more than just a piece of metal—it's a reminder of the human spirit's capacity to overcome hardship. As Creighton puts it, "It's not a publicity deal or gimmick. It's about who we are."
The Factory: EMU's Tough and Gritty Home Field
Rynearson Stadium, affectionately known as The Factory, is another key symbol of EMU's blue-collar ethos. Dubbed "The Factory" in 2014, the stadium represents the hard work, dedication, and resilience that the program stands for. This identity honors the industrial history of Southeast Michigan, once a manufacturing powerhouse. The stadium is adorned with diamond-plated accents, and signs proudly declare, "Champions Built Here," reminding players and fans of the hardworking culture that defines EMU football.
Creighton described the essence of The Factory: "Our colors are green and white, but our collars are blue. The Factory is where our players develop, and our coaches go to work every day. When opponents come to The Factory, they're in for a 60-minute fight."
The tradition extends beyond mere symbolism. Each game day, the team enters the field by breaking through a cinder block wall emblazoned with The Factory, representing the players' ongoing effort to "breakthrough" their obstacles and achieve success. It visually embodies their blue-collar roots, perseverance, and relentless drive.
The Hammers: Recognizing the Hardest Hits
The sledgehammers further emphasize the team's hard-hitting mentality. Each week, three players—one from offense, defense, and special teams—are selected based on delivering the hardest, legal hits in the previous game. These players are entrusted with breaking through "The Wall" with sledgehammers as part of the pre-game entrance ritual, symbolizing their commitment to relentless physicality and effort.
The Gray Turf: A Symbol of Toughness
Eastern Michigan is one of only three teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) that plays on a non-green surface. Its iconic gray field stands alongside Boise State's blue and Coastal Carolina's teal fields. The story behind the installation of the gray turf is just as powerful as its visual impact.
During a frigid winter workout in 2014, Creighton pushed his team to practice on the snow-covered field rather than in their indoor facility. As they braved the cold, Creighton famously remarked, "We'll play anyone, anytime, anywhere—even on a parking lot covered with broken glass." Inspired by the team's resilience during that practice, Creighton conceptualized the gray turf, symbolizing the toughness needed to compete against all odds. The gray field represents a parking lot—where hard work and grit shine through, no matter the conditions.
The Eagle and The Eagle Walk: Honoring Tradition and Community
Pregame festivities at EMU also include the stirring flight of a bald eagle across the field during the national anthem, a tradition unique to Eastern Michigan in college football. The majestic bird, soaring above Rynearson Stadium, serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and strength, adding an inspiring layer to game day.
Before every game, the Eagle Walk allows fans to interact with the team before they take the field. Accompanied by the EMU marching band, the players make their way to the stadium, greeted by cheering fans. It's a moment of unity where the team and community rally behind EMU football, showcasing the strong bond between the players and their supporters.
The E Tough Mentality
Underlying all of these traditions is the team's core mentality: "E TOUGH." This concept reflects the resilience, sacrifice, and determination that permeate every aspect of EMU football. It's not just about winning games—it's about instilling a mentality of overcoming adversity, working harder than the competition, and pushing oneself to constantly improve.
Creighton's vision for the program is rooted in this idea, with E TOUGH standing for:
- Team First: A selfless approach, putting the team above individual achievements.
- Obsessed with Getting Better: A relentless drive to improve, both on and off the field.
- Unwavering in Adversity & Belief: Facing challenges head-on, never backing down.
- Grit: When passion meets perseverance toward a long term goal
- Heart: Refuse to lose and play with passion, purpose, and pride for your community and school.
More than just wins and losses have defined Creighton's tenure at Eastern Michigan University. Through powerful traditions like The Wrench, The Factory, and the symbolic gray turf, he has instilled a sense of identity and purpose in the program. These traditions, deeply connected to the blue-collar spirit of the region, have become an integral part of EMU football, celebrating toughness, resilience, and the will to overcome any adversity. Whether on the field or in the community, Eastern Michigan's football program is a testament to the idea that hard work and perseverance can close the gap between potential and success.
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