Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 5
9/23/2024 7:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Football, General
Hall of Fame Highlights and Momentum Heading into MAC Play
Click Here to Listen Now!
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In Episode 5 of the Eastern Insider Podcast, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner dive into Eastern Michigan's recent 36-0 victory over St. Francis. While the win wasn't the team's sharpest performance, they reflect on how crucial plays like David Carter Jr.'s 99-yard fumble return and a blocked punt helped secure the shutout. The duo also discusses the team's energy and focus, noting that despite some missed opportunities, the bar for EMU football has been raised as they prepare to contend for a MAC championship.
Looking ahead, the hosts preview EMU's upcoming MAC opener against Kent State, emphasizing the importance of starting conference play with a win—something the Eagles haven't done since 2016. The conversation takes a light-hearted detour into fall weddings clashing with football schedules, with Helmer voicing strong opinions on keeping weddings away from football season. They also highlight the Hall of Fame induction event, which celebrated four new members, including Sweet 16 basketball standout Kory Hallas.
As EMU prepares for key upcoming matchups in soccer, volleyball, and football, the podcast blends analysis, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the team's growth and community support.
Segment 1
Former EMU men's basketball player and newly inducted E-Club Hall of Famer Kory Hallas reflected on the honor of joining the Hall of Fame and his journey from small-town Canada to the Sweet 16. Hallas expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition and shared how emotional he felt upon receiving the news. He recounted his time at EMU, highlighting the 1991 Sweet 16 run, which he credited to the addition of standout player Marcus Kennedy and the strong bond within the team.
Hallas praised the intense training regimen under coaches Ben Braun and Keith Dambrot, attributing the team's success and his professional career, which included playing for Team Canada and in European leagues, to the toughness and conditioning instilled during his college years. He also reflected on his hometown's rich basketball history, as it was the birthplace of the sport's inventor, Dr. James Naismith, whose legacy inspired Hallas to excel in the game.
Segment 2
Head Coach Chris Creighton reflected on the team's strong performance heading into their Mid-American Conference opener against Kent State, Sept. 28. Creighton praised his defense for securing just the 10th shutout in Rynearson Stadium history, highlighting key plays such as a goal-line stand and David Carter's fumble return for a touchdown. He also emphasized the importance of complementary football, noting how the offense, defense, and special teams worked together to execute pivotal moments, including a blocked punt for a touchdown.
Creighton also discussed the significance of special teams, with kicker Jesus Gomez being named MAC Special Teams Player of the Week for the third time this season. He credited the entire unit, including the long snapper, holder, and blockers, for their contributions to Gomez's success.
As EMU prepares to face Kent State, Creighton dismissed the Golden Flashes' 0-4 record, reminding listeners that they've played a tough non-conference schedule. He emphasized that the team must be ready for a fierce contest and that records can be misleading. Reflecting on EMU's struggle in past MAC openers, Creighton acknowledged the importance of starting conference play strong but noted that his players are more focused on execution than historical context. With the defense performing well in opening quarters, Creighton remains confident that his team is prepared for the challenge at Kent State.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In Episode 5 of the Eastern Insider Podcast, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner dive into Eastern Michigan's recent 36-0 victory over St. Francis. While the win wasn't the team's sharpest performance, they reflect on how crucial plays like David Carter Jr.'s 99-yard fumble return and a blocked punt helped secure the shutout. The duo also discusses the team's energy and focus, noting that despite some missed opportunities, the bar for EMU football has been raised as they prepare to contend for a MAC championship.
Looking ahead, the hosts preview EMU's upcoming MAC opener against Kent State, emphasizing the importance of starting conference play with a win—something the Eagles haven't done since 2016. The conversation takes a light-hearted detour into fall weddings clashing with football schedules, with Helmer voicing strong opinions on keeping weddings away from football season. They also highlight the Hall of Fame induction event, which celebrated four new members, including Sweet 16 basketball standout Kory Hallas.
As EMU prepares for key upcoming matchups in soccer, volleyball, and football, the podcast blends analysis, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the team's growth and community support.
Segment 1
Former EMU men's basketball player and newly inducted E-Club Hall of Famer Kory Hallas reflected on the honor of joining the Hall of Fame and his journey from small-town Canada to the Sweet 16. Hallas expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition and shared how emotional he felt upon receiving the news. He recounted his time at EMU, highlighting the 1991 Sweet 16 run, which he credited to the addition of standout player Marcus Kennedy and the strong bond within the team.
Hallas praised the intense training regimen under coaches Ben Braun and Keith Dambrot, attributing the team's success and his professional career, which included playing for Team Canada and in European leagues, to the toughness and conditioning instilled during his college years. He also reflected on his hometown's rich basketball history, as it was the birthplace of the sport's inventor, Dr. James Naismith, whose legacy inspired Hallas to excel in the game.
Segment 2
Head Coach Chris Creighton reflected on the team's strong performance heading into their Mid-American Conference opener against Kent State, Sept. 28. Creighton praised his defense for securing just the 10th shutout in Rynearson Stadium history, highlighting key plays such as a goal-line stand and David Carter's fumble return for a touchdown. He also emphasized the importance of complementary football, noting how the offense, defense, and special teams worked together to execute pivotal moments, including a blocked punt for a touchdown.
Creighton also discussed the significance of special teams, with kicker Jesus Gomez being named MAC Special Teams Player of the Week for the third time this season. He credited the entire unit, including the long snapper, holder, and blockers, for their contributions to Gomez's success.
As EMU prepares to face Kent State, Creighton dismissed the Golden Flashes' 0-4 record, reminding listeners that they've played a tough non-conference schedule. He emphasized that the team must be ready for a fierce contest and that records can be misleading. Reflecting on EMU's struggle in past MAC openers, Creighton acknowledged the importance of starting conference play strong but noted that his players are more focused on execution than historical context. With the defense performing well in opening quarters, Creighton remains confident that his team is prepared for the challenge at Kent State.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballOur spark plug on and off the court⚡️🦅 Excited to honor Ella Grasson on senior night this Friday!
Thursday, November 06
Mo Habhab Highlights vs. Georgia State
Thursday, November 06
Detroit Youth Choir at Men's Basketball
Thursday, November 06
It’s Bri’s turn!🙌
Wednesday, November 05