Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 20
2/10/2025 7:00:00 PM | Baseball, Football, General
New Offensive Line Coach and EMU Baseball Buzz
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In the latest episode of Eastern Insider, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked things off with a passionate debate about the Super Bowl schedule. Helmer strongly advocated for moving the big game to Saturday, arguing it should be treated as a national holiday. He pointed out that the NFL already plays on multiple days, so shifting the Super Bowl would allow fans to celebrate without the dreaded Monday morning struggle.
The discussion then pivoted to college football's scheduling woes. The hosts criticized the NCAA for sticking with Monday night national championship games, suggesting they learn from the NFL's prime-time dominance. They also touched on the controversy of college football games overlapping with the NFL's playoff schedule, reinforcing that the NFL doesn't concern itself with other leagues' schedules.
A humorous tangent emerged when they critiqued the on-screen graphics used during the playoffs, which they felt were unfinished and underwhelming. This led to reminiscing about how score bugs have evolved in broadcasts and how older games without them now seem confusing.
On the football field, the hosts praised the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive dominance, noting that their front line was the true MVP of the game. They also highlighted the underdog nature of many of Philly's players, who hailed from Group of Five schools like Toledo and Middle Tennessee State. This fed into a broader conversation about scouting biases, with Helmer citing Maxx Crosby as an example of a small-school star who proved doubters wrong.
Switching gears, the show introduced EMU's new offensive line coach, Chris Wiesehan. A coaching veteran with deep ties to Head Coach Chris Creighton, Wiesehan is expected to bring invaluable experience to the program. The hosts shared how highly he was regarded at Temple and hinted at his aspirations for a future head coaching role.
Baseball was also on the agenda, with a preview of EMU's season opener in Port Charlotte against Pitt. Steiner teased coverage on EMU Eagles.com and Eagle All-Access and joked about whether he'd return with a tan and a Buccees' souvenir.
Finally, the show closed with a preview of crucial MAC basketball matchups, including revenge games for both the men's and women's teams against Ball State and Toledo. With eight games left, the hosts stressed the importance of finishing strong to secure a postseason spot.
Chris Wiesehan
This week on the Eastern Insider, Tom Helmer welcomed Eastern Michigan's new offensive line coach, Chris Wiesehan, to discuss his coaching journey, philosophy, and vision for the Eagles' O-line.
Wiesehan, who arrives from Temple University, brings a wealth of experience, having coached every offensive position except quarterback. "I'm waiting for that interview," he joked. His diverse background, including time in Canada, has shaped his adaptable coaching style. "I enjoy moving around offensively. It gives you a better perspective… and helps from an evaluation standpoint," he explained.
Wiesehan's connection with EMU Head Coach Chris Creighton dates back to the late '90s. "We met at Fort Scott Community College. He was still at Ottawa. I was coaching O-line at Buffalo," he recalled, highlighting the deep-rooted relationships that led him to Ypsilanti. "This is a nomadic business… but it's about making the right decisions for your family."
As he settles in, Wiesehan is focused on developing an athletic, versatile offensive line that fits EMU's offensive identity. "I like light, athletic guys that can run. We want to be an outside-zone team," he stated. His recruiting strategy prioritizes explosiveness over sheer size, noting, "We'd rather recruit lighter guys with the right traits and put weight on them."
One of the key factors he evaluates is triple extension—a player's ability to generate power through their ankles, knees, and hips. "When I pass them to our strength staff, those guys get stronger faster because they have flexibility. They can move weight faster, which means they can move the opposition against their will," he explained.
As Wiesehan builds his unit, he's not just looking for traditional linemen but also converted tight ends or basketball players who bring length and athleticism. "You can't teach height, but you can add weight," he noted, referencing past success stories like NFL linemen who transitioned from other sports.
With spring ball underway, Wiesehan is eager to put his stamp on the EMU offense. "It's only the spring, but I'm already fired up for the fall," Helmer said, to which Wiesehan replied, "Go Eagles!"
Logan Hugo
As Logan Hugo enters his final season with Eastern Michigan baseball, the senior outfielder is embracing his leadership role while focusing on consistency and preparation. In a recent Eastern Insider interview with Greg Steiner, Hugo reflected on his journey at EMU, his offseason adjustments, and the team's goals for the upcoming season.
"It feels like I was just in the village yesterday with all those freshmen I came in with," Hugo said. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's been a ride."
Hugo stepped up as a leader last year, and this season, he's taken an even greater role in guiding younger teammates. "Last year was great, leading by example, but this year I've realized my voice holds a lot of weight," he said. "I'm making sure to mentor these guys, not just on the field but off it, helping them adjust to college life."
His performance last season saw major improvements both offensively and defensively. The key? Trusting his preparation. "I used to feel like everything needed to go right in the week for the game to go right," Hugo explained. "But last year, I just told myself, 'I've prepared 21 years for this.'"
Hugo has also taken advantage of new analytics tools, including TrackMan technology, to refine his approach at the plate. "Seeing where my hot and cold zones are, realizing I don't have to swing at certain pitches—it's been eye-opening," he said.
With aspirations of playing at the next level, Hugo draws inspiration from former EMU standout Max Schuemann, who recently reached the majors. "To know that he's done it, from where I am now, gives you motivation."
As EMU aims for a MAC title, Hugo emphasized the importance of resilience. "We need to respond better when we get knocked down," he said. "Hopefully, we're sweeping everyone—but if we get kicked in the face, we have to bounce back."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In the latest episode of Eastern Insider, hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked things off with a passionate debate about the Super Bowl schedule. Helmer strongly advocated for moving the big game to Saturday, arguing it should be treated as a national holiday. He pointed out that the NFL already plays on multiple days, so shifting the Super Bowl would allow fans to celebrate without the dreaded Monday morning struggle.
The discussion then pivoted to college football's scheduling woes. The hosts criticized the NCAA for sticking with Monday night national championship games, suggesting they learn from the NFL's prime-time dominance. They also touched on the controversy of college football games overlapping with the NFL's playoff schedule, reinforcing that the NFL doesn't concern itself with other leagues' schedules.
A humorous tangent emerged when they critiqued the on-screen graphics used during the playoffs, which they felt were unfinished and underwhelming. This led to reminiscing about how score bugs have evolved in broadcasts and how older games without them now seem confusing.
On the football field, the hosts praised the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive dominance, noting that their front line was the true MVP of the game. They also highlighted the underdog nature of many of Philly's players, who hailed from Group of Five schools like Toledo and Middle Tennessee State. This fed into a broader conversation about scouting biases, with Helmer citing Maxx Crosby as an example of a small-school star who proved doubters wrong.
Switching gears, the show introduced EMU's new offensive line coach, Chris Wiesehan. A coaching veteran with deep ties to Head Coach Chris Creighton, Wiesehan is expected to bring invaluable experience to the program. The hosts shared how highly he was regarded at Temple and hinted at his aspirations for a future head coaching role.
Baseball was also on the agenda, with a preview of EMU's season opener in Port Charlotte against Pitt. Steiner teased coverage on EMU Eagles.com and Eagle All-Access and joked about whether he'd return with a tan and a Buccees' souvenir.
Finally, the show closed with a preview of crucial MAC basketball matchups, including revenge games for both the men's and women's teams against Ball State and Toledo. With eight games left, the hosts stressed the importance of finishing strong to secure a postseason spot.
Chris Wiesehan
This week on the Eastern Insider, Tom Helmer welcomed Eastern Michigan's new offensive line coach, Chris Wiesehan, to discuss his coaching journey, philosophy, and vision for the Eagles' O-line.
Wiesehan, who arrives from Temple University, brings a wealth of experience, having coached every offensive position except quarterback. "I'm waiting for that interview," he joked. His diverse background, including time in Canada, has shaped his adaptable coaching style. "I enjoy moving around offensively. It gives you a better perspective… and helps from an evaluation standpoint," he explained.
Wiesehan's connection with EMU Head Coach Chris Creighton dates back to the late '90s. "We met at Fort Scott Community College. He was still at Ottawa. I was coaching O-line at Buffalo," he recalled, highlighting the deep-rooted relationships that led him to Ypsilanti. "This is a nomadic business… but it's about making the right decisions for your family."
As he settles in, Wiesehan is focused on developing an athletic, versatile offensive line that fits EMU's offensive identity. "I like light, athletic guys that can run. We want to be an outside-zone team," he stated. His recruiting strategy prioritizes explosiveness over sheer size, noting, "We'd rather recruit lighter guys with the right traits and put weight on them."
One of the key factors he evaluates is triple extension—a player's ability to generate power through their ankles, knees, and hips. "When I pass them to our strength staff, those guys get stronger faster because they have flexibility. They can move weight faster, which means they can move the opposition against their will," he explained.
As Wiesehan builds his unit, he's not just looking for traditional linemen but also converted tight ends or basketball players who bring length and athleticism. "You can't teach height, but you can add weight," he noted, referencing past success stories like NFL linemen who transitioned from other sports.
With spring ball underway, Wiesehan is eager to put his stamp on the EMU offense. "It's only the spring, but I'm already fired up for the fall," Helmer said, to which Wiesehan replied, "Go Eagles!"
Logan Hugo
As Logan Hugo enters his final season with Eastern Michigan baseball, the senior outfielder is embracing his leadership role while focusing on consistency and preparation. In a recent Eastern Insider interview with Greg Steiner, Hugo reflected on his journey at EMU, his offseason adjustments, and the team's goals for the upcoming season.
"It feels like I was just in the village yesterday with all those freshmen I came in with," Hugo said. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's been a ride."
Hugo stepped up as a leader last year, and this season, he's taken an even greater role in guiding younger teammates. "Last year was great, leading by example, but this year I've realized my voice holds a lot of weight," he said. "I'm making sure to mentor these guys, not just on the field but off it, helping them adjust to college life."
His performance last season saw major improvements both offensively and defensively. The key? Trusting his preparation. "I used to feel like everything needed to go right in the week for the game to go right," Hugo explained. "But last year, I just told myself, 'I've prepared 21 years for this.'"
Hugo has also taken advantage of new analytics tools, including TrackMan technology, to refine his approach at the plate. "Seeing where my hot and cold zones are, realizing I don't have to swing at certain pitches—it's been eye-opening," he said.
With aspirations of playing at the next level, Hugo draws inspiration from former EMU standout Max Schuemann, who recently reached the majors. "To know that he's done it, from where I am now, gives you motivation."
As EMU aims for a MAC title, Hugo emphasized the importance of resilience. "We need to respond better when we get knocked down," he said. "Hopefully, we're sweeping everyone—but if we get kicked in the face, we have to bounce back."
Players Mentioned
OF
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