Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 25
3/24/2025 7:00:00 PM | Baseball, General, Lacrosse
Freezing Temps, Firepower on the Field, and March Madness Mayhem!
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The latest Eastern Insider with Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked off with a recap of a brutally cold but action-packed weekend in Ypsilanti. With temperatures hovering around a wind chill of 34 degrees, EMU's baseball and women's lacrosse teams battled both the elements and their opponents.
The highlight? EMU lacrosse dominated Youngstown State in what Helmer called "one of their best games in program history." Freshman Katheryn Wilson led the charge with six goals, helping the Eagles bounce back after a tough loss to Robert Morris. Despite the frigid conditions, the team made a statement, using the cold to their advantage against the Penguins. Steiner humorously described himself waddling in a winter parka, comparing the scene to Chilly Willy on ice.
On the baseball front, it was a marathon of games. The Eagles fought hard in a doubleheader against Miami, playing six and a half hours of baseball in one day. Saturday's game saw an offensive explosion, with EMU posting 19 runs. However, the biggest storyline was Logan Hugo's near-cycle—he was thrown out at third, just shy of completing the rare feat.
The duo also touched on EMU gymnastics finishing as runner-up at the MAC Championships, sending individuals to regionals. Meanwhile, in college basketball, Kent State continued its Cinderella run, leaving Miami fans stunned after being left out of the tournament. Helmer and Steiner discussed the impact of NIL on March Madness and how it's reshaping the college sports landscape.
The episode wrapped up with an interview featuring EMU lacrosse goalie Maddie Porter, who is among the nation's leaders in saves per game. She shared insights on mental health coaching, her decorated helmet, and why she loves playing at EMU.
Segment 1 - Robbie Britt Talks Response, Offensive Growth, and Facing Michigan
Following a high-scoring weekend, Eastern Michigan baseball head coach Robbie Britt joined Eastern Insider to break down his team's offensive firepower, the bullpen's impact, and the mentality heading into a key matchup against Michigan.
Coming off a 19-run performance, Britt credited his middle-inning relievers— Fischer Hendershot, Ethan Davis, and Drew Norris—for shutting things down late. "They did a great job tying it together, allowing guys to put the ball in play and allowing our defense to play behind them," Britt said. Despite a heavy walk day for both teams, he was pleased with how his squad responded after a tough loss the day before.
"That was the message going into the weekend—we're going to be able to compete with anybody in our league when we play well," Britt emphasized. "Today was all about the response and getting back to what we do well. And I thought we did a nice job of that."
Offensively, Logan Hugo and Bruce Jellison led the charge, but Britt was quick to highlight hitting coordinator Andrew DiTullio's impact on the team's approach at the plate. "Andrew's a great example of hiring young, passionate people who dominate their lane," Britt noted. "He's a cage rat, and I couldn't care less about being in the cage. We complement each other really well."
Looking ahead, Eastern Michigan faces Michigan on Tuesday, a game Britt sees as a measuring stick. "If we play well, we'll have a chance to win against pretty much anybody," he said. "It's not the best team that wins, it's the team that plays the best."
With momentum on their side, Britt's message remains clear: "Go 1-0 today."
Segment 2 - Maddie Porter Shines in Net, Emphasizes Fun and Mental Strength
Eastern Michigan lacrosse goalie Maddie Porter joined Tom Helmer on the Eastern Insider podcast this week, sharing insights into her standout season, mental approach, and the Eagles' potential in the Mid-American Conference.
Porter, who ranked among the top ten nationally in saves per game heading into last weekend, credited preparation and team chemistry for her strong performance. Despite playing in frigid conditions against Youngstown State, she remained unfazed. "We were prepared," she said. "My teammates and I huddled up, and I had hand warmers for them if they got cold."
A key discussion centered on the demanding role of a lacrosse goalie, including the bruises that come with the position. "Yeah, it stings a little bit," Porter admitted. "Sometimes I'm out, but it's okay. I just shake it off." She also revealed that she and her fellow goalie designed their helmets, incorporating the Ypsilanti skyline for a personal touch.
Porter's passion for the position stems from her older sister, who played at Rutgers. "Watching her, I saw how exciting it was. You're like the quarterback of the field," she said.
The conversation also touched on mental resilience, a crucial part of her success. "You need to be like a goldfish—don't overthink anything," Porter shared, referencing advice from her sister. She acknowledged the pressure of being a goalie but emphasized support from teammates and coaches. "Here at Eastern, we never blame goalies. It has to go through everyone else to get to me."
With MAC championship aspirations, Porter believes in the team's potential. "If we play like we did yesterday, we can win the MAC."
As for personal goals? "I just want to play and have fun," she said with a smile.
Segment 3 - Bruce Jellison's Mindset, Leadership, and Big Weekend for EMU Baseball
Eastern Michigan's baseball team salvaged the series finale against Miami, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Bruce Jellison, who joined Greg Steiner on The Eastern Insider to break down the weekend battle, his hot streak at the plate, and what's ahead for the Eagles.
"Coming into the weekend, we knew it was going to be a battle," Jellison said. "We were both 5-1, and we just kind of went to war with each other." After a tough Saturday, Jellison emphasized the team's commitment to bouncing back. "We talk a lot about response on this team… Being able to salvage this last win today was really, really big for us."
Jellison certainly did his part at the plate, going 4-for-5 in the finale, raising his batting average above .380. He credited his success to the coaching staff and teammates. "AD, our hitting coach, has been a really big influence on me, and my teammates have kept me up. It's a really good program to be around."
As one of the newer faces on the roster, Jellison has found inspiration in veteran teammates like Hugo while also leading by example. "I'm not a huge talker, but I try to show it with how I play and hope the younger guys follow."
Returning home to Michigan after two years in Illinois has also been meaningful. "It was really tough being seven hours away. Now, my grandparents have been able to come to games—it's been amazing."
Looking ahead, Jellison and the Eagles are eager for Tuesday's matchup against Michigan. "It's a big deal, but they're still our age, they're still kids like us. We just have to play our brand of ball."
With six conference wins under their belt, Jellison believes EMU's ceiling is sky-high. "We're happy with where we're at. Now, we just have to work on consistency and keep pushing forward."
Segment 4 - Elena Davis Reflects on NCAA Tournament and EMU Baseball
On this week's episode of the Eastern Insider podcast, EMU Athletics host Elena Davis joined Greg Steiner for a lively conversation about the NCAA Tournament, her first baseball broadcasting experience, and her upcoming role at the Eastern Echo Banquet.
Davis kicked things off by boasting about her impressive start to March Madness, going 15-1 in her Pick'Em Challenge. "Just want everyone to know that. 15-1," she proudly stated, while teasing Steiner about his less-than-stellar bracket choices. The duo broke down the tournament surprises, including McNeese's big win, and discussed the SEC's dominant presence in the Sweet 16.
Switching gears to EMU Athletics, Davis shared her excitement about covering Eastern Michigan baseball for the first time, despite enduring 25 long, cold innings. "It was amazing to be on the field broadcasting this long sport," she said with a laugh. Reflecting on Miami's two grand slams in a single inning, she admitted, "How do you even... what do you even do? How do you come back?"
Looking ahead, Davis is gearing up to host the Eastern Echo Banquet on March 27, marking the end of her tenure as sports editor. "I am going to be sad," she admitted. "But it'll be nice seeing some of the old members of the Echo coming back."
Before wrapping up, she touched on EMU cheerleading's journey to Daytona, emphasizing the thrill of hitting a perfect routine. "When you hit that routine, you get chills," she said.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The latest Eastern Insider with Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner kicked off with a recap of a brutally cold but action-packed weekend in Ypsilanti. With temperatures hovering around a wind chill of 34 degrees, EMU's baseball and women's lacrosse teams battled both the elements and their opponents.
The highlight? EMU lacrosse dominated Youngstown State in what Helmer called "one of their best games in program history." Freshman Katheryn Wilson led the charge with six goals, helping the Eagles bounce back after a tough loss to Robert Morris. Despite the frigid conditions, the team made a statement, using the cold to their advantage against the Penguins. Steiner humorously described himself waddling in a winter parka, comparing the scene to Chilly Willy on ice.
On the baseball front, it was a marathon of games. The Eagles fought hard in a doubleheader against Miami, playing six and a half hours of baseball in one day. Saturday's game saw an offensive explosion, with EMU posting 19 runs. However, the biggest storyline was Logan Hugo's near-cycle—he was thrown out at third, just shy of completing the rare feat.
The duo also touched on EMU gymnastics finishing as runner-up at the MAC Championships, sending individuals to regionals. Meanwhile, in college basketball, Kent State continued its Cinderella run, leaving Miami fans stunned after being left out of the tournament. Helmer and Steiner discussed the impact of NIL on March Madness and how it's reshaping the college sports landscape.
The episode wrapped up with an interview featuring EMU lacrosse goalie Maddie Porter, who is among the nation's leaders in saves per game. She shared insights on mental health coaching, her decorated helmet, and why she loves playing at EMU.
Segment 1 - Robbie Britt Talks Response, Offensive Growth, and Facing Michigan
Following a high-scoring weekend, Eastern Michigan baseball head coach Robbie Britt joined Eastern Insider to break down his team's offensive firepower, the bullpen's impact, and the mentality heading into a key matchup against Michigan.
Coming off a 19-run performance, Britt credited his middle-inning relievers— Fischer Hendershot, Ethan Davis, and Drew Norris—for shutting things down late. "They did a great job tying it together, allowing guys to put the ball in play and allowing our defense to play behind them," Britt said. Despite a heavy walk day for both teams, he was pleased with how his squad responded after a tough loss the day before.
"That was the message going into the weekend—we're going to be able to compete with anybody in our league when we play well," Britt emphasized. "Today was all about the response and getting back to what we do well. And I thought we did a nice job of that."
Offensively, Logan Hugo and Bruce Jellison led the charge, but Britt was quick to highlight hitting coordinator Andrew DiTullio's impact on the team's approach at the plate. "Andrew's a great example of hiring young, passionate people who dominate their lane," Britt noted. "He's a cage rat, and I couldn't care less about being in the cage. We complement each other really well."
Looking ahead, Eastern Michigan faces Michigan on Tuesday, a game Britt sees as a measuring stick. "If we play well, we'll have a chance to win against pretty much anybody," he said. "It's not the best team that wins, it's the team that plays the best."
With momentum on their side, Britt's message remains clear: "Go 1-0 today."
Segment 2 - Maddie Porter Shines in Net, Emphasizes Fun and Mental Strength
Eastern Michigan lacrosse goalie Maddie Porter joined Tom Helmer on the Eastern Insider podcast this week, sharing insights into her standout season, mental approach, and the Eagles' potential in the Mid-American Conference.
Porter, who ranked among the top ten nationally in saves per game heading into last weekend, credited preparation and team chemistry for her strong performance. Despite playing in frigid conditions against Youngstown State, she remained unfazed. "We were prepared," she said. "My teammates and I huddled up, and I had hand warmers for them if they got cold."
A key discussion centered on the demanding role of a lacrosse goalie, including the bruises that come with the position. "Yeah, it stings a little bit," Porter admitted. "Sometimes I'm out, but it's okay. I just shake it off." She also revealed that she and her fellow goalie designed their helmets, incorporating the Ypsilanti skyline for a personal touch.
Porter's passion for the position stems from her older sister, who played at Rutgers. "Watching her, I saw how exciting it was. You're like the quarterback of the field," she said.
The conversation also touched on mental resilience, a crucial part of her success. "You need to be like a goldfish—don't overthink anything," Porter shared, referencing advice from her sister. She acknowledged the pressure of being a goalie but emphasized support from teammates and coaches. "Here at Eastern, we never blame goalies. It has to go through everyone else to get to me."
With MAC championship aspirations, Porter believes in the team's potential. "If we play like we did yesterday, we can win the MAC."
As for personal goals? "I just want to play and have fun," she said with a smile.
Segment 3 - Bruce Jellison's Mindset, Leadership, and Big Weekend for EMU Baseball
Eastern Michigan's baseball team salvaged the series finale against Miami, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Bruce Jellison, who joined Greg Steiner on The Eastern Insider to break down the weekend battle, his hot streak at the plate, and what's ahead for the Eagles.
"Coming into the weekend, we knew it was going to be a battle," Jellison said. "We were both 5-1, and we just kind of went to war with each other." After a tough Saturday, Jellison emphasized the team's commitment to bouncing back. "We talk a lot about response on this team… Being able to salvage this last win today was really, really big for us."
Jellison certainly did his part at the plate, going 4-for-5 in the finale, raising his batting average above .380. He credited his success to the coaching staff and teammates. "AD, our hitting coach, has been a really big influence on me, and my teammates have kept me up. It's a really good program to be around."
As one of the newer faces on the roster, Jellison has found inspiration in veteran teammates like Hugo while also leading by example. "I'm not a huge talker, but I try to show it with how I play and hope the younger guys follow."
Returning home to Michigan after two years in Illinois has also been meaningful. "It was really tough being seven hours away. Now, my grandparents have been able to come to games—it's been amazing."
Looking ahead, Jellison and the Eagles are eager for Tuesday's matchup against Michigan. "It's a big deal, but they're still our age, they're still kids like us. We just have to play our brand of ball."
With six conference wins under their belt, Jellison believes EMU's ceiling is sky-high. "We're happy with where we're at. Now, we just have to work on consistency and keep pushing forward."
Segment 4 - Elena Davis Reflects on NCAA Tournament and EMU Baseball
On this week's episode of the Eastern Insider podcast, EMU Athletics host Elena Davis joined Greg Steiner for a lively conversation about the NCAA Tournament, her first baseball broadcasting experience, and her upcoming role at the Eastern Echo Banquet.
Davis kicked things off by boasting about her impressive start to March Madness, going 15-1 in her Pick'Em Challenge. "Just want everyone to know that. 15-1," she proudly stated, while teasing Steiner about his less-than-stellar bracket choices. The duo broke down the tournament surprises, including McNeese's big win, and discussed the SEC's dominant presence in the Sweet 16.
Switching gears to EMU Athletics, Davis shared her excitement about covering Eastern Michigan baseball for the first time, despite enduring 25 long, cold innings. "It was amazing to be on the field broadcasting this long sport," she said with a laugh. Reflecting on Miami's two grand slams in a single inning, she admitted, "How do you even... what do you even do? How do you come back?"
Looking ahead, Davis is gearing up to host the Eastern Echo Banquet on March 27, marking the end of her tenure as sports editor. "I am going to be sad," she admitted. "But it'll be nice seeing some of the old members of the Echo coming back."
Before wrapping up, she touched on EMU cheerleading's journey to Daytona, emphasizing the thrill of hitting a perfect routine. "When you hit that routine, you get chills," she said.
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
OF
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INF
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RHP
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