Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 27
4/7/2025 6:05:00 PM | General
Looking Back, Leaping Forward
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- With the weather warming up and sports in full swing, Eastern Insider hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner set the tone for a jam-packed week at Eastern Michigan. From spring football to key matchups in women's lacrosse and baseball, Eagle fans have plenty of reasons to head to campus—and maybe even walk away with a free hat (or four).
At the heart of the weekend is Friday night's Spring Football Game at Rynearson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. under the lights, with free admission for anyone who brings a children's book—a donation that supports the Ypsilanti Public Schools. "It's football weather," Helmer says, encouraging fans to embrace the brisk temperatures and tailgate like it's a September Saturday. With position battles brewing, especially at quarterback, fans will get their first glimpse of an evolving offense looking to hit the ground running in the fall.
On the women's side, EMU lacrosse is making waves, fresh off dominant wins over Detroit Mercy and Youngstown State. Next up? A tough Friday matchup against Oregon. "They've done a great job scheduling tough non-conference opponents," Steiner points out. "Games like this make you better—even if they don't affect the MAC standings." With the top four in the MAC tightly bunched, every conference win matters, and this team is surging at the right time.
Baseball and tennis also headline the weekend, with baseball looking to bounce back against Toledo after a tough series versus Ball State. And yes—there's swag. "You can get a hat at every event," Helmer says. "Hats, food, football, and fun—what more could you want?"
Segment 1 - Celebrating EMU's Breakout Stars and Unforgettable Moments
With just one episode left in the season, Eastern Insider hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner took a look back at the standout student-athletes, coaches, and moments that defined the year for Eastern Michigan Athletics.
Helmer led off by naming Christian Henry as his breakthrough student-athlete of the year. The JUCO transfer outperformed expectations, battling through a painful hand injury to help EMU Men's Basketball reach Cleveland for the MAC Tournament.
When it came to leadership, all eyes were on Justin Jefferson, Yusuf Jihad, and Logan Hugo. Jefferson, in particular, earned high praise for being the emotional engine of the football team, inspiring teammates both on and off the field.
As for top performances, Jalen Terry's clutch shots—especially his near half-court game-winner at NIU—were unforgettable. Lily Wilhelm's inspirational journey from being cut from a track team to breaking rowing records at EMU also earned a spotlight. Meanwhile, Savannah DeBock's seven-under round in women's golf and Meg Lupa qualifying for NCAA diving on the tower platform for the first time since the 1980s showcased EMU's broad athletic success.
Coach of the Year honors went to Maddie Dugan and Sahar Nusseibeh, both credited with changing culture and setting up long-term success in lacrosse and women's basketball, respectively. Jay Smith was praised as the top assistant coach for his poise and leadership in men's basketball.
For Male Athlete of the Year, Cole Snyder edged out Deshaun Nelson for his leadership and quarterback play, while Female Athlete of the Year was a toss-up among standout names like Mackenzie Blackwell, CeCe Aleko, and Wilhelm.
And in true Eastern Insider fashion, the show closed with a spirited debate over MAC travel food—breadsticks, aioli fries, and all.
Segment 2 - Elena Davis Reflects on NCAA Nationals, Gratitude, and Growth on the Eastern Insider
On this week's Eastern Insider podcast, Greg Steiner sat down with Elena Davis—EMU cheerleader, ESPN+ broadcaster, and soon-to-be graduate—to talk all things Daytona, legacy, and why cheer is so much more than "rah rah, go team."
As the EMU Spirit Squad packs their bags for the NCA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship in Florida, Davis emphasized the gravity of the moment: "It's a different world… you get two chances to be perfect. And if you aren't, you're done."
Davis, competing in her final collegiate nationals, shared how intense the sport truly is, noting how routines are judged down to the angle of a pointed toe. "A missed toe point is like six touchdowns in football," she joked. "It's insane."
The road to Daytona begins in August, with year-round training and zero breaks. "We don't just show up on the sidelines. We're practicing three times a week, fundraising ourselves, and pushing to be great," she said.
Despite the grind, Davis remains grateful. "Every single day I wake up and I'm happy I'm an EMU cheerleader. It changed my life," she said, recalling her decision to stay close to home and give cheer one more try. "I met my best friends, I found my passion, and I grew into who I am today."
As she prepares to step on the mat one last time, she's clear about her goal: "All I can do is focus on hitting my routine. That's it. The rest will follow."
From the sidelines to the broadcast booth, Elena Davis embodies what it means to be all in—grit, gratitude, and green and white pride. Catch the team in action Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Varsity Network.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- With the weather warming up and sports in full swing, Eastern Insider hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner set the tone for a jam-packed week at Eastern Michigan. From spring football to key matchups in women's lacrosse and baseball, Eagle fans have plenty of reasons to head to campus—and maybe even walk away with a free hat (or four).
At the heart of the weekend is Friday night's Spring Football Game at Rynearson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. under the lights, with free admission for anyone who brings a children's book—a donation that supports the Ypsilanti Public Schools. "It's football weather," Helmer says, encouraging fans to embrace the brisk temperatures and tailgate like it's a September Saturday. With position battles brewing, especially at quarterback, fans will get their first glimpse of an evolving offense looking to hit the ground running in the fall.
On the women's side, EMU lacrosse is making waves, fresh off dominant wins over Detroit Mercy and Youngstown State. Next up? A tough Friday matchup against Oregon. "They've done a great job scheduling tough non-conference opponents," Steiner points out. "Games like this make you better—even if they don't affect the MAC standings." With the top four in the MAC tightly bunched, every conference win matters, and this team is surging at the right time.
Baseball and tennis also headline the weekend, with baseball looking to bounce back against Toledo after a tough series versus Ball State. And yes—there's swag. "You can get a hat at every event," Helmer says. "Hats, food, football, and fun—what more could you want?"
Segment 1 - Celebrating EMU's Breakout Stars and Unforgettable Moments
With just one episode left in the season, Eastern Insider hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner took a look back at the standout student-athletes, coaches, and moments that defined the year for Eastern Michigan Athletics.
Helmer led off by naming Christian Henry as his breakthrough student-athlete of the year. The JUCO transfer outperformed expectations, battling through a painful hand injury to help EMU Men's Basketball reach Cleveland for the MAC Tournament.
When it came to leadership, all eyes were on Justin Jefferson, Yusuf Jihad, and Logan Hugo. Jefferson, in particular, earned high praise for being the emotional engine of the football team, inspiring teammates both on and off the field.
As for top performances, Jalen Terry's clutch shots—especially his near half-court game-winner at NIU—were unforgettable. Lily Wilhelm's inspirational journey from being cut from a track team to breaking rowing records at EMU also earned a spotlight. Meanwhile, Savannah DeBock's seven-under round in women's golf and Meg Lupa qualifying for NCAA diving on the tower platform for the first time since the 1980s showcased EMU's broad athletic success.
Coach of the Year honors went to Maddie Dugan and Sahar Nusseibeh, both credited with changing culture and setting up long-term success in lacrosse and women's basketball, respectively. Jay Smith was praised as the top assistant coach for his poise and leadership in men's basketball.
For Male Athlete of the Year, Cole Snyder edged out Deshaun Nelson for his leadership and quarterback play, while Female Athlete of the Year was a toss-up among standout names like Mackenzie Blackwell, CeCe Aleko, and Wilhelm.
And in true Eastern Insider fashion, the show closed with a spirited debate over MAC travel food—breadsticks, aioli fries, and all.
Segment 2 - Elena Davis Reflects on NCAA Nationals, Gratitude, and Growth on the Eastern Insider
On this week's Eastern Insider podcast, Greg Steiner sat down with Elena Davis—EMU cheerleader, ESPN+ broadcaster, and soon-to-be graduate—to talk all things Daytona, legacy, and why cheer is so much more than "rah rah, go team."
As the EMU Spirit Squad packs their bags for the NCA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship in Florida, Davis emphasized the gravity of the moment: "It's a different world… you get two chances to be perfect. And if you aren't, you're done."
Davis, competing in her final collegiate nationals, shared how intense the sport truly is, noting how routines are judged down to the angle of a pointed toe. "A missed toe point is like six touchdowns in football," she joked. "It's insane."
The road to Daytona begins in August, with year-round training and zero breaks. "We don't just show up on the sidelines. We're practicing three times a week, fundraising ourselves, and pushing to be great," she said.
Despite the grind, Davis remains grateful. "Every single day I wake up and I'm happy I'm an EMU cheerleader. It changed my life," she said, recalling her decision to stay close to home and give cheer one more try. "I met my best friends, I found my passion, and I grew into who I am today."
As she prepares to step on the mat one last time, she's clear about her goal: "All I can do is focus on hitting my routine. That's it. The rest will follow."
From the sidelines to the broadcast booth, Elena Davis embodies what it means to be all in—grit, gratitude, and green and white pride. Catch the team in action Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Varsity Network.
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