Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 4
9/15/2025 5:37:00 PM | Football, General
Operation Paint It Green as EMU Marks 97th Homecoming Game
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University is set to "Paint It Green" for its 97th Homecoming game, as the Eagles welcome Louisiana to Rynearson Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 3:30 p.m. The celebration marks the earliest Homecoming in program history and anchors a week packed with events across campus.
Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE by welcoming Eastern Michigan Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. The conversation centered on the start of the fall sports season and the excitement surrounding Homecoming week.
Soccer has continued to build under second-year head coach Taylor Clarke, with Wetherbee noting the team's improvement since last season and its pursuit of a Mid-American Conference Tournament berth. Volleyball has also impressed under third-year head coach Kevin Foeman, with the Eagles proving competitive against all opponents outside a lone setback to Michigan. Wetherbee said the program is on schedule with its long-term goal of becoming a MAC contender in years three and four.
Golf and cross country are also underway. Women's golf captured an early-season tournament title at Georgia Southern, while men's golf opened with steady performances on the road. Wetherbee pointed out that the early success adds momentum as basketball season approaches in less than two months.
The podcast also touched on merchandise availability. With the campus bookstore closed, EMU gear is currently available only at games. Wetherbee said online sales are coming later this fall, but in the meantime, Adidas products will be stocked at Rynearson Stadium. "If you want the gear, the best way is to come to the game," he said.
Homecoming will feature several special events, including the retirement celebration for longtime track and field and cross country coach Sue Parks. A Friday night ceremony will be followed by Saturday's ribbon-cutting at the new track and field complex. The department will also host a track alumni tailgate, the all-sports reunion, and the football matchup with Louisiana.
Wetherbee also reflected on the upcoming retirement of President Jim Smith, who hired him as athletic director eight years ago. "He's been at everything—football, soccer, baseball—and he and his wife Connie have been tremendous supporters," Wetherbee said. "I'll always appreciate him giving me the opportunity to be here."
Segment 1 - Scott Wetherbee
On the podcast, Wetherbee emphasized how the fall season represents the heart of campus spirit.
"We've got soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, all in action, and then Homecoming with football," he said. "It's a full slate, and it really brings our community together."
He also highlighted the importance of celebrating Sue Parks, who has been with EMU for two decades. "To cut the ribbon on a new track while recognizing everything Sue has meant to this program is really special," Wetherbee said. "It's a fitting tribute."
Wetherbee added that fans should plan ahead for parking and tickets on Saturday. "If you have your game ticket, that's also your parking pass," he said. "We want people inside the stadium, not just tailgating, because our team feeds off that energy."
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
Head Coach Chris Creighton joined the show to preview Eastern's 97th Homecoming game. The Eagles will host Louisiana on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium.
Creighton said his team left Kentucky with evidence of improvement despite the loss. "It was the best complementary football we've played through three weeks," he said. "We put ourselves in a hole early, but our guys settled in and showed what we're capable of."
Quarterback Noah Kim earned recognition after throwing for more than 330 yards and rushing for a score against the Wildcats, the first player to post those numbers against Kentucky since Dak Prescott in 2016. Creighton credited his offensive line for adapting to injuries and still generating over 460 yards of offense.
Defensively, the Eagles shifted personnel due to injuries at linebacker, installing changes with only three practices and a walk-through. "Our staff and players did an outstanding job adjusting," Creighton said. "We grew in confidence as the game went on."
Looking ahead to Louisiana, Creighton expects another challenge in slowing down the run game. "They've got an experienced offensive line, two really good backs, and they played for a conference championship last year," he said. "We'll have to be ready for a physical matchup."
Creighton also expressed excitement for the return of alumni during Homecoming. "Our Letterman's breakfast and alumni presence in the end zone last year created an electric atmosphere," he said. "We're looking forward to that same energy again this weekend."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University is set to "Paint It Green" for its 97th Homecoming game, as the Eagles welcome Louisiana to Rynearson Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 3:30 p.m. The celebration marks the earliest Homecoming in program history and anchors a week packed with events across campus.
Greg Steiner and Elena Davis opened the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE by welcoming Eastern Michigan Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. The conversation centered on the start of the fall sports season and the excitement surrounding Homecoming week.
Soccer has continued to build under second-year head coach Taylor Clarke, with Wetherbee noting the team's improvement since last season and its pursuit of a Mid-American Conference Tournament berth. Volleyball has also impressed under third-year head coach Kevin Foeman, with the Eagles proving competitive against all opponents outside a lone setback to Michigan. Wetherbee said the program is on schedule with its long-term goal of becoming a MAC contender in years three and four.
Golf and cross country are also underway. Women's golf captured an early-season tournament title at Georgia Southern, while men's golf opened with steady performances on the road. Wetherbee pointed out that the early success adds momentum as basketball season approaches in less than two months.
The podcast also touched on merchandise availability. With the campus bookstore closed, EMU gear is currently available only at games. Wetherbee said online sales are coming later this fall, but in the meantime, Adidas products will be stocked at Rynearson Stadium. "If you want the gear, the best way is to come to the game," he said.
Homecoming will feature several special events, including the retirement celebration for longtime track and field and cross country coach Sue Parks. A Friday night ceremony will be followed by Saturday's ribbon-cutting at the new track and field complex. The department will also host a track alumni tailgate, the all-sports reunion, and the football matchup with Louisiana.
Wetherbee also reflected on the upcoming retirement of President Jim Smith, who hired him as athletic director eight years ago. "He's been at everything—football, soccer, baseball—and he and his wife Connie have been tremendous supporters," Wetherbee said. "I'll always appreciate him giving me the opportunity to be here."
Segment 1 - Scott Wetherbee
On the podcast, Wetherbee emphasized how the fall season represents the heart of campus spirit.
"We've got soccer, volleyball, golf, cross country, all in action, and then Homecoming with football," he said. "It's a full slate, and it really brings our community together."
He also highlighted the importance of celebrating Sue Parks, who has been with EMU for two decades. "To cut the ribbon on a new track while recognizing everything Sue has meant to this program is really special," Wetherbee said. "It's a fitting tribute."
Wetherbee added that fans should plan ahead for parking and tickets on Saturday. "If you have your game ticket, that's also your parking pass," he said. "We want people inside the stadium, not just tailgating, because our team feeds off that energy."
Segment 2 - Chris Creighton
Head Coach Chris Creighton joined the show to preview Eastern's 97th Homecoming game. The Eagles will host Louisiana on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium.
Creighton said his team left Kentucky with evidence of improvement despite the loss. "It was the best complementary football we've played through three weeks," he said. "We put ourselves in a hole early, but our guys settled in and showed what we're capable of."
Quarterback Noah Kim earned recognition after throwing for more than 330 yards and rushing for a score against the Wildcats, the first player to post those numbers against Kentucky since Dak Prescott in 2016. Creighton credited his offensive line for adapting to injuries and still generating over 460 yards of offense.
Defensively, the Eagles shifted personnel due to injuries at linebacker, installing changes with only three practices and a walk-through. "Our staff and players did an outstanding job adjusting," Creighton said. "We grew in confidence as the game went on."
Looking ahead to Louisiana, Creighton expects another challenge in slowing down the run game. "They've got an experienced offensive line, two really good backs, and they played for a conference championship last year," he said. "We'll have to be ready for a physical matchup."
Creighton also expressed excitement for the return of alumni during Homecoming. "Our Letterman's breakfast and alumni presence in the end zone last year created an electric atmosphere," he said. "We're looking forward to that same energy again this weekend."
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