Eastern Michigan Athletics

Podcasts

Season 3 - Ep. 21

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Published on 3/29/2021

Another Monday means another opportunity to hear the only show that brings you all things Eastern, all the time! Join hosts Greg Steiner and Alex Jewell as they sit down this week with Ryan Wooley

Wooley recently completed his sixth season as the television play-by-play voice of EMU basketball. He took over the role when Eastern Michigan launched its ESPN campus production initiative during the 2015-16 season.  

For more than 13 years, Wooley was an afternoon sports anchor for both WWJ Newsradio 950 and 97.1 "The Ticket" in Detroit. During his time on air, he was awarded the "Best Sportscast" by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters six times (including two three-peats in 2012/2013/2014 and 2017/2018/2019) and four Associated Press Media Editors (APME) awards (a three-peat in 2013/2014/2015 and 2017).
    
Additionally,Wooley was honored at the 2014 EMU Alumni Awards with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. A 2007 graduate of EMU with a bachelor of arts degree in Electronic Media and Film Studies, Wooley served as a news anchor for Eastern Weekly, co-created and hosted "The Eastern Sports Report," was a play-by-play anchor for EMU football and men's and women's basketball on E-TV, was a three-year member of the EMU Marching Band, a four-year member of the EMU Basketball Band, and a member of the National Honorary Band Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi. He was also the recipient of the J. Clarence and Courtney S. Fountain Sportscasters Scholarship.

Following Wooley's interview, Jewell catches up with EMU's Head Football Athletic Trainer, Steven Berning

Berning returned to Ypsilanti after serving as the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Ferris State for two years. There, he worked with volleyball and mens' and women's basketball. In 2017-18, Berning's men's basketball team captured the NCAA Division II national championship with a 71-69 victory over Northern State University.

Berning previously worked at EMU from 2014-16 as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. He worked directly with the football team during his first two years in Ypsilanti, and earned a master's degree in sport management in 2016.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Berning is a 2014 graduate of  the University of Toledo with a Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training. As a Toledo undergraduate, Berning assisted with the football, cross country, and track and field. He also spent time in the NFL ranks as an intern with the San Diego Chargers in 2013.

It's an episode you won't want to miss!

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Season 8 – Episode 20: Belief, Baseball, and a Milestone Moment on Eastern Insider

Season 8, Episode 20 centers on voices shaping Eastern Michigan athletics, with women's golf coach Josh Brewer and interim baseball coach Trevor Beerman leading the conversation. Brewer shares belief built through winter work, national ranking momentum, and a roster driven by daily competition as the spring season begins on the West Coast. Beerman details a transition marked by trust, continuity, and hunger, pointing to leadership within the locker room, growth on the mound, and pride tied to Oestrike Stadium. Framed by the show's 200th episode milestone, the interviews carry a feature tone rooted in purpose, patience, and programs pushing toward championships.

Published on 2/9/2026

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Season 8 - Episode 19: Dugan’s Title Defense and Paterson’s Return

The episode featured extended conversations with Eastern Michigan lacrosse head coach Maddie Dugan and sophomore Alex Paterson, placing the focus squarely on people driving the program forward. Dugan discussed life after a regular season conference title, describing excitement around returning talent, a strengthened coaching staff, and clear goals of postseason advancement. "We're excited and expected to do well this year," Dugan said, pointing to experience, balance on offense, and a physical defensive identity as foundations entering the season. The second interview shifted to Paterson, who shared a personal journey back to the field after suffering burns across 28 percent of her body in an off field accident. Patterson detailed recovery, surgery, and relearning how to walk, all while keeping lacrosse at the center of her motivation. "My first question was asking if I could play lacrosse again," she said. Together, the interviews framed a show built on ambition, growth, and perseverance within Eastern Michigan lacrosse.

Published on 2/2/2026

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Season 8 - Episode 18: Purpose, Performances Drive Kyrie Lowe, Stan Heath Spotlight

Episode 18 opened with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a busy week across EMU Athletics, from women's basketball honoring the day against Toledo to a packed doubleheader and campus events. The conversation touched on national college football, then shifted home as senior gymnast Kyrie Lowe discussed an unbeaten start, all-around success, leadership growth, and balance inside the gym and classroom. Men's basketball head coach Stan Heath followed with a breakdown of the Bowling Green comeback effort, growth from Braelon Green and Mehki Ellison, and lessons shaping preparation for Kent State. Together, the show blended reflection, competition, and forward motion across the department.

Published on 1/19/2026

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Season 8 - Episode 17: Cantu, Kucera Ignite Eastern Insider Winter Debut Show

Episode 17 opened the new year with Greg Steiner and Elena Davis blending humor with momentum before spotlighting two voices shaping EMU's winter season. Gymnastics junior Gwendelyn Cantu reflected on her first career vault win, the confidence built through training, and the energy driving a resurgent program ahead of a themed home meet. Tennis coach Ryan Kucera followed with a look at the spring season shift, team culture, and the growth of a young roster as match play begins. Together, the conversations framed a semester fueled by belief, preparation, and competitive edge across Eastern Michigan athletics.

Published on 1/12/2026

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