Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 11
11/3/2025 5:00:00 PM | Football, General
Leadership, Loyalty, and a November Push Drive EMU Forward
Click Here to Listen Now!
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan basketball opens its 2025-26 season tonight with both programs entering a new year filled with change, urgency, and opportunity.
The EMU men host Georgia State at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in the first leg of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. The EMU women begin on the road at UL Monroe as year three of the conference series gets underway.
Both rosters look different from a year ago. The men return three players. The women return two. Head coaches Stan Heath and Sahar Nusseibeh rebuilt through the transfer portal and incoming recruits, and the first test arrives now.
Heath wants speed and pressure. "They want to push tempo. They want to use pace," play-by-play voice Greg Steiner said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. He expects everyone to play tonight as the staff evaluates rotations and chemistry.
EMU beat Tuskegee in an exhibition at Wayne State, but foul problems limited size on the floor and allowed a close finish. Tonight offers a clearer look at what Heath wants in his five year.
One name stands out early. Senior guard Addison Patterson recently gained NCAA-approved eligibility. He transferred in late and said he feels grateful for a fresh start.
Another newcomer, transfer guard Mehki Ellison, follows a family connection. His brother, Malik, played for EMU from 2017-19. Elena Davis, the show's co-host, said she would talk about that nonstop. Heath hopes Ellison's shooting and toughness give the Eagles important production.
Volleyball, football, and other programs add to a packed schedule. Ball State visits Ypsilanti for volleyball on Thursday and Friday. EMU football returns home Saturday for Military Appreciation Day against Bowling Green.
The Eagles sit at two wins, but remain motivated. Chris Creighton told Steiner they still have goals and pride on the line in November. EMU has strong late-season history, and Creighton wants growth from a young lineup.
"They have been a good team among the best teams in the MAC in that final month," Steiner said. Bowling Green arrives with strong special teams. Creighton expects a physical matchup.
Cross country and tennis completed weekend action. Kian Wile earned second team All-MAC honors for the men's team, which placed sixth at the conference meet. Toledo won both team titles.
Eastern Insider also welcomed Standard Printing owner Steve Dobrovich. He talked about decades of support for EMU Athletics and his commitment to the Ypsilanti area. Dobrovich praised the excitement this time of year brings, as sports overlap and fans get more to cheer.
Steiner calls it "crossover season." Basketball starts. Football continues. Volleyball plays at home. Students and locals have multiple choices to fill their week.
Segment 1 – Chris Creighton
Chris Creighton says the bye week arrived at the right time for Eastern Michigan. The Eagles' head coach used the break to reset before a key November stretch that begins with Bowling Green on Saturday.
"It was different for sure for the first 10 weeks," Creighton said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "But it was really good, really healthy." Coaches were still busy recruiting, he added, but the shift in routine helped. "The change of pace and the change of schedule work as a break."
Players stayed active with short practices. That included a bit of Halloween humor. Creighton confirmed the team held a pumpkin carving contest and a bobbing for apples challenge. He also referenced a notable moment. "Darth Vader showed up," he said with a smile.
Eastern Michigan sits at 3-6 after a 28-25 loss to Ohio, a game the Eagles controlled early. They led at halftime before field position problems and missed chances swung the game. "We needed to go up two scores," Creighton said. "I think it was well into the third quarter before we gave up the lead. We did not take advantage of a situation where, drive the ball down and we are going to put them away with that next score."
He said the result only added urgency to improve. "It was a really hard, close loss where we had a chance to win," Creighton said. "We have not come out of a single game in this conference where we are saying, wow, those guys are just better than us."
The Eagles have dropped several one-score games in MAC play. Creighton said the difference between teams at the top and the middle of the league is narrow. "There is not a whole lot of difference," he said. "So why are we not winning the close games. That is my job and responsibility."
During the bye week, the message to players centered on purpose. Creighton asked his team to reflect on what drives them. "What is our purpose and what is our why," he said. "That usually can take you to a deeper place than a win or a loss on a Saturday afternoon."
He liked the response. "We had a great feel, great energy," Creighton said of their first practice back. "Our guys are together. Our staff is working hard. We plan on finishing strong."
Bowling Green presents challenges on each side of the ball. "They want to run the ball and give you a lot of different pictures," Creighton said. The Falcons rank high nationally on kickoff returns and field goal accuracy. Their defense has been strong on key downs. "We are going to have to do well in those areas to be successful Saturday," Creighton said.
The matchup also includes familiar faces. Falcons quarterback Baron May began his career at Eastern Michigan. EMU assistant Cornell Brown previously coached at Bowling Green. "It will be really good to see Baron," Creighton said. "He is a great human being and a great player."
Saturday is also the program's annual Military Appreciation Game. Creighton noted his father and grandfather served in the military. "Always had an appreciation," he said. "It will be fun to honor those guys on Saturday."
Creighton ended the conversation looking forward. "We are excited for the week," he said. "We plan on finishing strong."
Segment 2 - Steve Dobrovich
Standard Printing has been part of Eastern Michigan University's story for more than a century, and owner Steve Dobrovich says that connection is rooted in location, loyalty, and community.
"We share the same city. We share the same neighborhood," Dobrovich said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "We try to look at our own community first and then we decide how to spread business elsewhere."
Standard Printing opened in 1903. At the time, EMU was known as Normal College. Dobrovich said the university closed its internal print shop, and Standard Printing launched specifically to produce the Normal College News. "Standard Printing printed the Normal College News from 1903 until 1908," he said. When the school reopened its print operation, Standard Printing went commercial and "we've been that way ever since."
Dobrovich said the business is the oldest of any kind in Washtenaw County. It has changed ownership through multiple generations, eventually landing in his hands. His road into printing started in high school.
"I ran track and I was a little skinny kid with a big giant head and my nickname was Nice Head," Dobrovich said with a laugh. One day, a teammate brought a customized notepad featuring his photo and the nickname. "I thought it was the coolest thing," he said. "I like producing things and making people happy and taking their visions and making it into an actual product."
Standard Printing strengthened its relationship with Eastern Michigan through local vendor programs and long-standing business with the university. "We were able to say that we were the official print shop of EMU," Dobrovich said.
That work led to sponsorship discussions with Learfield and a deeper partnership with athletics. "We looked at all of the benefits that we receive from being a sponsor and we thought it would be a great fit because we're right here in town."
Technology and customer needs have shifted dramatically. Offset printing has faded and Standard Printing transitioned to digital tools. "The industry has changed tremendously in the last 20 years," Dobrovich said. "We put paper in the machine, send a file, click go, and it will just print books." He said the company expanded into apparel, promotional products, and large format printing, including recent Marvel-style standup figures for EMU Athletics.
"Anything somebody says, can you do this, 99 percent of the time I can say yes," he said.
Dobrovich emphasized that Standard Printing works with everyone, from major corporations to individuals needing a few newsletters. He pointed to printing artwork, Christmas cards, and even wooden furniture pieces. "We printed skeletons directly on the wood," he said. "It turned out unbelievably beautiful."
What matters most, he said, is service. "When we hire people at Standard, we hire people that care," Dobrovich said. "Did you feel you were taken care of. Could you call us anytime."
He said that mindset reflects Ypsilanti's identity. "Everyone is always welcome here," Dobrovich said. "We all feel like family."
Standard Printing supports nonprofits through discounts and donation-matching campaigns. "We make money from businesses so that we can help our community," he said.
As the business nears its 125th year, Dobrovich believes adaptability will keep it growing. "We pay attention to trends and where the market's heading," he said. "We want to make sure we're here long term."
That includes staying close to EMU and the city where Standard Printing got its start. "It was a partnership made from the beginning," Dobrovich said.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan basketball opens its 2025-26 season tonight with both programs entering a new year filled with change, urgency, and opportunity.
The EMU men host Georgia State at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in the first leg of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. The EMU women begin on the road at UL Monroe as year three of the conference series gets underway.
Both rosters look different from a year ago. The men return three players. The women return two. Head coaches Stan Heath and Sahar Nusseibeh rebuilt through the transfer portal and incoming recruits, and the first test arrives now.
Heath wants speed and pressure. "They want to push tempo. They want to use pace," play-by-play voice Greg Steiner said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. He expects everyone to play tonight as the staff evaluates rotations and chemistry.
EMU beat Tuskegee in an exhibition at Wayne State, but foul problems limited size on the floor and allowed a close finish. Tonight offers a clearer look at what Heath wants in his five year.
One name stands out early. Senior guard Addison Patterson recently gained NCAA-approved eligibility. He transferred in late and said he feels grateful for a fresh start.
Another newcomer, transfer guard Mehki Ellison, follows a family connection. His brother, Malik, played for EMU from 2017-19. Elena Davis, the show's co-host, said she would talk about that nonstop. Heath hopes Ellison's shooting and toughness give the Eagles important production.
Volleyball, football, and other programs add to a packed schedule. Ball State visits Ypsilanti for volleyball on Thursday and Friday. EMU football returns home Saturday for Military Appreciation Day against Bowling Green.
The Eagles sit at two wins, but remain motivated. Chris Creighton told Steiner they still have goals and pride on the line in November. EMU has strong late-season history, and Creighton wants growth from a young lineup.
"They have been a good team among the best teams in the MAC in that final month," Steiner said. Bowling Green arrives with strong special teams. Creighton expects a physical matchup.
Cross country and tennis completed weekend action. Kian Wile earned second team All-MAC honors for the men's team, which placed sixth at the conference meet. Toledo won both team titles.
Eastern Insider also welcomed Standard Printing owner Steve Dobrovich. He talked about decades of support for EMU Athletics and his commitment to the Ypsilanti area. Dobrovich praised the excitement this time of year brings, as sports overlap and fans get more to cheer.
Steiner calls it "crossover season." Basketball starts. Football continues. Volleyball plays at home. Students and locals have multiple choices to fill their week.
Segment 1 – Chris Creighton
Chris Creighton says the bye week arrived at the right time for Eastern Michigan. The Eagles' head coach used the break to reset before a key November stretch that begins with Bowling Green on Saturday.
"It was different for sure for the first 10 weeks," Creighton said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "But it was really good, really healthy." Coaches were still busy recruiting, he added, but the shift in routine helped. "The change of pace and the change of schedule work as a break."
Players stayed active with short practices. That included a bit of Halloween humor. Creighton confirmed the team held a pumpkin carving contest and a bobbing for apples challenge. He also referenced a notable moment. "Darth Vader showed up," he said with a smile.
Eastern Michigan sits at 3-6 after a 28-25 loss to Ohio, a game the Eagles controlled early. They led at halftime before field position problems and missed chances swung the game. "We needed to go up two scores," Creighton said. "I think it was well into the third quarter before we gave up the lead. We did not take advantage of a situation where, drive the ball down and we are going to put them away with that next score."
He said the result only added urgency to improve. "It was a really hard, close loss where we had a chance to win," Creighton said. "We have not come out of a single game in this conference where we are saying, wow, those guys are just better than us."
The Eagles have dropped several one-score games in MAC play. Creighton said the difference between teams at the top and the middle of the league is narrow. "There is not a whole lot of difference," he said. "So why are we not winning the close games. That is my job and responsibility."
During the bye week, the message to players centered on purpose. Creighton asked his team to reflect on what drives them. "What is our purpose and what is our why," he said. "That usually can take you to a deeper place than a win or a loss on a Saturday afternoon."
He liked the response. "We had a great feel, great energy," Creighton said of their first practice back. "Our guys are together. Our staff is working hard. We plan on finishing strong."
Bowling Green presents challenges on each side of the ball. "They want to run the ball and give you a lot of different pictures," Creighton said. The Falcons rank high nationally on kickoff returns and field goal accuracy. Their defense has been strong on key downs. "We are going to have to do well in those areas to be successful Saturday," Creighton said.
The matchup also includes familiar faces. Falcons quarterback Baron May began his career at Eastern Michigan. EMU assistant Cornell Brown previously coached at Bowling Green. "It will be really good to see Baron," Creighton said. "He is a great human being and a great player."
Saturday is also the program's annual Military Appreciation Game. Creighton noted his father and grandfather served in the military. "Always had an appreciation," he said. "It will be fun to honor those guys on Saturday."
Creighton ended the conversation looking forward. "We are excited for the week," he said. "We plan on finishing strong."
Segment 2 - Steve Dobrovich
Standard Printing has been part of Eastern Michigan University's story for more than a century, and owner Steve Dobrovich says that connection is rooted in location, loyalty, and community.
"We share the same city. We share the same neighborhood," Dobrovich said on the Eastern Insider Podcast Powered by DTE. "We try to look at our own community first and then we decide how to spread business elsewhere."
Standard Printing opened in 1903. At the time, EMU was known as Normal College. Dobrovich said the university closed its internal print shop, and Standard Printing launched specifically to produce the Normal College News. "Standard Printing printed the Normal College News from 1903 until 1908," he said. When the school reopened its print operation, Standard Printing went commercial and "we've been that way ever since."
Dobrovich said the business is the oldest of any kind in Washtenaw County. It has changed ownership through multiple generations, eventually landing in his hands. His road into printing started in high school.
"I ran track and I was a little skinny kid with a big giant head and my nickname was Nice Head," Dobrovich said with a laugh. One day, a teammate brought a customized notepad featuring his photo and the nickname. "I thought it was the coolest thing," he said. "I like producing things and making people happy and taking their visions and making it into an actual product."
Standard Printing strengthened its relationship with Eastern Michigan through local vendor programs and long-standing business with the university. "We were able to say that we were the official print shop of EMU," Dobrovich said.
That work led to sponsorship discussions with Learfield and a deeper partnership with athletics. "We looked at all of the benefits that we receive from being a sponsor and we thought it would be a great fit because we're right here in town."
Technology and customer needs have shifted dramatically. Offset printing has faded and Standard Printing transitioned to digital tools. "The industry has changed tremendously in the last 20 years," Dobrovich said. "We put paper in the machine, send a file, click go, and it will just print books." He said the company expanded into apparel, promotional products, and large format printing, including recent Marvel-style standup figures for EMU Athletics.
"Anything somebody says, can you do this, 99 percent of the time I can say yes," he said.
Dobrovich emphasized that Standard Printing works with everyone, from major corporations to individuals needing a few newsletters. He pointed to printing artwork, Christmas cards, and even wooden furniture pieces. "We printed skeletons directly on the wood," he said. "It turned out unbelievably beautiful."
What matters most, he said, is service. "When we hire people at Standard, we hire people that care," Dobrovich said. "Did you feel you were taken care of. Could you call us anytime."
He said that mindset reflects Ypsilanti's identity. "Everyone is always welcome here," Dobrovich said. "We all feel like family."
Standard Printing supports nonprofits through discounts and donation-matching campaigns. "We make money from businesses so that we can help our community," he said.
As the business nears its 125th year, Dobrovich believes adaptability will keep it growing. "We pay attention to trends and where the market's heading," he said. "We want to make sure we're here long term."
That includes staying close to EMU and the city where Standard Printing got its start. "It was a partnership made from the beginning," Dobrovich said.
Ashlynn’s set for senior night!👏
Thursday, November 06
Our spark plug on and off the court⚡️🦅 Excited to honor Ella Grasson on senior night this Friday!
Thursday, November 06
Mo Habhab Highlights vs. Georgia State
Thursday, November 06
Detroit Youth Choir at Men's Basketball
Thursday, November 06