Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast - Season 7 - Episode 28
4/14/2025 7:00:00 PM | Football, General
Spring Vibes and Superstar Returns
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Insider Podcast wrapped up its 2024-25 season with Episode 28, as hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner signed off for the summer with reflections, revelations, and a celebration of what's to come for Eastern Michigan Athletics.
The duo kicked off the show with a lighthearted farewell, marking the end of the podcast season—not an end, but a pause—as the campus transitions into summer. Much of the episode spotlighted EMU Football's Spring Game, a controlled scrimmage designed more for learning than results. With key starters sidelined due to injuries, including multiple defenders and offensive linemen like
Mickey Rewolinski, fans were treated to a sneak peek at the team's evolving depth. Quarterbacks Noah Kim and Jeremiah Salem split reps, showing promise in what looks to be a developing two-man competition.
A major highlight of the show was the announcement that EMU legend and NFL superstar Maxx Crosby is returning to the program as Assistant GM. His new role brings more than just star power—Crosby will mentor players, inspire future "Max" position defenders, and lead an NIL initiative by matching donations up to $100,000 through the "Maxx Challenge."
Beyond football, Helmer and Steiner looked at a big weekend ahead for EMU Athletics. EMU Lacrosse hosts Akron in a pivotal MAC matchup with postseason implications, while Women's Tennis heads to Ball State. Women's Golf, led by standout Savannah De Bock, enters the MAC Championships aiming to disrupt Kent State's dominance.
Segment 1 - Coach Creighton Reflects on EMU Spring Football Progress on Eastern Insider
Head Coach Chris Creighton shared his reflections on spring practice and the development of a retooled Eagles roster. With 15 practices in the books and 24 new players added to the fold, Creighton emphasized the value of growth and culture over the past several months.
"I'm really encouraged," Creighton said. "We've come a long way. Some returning guys don't have as much game experience, and with so many new players, we didn't want to take a cookie-cutter approach to spring ball. It's served us really well."
Creighton spoke with pride about the energy and attitude of the team, citing the consistent buy-in and camaraderie. "People come to practice and they're blown away by the vibe. The guys want to be here. They're coachable. That's not a given these days."
The head coach also shared insight into a new approach this spring: "crossover individual" drills, where players from opposing position groups—like defensive ends and tight ends—worked together to understand each other's techniques. "Knowledge is power," Creighton explained. "Hearing from the other side's coach on what they're trying to do—it makes us all better."
Creighton described spring ball as his favorite time of year. "You're not preparing for an opponent. There's no scout team. It's just pure coaching," he said. "It's every guy on the roster learning Eastern Michigan football."
With a challenging non-conference schedule looming, the head coach knows the team isn't game-ready just yet—but he's confident they're on the right path. "It's not August, and it's not December. But for where we started in January? You can't be any farther along than this."
And perhaps most importantly, Creighton said, "These guys love being around each other. That's real."
Segment 2 - Noah Kim Embracing New Chapter, Competition at EMU
Quarterback Noah Kim joined Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner to reflect on his first spring in Ypsilanti and the transition to Eastern Michigan's offense. The Michigan State transfer spoke candidly about the adjustment period, team culture, and the fierce but friendly quarterback competition.
"I think it's been great—just being in this environment that Coach Creighton has created," Kim said. "It truly is a family environment, and I've enjoyed every second of it."
Kim praised the receiving corps, calling it "a group of guys that are hungry and want to be great." He highlighted his chemistry with familiar faces like Terry Lockett, a fellow Spartan. "They all think they're open all the time," he joked. "That's what you want from your receivers."
With a restructured offensive line coach Chris Wiesehan, Kim noted encouraging signs up front. "They're huge—and they don't want the quarterback to get touched," he laughed. "They're just as hungry as the rest of us."
Asked about offensive coordinator Mike Piatkowski, Kim said the philosophy is clear: "Throw to the open guy, take what the defense gives you, keep the ball moving forward."
The quarterback room has been a crucible for growth. "I love it," Kim said. "It's going to make all of us better. Someone's going to rise to the top—and that's going to come from hard work and preparation."
Kim also credited teammate Jeremiah Salem for his leadership and knowledge. "The way he reads stuff—it's helped me a lot in my process."
As fall camp approaches, Kim remains focused on building chemistry and refining the offense's finer details. "It's only been a spring," he said. "There's still more to grow, and I'm fired up for what's next."
Segment 3 - Elena Davis Reflects on Daytona and Cheer Success
EMU cheer captain and sideline reporter Elena Davis sat down with Greg Steiner for a wide-ranging, laughter-filled conversation that captured the spirit of her journey—fresh off Nationals and just weeks from graduation.
"Honestly? This was my favorite Daytona I've ever been to," Davis said, her voice hoarse from cheering. "Day one wasn't perfect, but we kept the energy up. Day two, we hit zero. No deductions. That's the feeling you crave your whole cheer career."
EMU cheer finished seventh out of 15 at NCA Nationals, besting programs like Georgia and Coastal Carolina. "It's my second-best finish in four years—and after everything we've been through, it means so much," she added, referencing the coaching changes and uncertainty heading into the season. "People didn't think we'd even compete this year. To go from that to top seven? I'm so proud of this team."
The squad also debuted new white-and-green uniforms—a surprise orchestrated by teammate Brooke. "We hadn't had new ones in 20 years," Davis laughed. "They made us feel so confident, like, collegiate."
As graduation nears, Davis reflected on her time with the podcast. "I love this. Who let me on here?" she laughed. "But seriously, being part of this, seeing what you guys do—it's been a dream come true."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Insider Podcast wrapped up its 2024-25 season with Episode 28, as hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner signed off for the summer with reflections, revelations, and a celebration of what's to come for Eastern Michigan Athletics.
The duo kicked off the show with a lighthearted farewell, marking the end of the podcast season—not an end, but a pause—as the campus transitions into summer. Much of the episode spotlighted EMU Football's Spring Game, a controlled scrimmage designed more for learning than results. With key starters sidelined due to injuries, including multiple defenders and offensive linemen like
Mickey Rewolinski, fans were treated to a sneak peek at the team's evolving depth. Quarterbacks Noah Kim and Jeremiah Salem split reps, showing promise in what looks to be a developing two-man competition.
A major highlight of the show was the announcement that EMU legend and NFL superstar Maxx Crosby is returning to the program as Assistant GM. His new role brings more than just star power—Crosby will mentor players, inspire future "Max" position defenders, and lead an NIL initiative by matching donations up to $100,000 through the "Maxx Challenge."
Beyond football, Helmer and Steiner looked at a big weekend ahead for EMU Athletics. EMU Lacrosse hosts Akron in a pivotal MAC matchup with postseason implications, while Women's Tennis heads to Ball State. Women's Golf, led by standout Savannah De Bock, enters the MAC Championships aiming to disrupt Kent State's dominance.
Segment 1 - Coach Creighton Reflects on EMU Spring Football Progress on Eastern Insider
Head Coach Chris Creighton shared his reflections on spring practice and the development of a retooled Eagles roster. With 15 practices in the books and 24 new players added to the fold, Creighton emphasized the value of growth and culture over the past several months.
"I'm really encouraged," Creighton said. "We've come a long way. Some returning guys don't have as much game experience, and with so many new players, we didn't want to take a cookie-cutter approach to spring ball. It's served us really well."
Creighton spoke with pride about the energy and attitude of the team, citing the consistent buy-in and camaraderie. "People come to practice and they're blown away by the vibe. The guys want to be here. They're coachable. That's not a given these days."
The head coach also shared insight into a new approach this spring: "crossover individual" drills, where players from opposing position groups—like defensive ends and tight ends—worked together to understand each other's techniques. "Knowledge is power," Creighton explained. "Hearing from the other side's coach on what they're trying to do—it makes us all better."
Creighton described spring ball as his favorite time of year. "You're not preparing for an opponent. There's no scout team. It's just pure coaching," he said. "It's every guy on the roster learning Eastern Michigan football."
With a challenging non-conference schedule looming, the head coach knows the team isn't game-ready just yet—but he's confident they're on the right path. "It's not August, and it's not December. But for where we started in January? You can't be any farther along than this."
And perhaps most importantly, Creighton said, "These guys love being around each other. That's real."
Segment 2 - Noah Kim Embracing New Chapter, Competition at EMU
Quarterback Noah Kim joined Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner to reflect on his first spring in Ypsilanti and the transition to Eastern Michigan's offense. The Michigan State transfer spoke candidly about the adjustment period, team culture, and the fierce but friendly quarterback competition.
"I think it's been great—just being in this environment that Coach Creighton has created," Kim said. "It truly is a family environment, and I've enjoyed every second of it."
Kim praised the receiving corps, calling it "a group of guys that are hungry and want to be great." He highlighted his chemistry with familiar faces like Terry Lockett, a fellow Spartan. "They all think they're open all the time," he joked. "That's what you want from your receivers."
With a restructured offensive line coach Chris Wiesehan, Kim noted encouraging signs up front. "They're huge—and they don't want the quarterback to get touched," he laughed. "They're just as hungry as the rest of us."
Asked about offensive coordinator Mike Piatkowski, Kim said the philosophy is clear: "Throw to the open guy, take what the defense gives you, keep the ball moving forward."
The quarterback room has been a crucible for growth. "I love it," Kim said. "It's going to make all of us better. Someone's going to rise to the top—and that's going to come from hard work and preparation."
Kim also credited teammate Jeremiah Salem for his leadership and knowledge. "The way he reads stuff—it's helped me a lot in my process."
As fall camp approaches, Kim remains focused on building chemistry and refining the offense's finer details. "It's only been a spring," he said. "There's still more to grow, and I'm fired up for what's next."
Segment 3 - Elena Davis Reflects on Daytona and Cheer Success
EMU cheer captain and sideline reporter Elena Davis sat down with Greg Steiner for a wide-ranging, laughter-filled conversation that captured the spirit of her journey—fresh off Nationals and just weeks from graduation.
"Honestly? This was my favorite Daytona I've ever been to," Davis said, her voice hoarse from cheering. "Day one wasn't perfect, but we kept the energy up. Day two, we hit zero. No deductions. That's the feeling you crave your whole cheer career."
EMU cheer finished seventh out of 15 at NCA Nationals, besting programs like Georgia and Coastal Carolina. "It's my second-best finish in four years—and after everything we've been through, it means so much," she added, referencing the coaching changes and uncertainty heading into the season. "People didn't think we'd even compete this year. To go from that to top seven? I'm so proud of this team."
The squad also debuted new white-and-green uniforms—a surprise orchestrated by teammate Brooke. "We hadn't had new ones in 20 years," Davis laughed. "They made us feel so confident, like, collegiate."
As graduation nears, Davis reflected on her time with the podcast. "I love this. Who let me on here?" she laughed. "But seriously, being part of this, seeing what you guys do—it's been a dream come true."
Players Mentioned
Eastern in 60 Seconds Part 3
Tuesday, September 09
Season 8 - Episode 3: Setbacks, Fresh Faces, and SEC Challenge
Tuesday, September 09
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 3 vs. Kentucky
Monday, September 08
2025 EMU Volleyball Tournament Highlights
Monday, September 08