East Michigan News

Against the backdrop of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Mid-American Conference hosted its annual football kickoff event on July 18-19, bringing together coaches and players from its 12-member institutions. This year's media day offered a glimpse into the 2024 season, with Eastern Michigan University represented by 11th-year Head Coach Chris Creighton, tight end Jere Getzinger (West Branch, Mich./Ogemaw Heights), and defensive lineman Justin Jefferson (Chicago, Ill./Brother Rice).

The event began with a tour of the Hall of Fame, a first for Getzinger and Jefferson. The trio then attended an evening event at the Brew Kettle & TopGolf Swing Suites, mingling with fellow MAC athletes and coaches. They also heard from MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher and College Football Playoff Executive Director Rich Clark.

After a restful night, EMU's representatives embarked on a rigorous media day schedule. They participated in multiple interviews and segments, including sessions with Cleveland.com/MLive.com. A highlight for the team was getting hands-on with the newly released EA Sports College Football 25 game; Jefferson's Eagles squad edged Getzinger's 16-7.

For Creighton, this was his second time attending the MAC Media Day at the Hall of Fame. His tenure at EMU has been marked by significant achievements, including six bowl game appearances since 2016.

Eastern Michigan was predicted to finish sixth in the MAC preseason coaches poll. Miami was selected to finish first with 119 points.

Justin Jefferson returns as a cornerstone of the Eagles' defense. Last season, he tied for the team lead with 7.5 tackles for loss (TFLs) and secured third place with 3.5 sacks.

Jere Getzinger has been consistent both on and off the field. In 2023, he played in all 13 games, starting in ten, recording 16 receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown.

The Eagles will report for training camp on Monday, July 30th. This year marks their 133rd season overall and their 49th in the MAC.

The new conference schedule format ensures each team faces all eleven conference opponents at least once every three years while eliminating divisions within the MAC.

When Creighton arrived in Ypsilanti in 2014, EMU had not enjoyed a winning season since 1995. Under his leadership, they have achieved multiple bowl appearances and more consistent standings within the conference.

One area identified for improvement is quarterback performance; Cole Snyder has transferred to Eastern Michigan to bolster offensive capabilities.

Despite losing key offensive players like Samson Evans and Jaylon Jackson, Creighton remains optimistic about new talent joining through transfers.

Former EMU standout Maxx Crosby recently made a substantial donation resulting in naming Crosby Field after him.

Creighton's next goal is achieving a MAC championship: "We've beaten everybody in the league... but we have not won a MAC championship," he stated.

With changes to scheduling formats introducing new challenges this season under a pod system arrangement within MAC teams remain eager to prove themselves throughout upcoming matches while maintaining strong state rivalries where possible amid ongoing recruitment efforts aimed at building cohesive rosters aligned culturally towards shared objectives ahead eagerly anticipated campaign start dates approaching rapidly now imminent across wider sporting calendars alike ultimately shaping future successes driven collective ambitions unfolding dynamically evolving circumstances prevailing amidst broader competitive landscapes shifting continually over time reflecting adaptive strategies employed effectively managing resources available optimally ensuring sustained progress attained progressively advancing towards long-term goals envisioned clearly articulated visions guiding organizational directions decisively moving forward confidently poised achieve desired outcomes aspired consistently reinforcing foundational principles underlying strategic initiatives implemented comprehensively aligning operational frameworks systematically supporting overarching missions pursued diligently striving excellence demonstrated unwavering commitment delivering high-quality performances repeatedly showcasing exceptional talents nurtured carefully fostering growth development potential realized fully maximizing opportunities presented leveraging strengths accumulated collectively enhancing overall capabilities substantially contributing significantly positively impacting respective domains engaged actively participating meaningfully productive endeavors undertaken passionately dedicated wholeheartedly pursuing excellence exemplified evidently throughout various undertakings embarked upon collectively inspiring motivating others emulate exemplary standards set forth continuously elevating benchmarks established prominently achieving remarkable milestones accomplished commendably 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Home Field Advantage

EMU will play five of its six home games within an eight-week span offering fans ample opportunities to catch live action exclusive ticket packages perks such as VIP seating parking privileges more ultimate fan experience includes improved chairback seats increased legroom fifty-yard line VIP parking piece turf official certificate authenticity ticket information ultimate fan season tickets $180 chairback seats fifty-yard line VIP parking reserved season tickets $120 general admission $108 faculty staff young alumni $84 E-club membership $200 includes football men's basketball women's basketball alumni value pack four tickets per game VIP parking George Gervin GameAbove Center lot contact athletics office purchase tickets phone number provided

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