East Michigan News

March has arrived, bringing with it a crucial period for Eastern Michigan basketball as the Mid-American Conference Tournament approaches. The latest episode of the Eastern Insider Podcast features hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner discussing an important week for the Eagles following a commanding victory over Central Michigan on senior night.

Reflecting on the win, Helmer said, "It was just what you wanted from Eastern. They put their foot on the gas and never let up." The Eagles' performance energized fans at the George Gervin GameAbove Center and set them up for challenging upcoming games against Ohio and Kent State.

Helmer and Steiner also noted the unpredictable nature of the MAC standings, highlighting that EMU is only one game behind Toledo and Kent State. Steiner remarked, "For once, we're on the right side of the ledger. It's nice not having to hope everyone else loses."

The podcast also discussed EMU women's basketball's efforts despite a loss to Buffalo and featured an interview with assistant coach Meg Cunningham. Cunningham expressed her NBA coaching ambitions during her conversation with Helmer.

In baseball news, graduate transfer Harrison Travis has been making an impact after moving from Carson-Newman to EMU. He leads in home runs and RBIs while adapting to life in Ypsilanti.

With spring sports intensifying alongside preparations for the MAC basketball tournament, Helmer emphasized, "If you're going to make a statement, this is the week to do it."

Assistant coach Meg Cunningham shared insights into her journey in women's basketball at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) with Tom Helmer. A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, she reminisced about watching their Super Bowl parade dressed in an Eagles jersey. Despite football being her passion, Cunningham pursued basketball after excelling at it during her youth.

Her playing career ended prematurely due to injury but led her into coaching roles at several universities before joining EMU under head coach Sahar Nusseibeh. Her ultimate aspiration remains coaching in the NBA: "It's a great time for women in the league," she said.

Meanwhile, new addition Harrison Travis spoke about his transition from Carson-Newman to EMU baseball. The Soddy-Daisy native credits divine intervention for finding his way north: "I think it's by the grace of God," he stated.

Travis praised coaches Britt and Bierman’s personal approach during recruitment discussions: "They're not just about baseball." His college journey included battling injuries yet culminated in standout performances like posting nine home runs with 43 RBIs back in 2022 despite subsequent setbacks such as shoulder surgery or knee issues affecting later seasons' playtime opportunities until now when feeling fully fit again ahead tackling Division I competition challenges facing him this year alongside teammates’ support evident throughout training sessions together under Coach AD’s guidance aiming toward achieving success collectively anticipated coming months ahead promising potential future accomplishments eagerly awaited witnessing unfold accordingly expected soon enough hopefully indeed!