Oestrike Stadium | Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Oestrike Stadium | Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Insider Podcast hosts Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner revisited some iconic sports-related April Fools' Day pranks as they kicked off a new episode. They shared anecdotes about Tom's daughter's Oreo trick and expressed their opinions on sports hoaxes like Sid Finch and Taco Bell's Liberty Bell purchase.
The episode also spotlighted Eastern Michigan's tight 9-8 win over Michigan in baseball. The Eagles are preparing for more matches, including face-offs with Michigan and Notre Dame. Alternatively, the university's lacrosse team faces a tough path following a narrow conference loss.
A significant part of the episode explored the shifting landscape of college sports, primarily focusing on the transfer portal's effects. The podcast included an interview with EMU women's basketball head coach, Sahar Nusseibeh, who addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by the portal. "100 percent excited," she noted about building a new roster. Nusseibeh characterized the transfer portal as "chaos" and mentioned, "It's chaos out there. We call it the Wild West."
The conversation also covered the broader impact of NIL deals, with athletes facing choices between immediate financial gains and long-term stability. Helmer and Steiner discussed the strategic advantages of remaining in a conducive system, citing Elena Davis as an example for her decision to stay at Eastern Michigan.
In another segment, Defensive Coordinator Ben Needham spoke on the advancements in spring football practices at EMU. His interview touched on player development, the leadership of returning athletes, and preventing plays known as "mega explosives." Needham discussed transfers Marco Patierno and Kadin Bailey, stressing their adaptation to the team’s defensive language.
Adding a lighter note, Elena Davis shared insights into EMU Cheer's recent competitions and personal experiences with April Fool’s pranks. The segment included lighthearted moments about EMU's baseball culture and the symbolic "Fly the Flag" tradition.
The episode concluded with a look forward to upcoming EMU sports events, with opportunities for fans to engage and watch the teams in action.
Alerts Sign-up