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All content by Al Huffman
Super Bowl 51: No matter who wins, America wins

Super Bowl 51: No matter who wins, America wins

Al Huffman February 5, 2017

Well here we are. Another year, another Super Bowl with the New England Patriots and Tom Brady's smug little face. But believe it or not, this is not an anti-Patriots article. In fact, we have reached...

Chris Davenport on guard. Photo by Lili Weinstein

Ospreys dominate rematch with Stetson 96-64

Al Huffman February 5, 2017

With a three game drought on their hands, the Ospreys had to beat Stetson in order to avoid being swept by two teams in four games. Getting swept by first place FGCU is one thing, but with the Hatters...

Slow second-half downs Ospreys at FGCU

Slow second-half downs Ospreys at FGCU

Al Huffman January 31, 2017

Only a few games removed from being in contention for first place, North Florida (9-16 overall, 4-4 ASUN) finds themselves sinking fast in the ASUN. In their latest contest on the road against the number...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Ospreys lose 86-82 to FGCU

Al Huffman January 26, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1-iUtLuxo4 Video by David Washington and Joslyn Simmons With control of the ASUN on the line, it was do or die for both North Florida (9-14 overall, 4-2 ASUN) and FGCU...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Ospreys defeat Bisons 90-84

Al Huffman January 22, 2017

After starting their home stretch with a cardiac win, the Ospreys (9-13 overall, 4-1 ASUN) looked to defend their court against the Lipscomb Bisons (11-11 overall, 3-2 ASUN). And boy, did they ever. Dallas...

Ospreys win 86-84 to Kennesaw State

Ospreys win 86-84 to Kennesaw State

Al Huffman January 21, 2017

Coming off the upset loss to NJIT, the Ospreys (8-13 overall, 3-1 ASUN) faced a crucial three-game home stretch to prove whether or not the loss was a fluke or an omen. Their first challenge back from...

Dallas Moore.  Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Highlanders show Ospreys there can only be one

Al Huffman January 17, 2017

After getting off to two consecutive road wins in conference play, North Florida (7–13 overall, 2–1 ASUN) hit a wall when they traveled to New Jersey to play NJIT (9-10 overall, 1-2 ASUN), despite...

Beau Beech. Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Where are they now? A look at UNF stars in the pros

Al Huffman January 15, 2017

This past year has seen several UNF players from different sports get their shot at the professional level with different results. Last we saw of former UNF soccer player Alex Morrell, he was drafted...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

UNF Ospreys win 7th straight River City Rumble

Al Huffman January 8, 2017

  https://youtu.be/oqUCpYosOwI With North Florida going 5-12 so far this season, the Ospreys (6-12 overall, 1-0 ASUN) went into the historic Swisher Gym with several question marks and a mission...

Dallas Moore (14)
Photo by Jim Hogue

Men’s basketball falls to UConn 80-59

Al Huffman December 21, 2016

North Florida's (4-10) Power Five opponents have not been kind to the Ospreys. In fact, without the Power Five opponents in their schedule, they would be 4-3 this season. However the Ospreys still had...

Dallas Moore (14)
Photo by Jim Hogue

Ospreys drop six straight with 98-84 loss to UTRGV

Al Huffman December 13, 2016

In what first seemed like struggles against tough competition, is now starting to look like a season in distress for North Florida (3–9).The Ospreys dropped their latest contest to University of Texas...

Dallas Moore on the court last season.Photo by Ashley Saldana

Once again Moore Shines, Ospreys fall 91-76 to Arkansas

Al Huffman December 12, 2016

The nonconference portion of North Florida's (3–8) season has gone into a tailspin, with the Ospreys dropping the last five straight games. The latest loss was at the hands of Arkansas (8-1) to finish...

Photo courtesy North Florida Athletics

Men’s Soccer Trio earn postseason accolades

Al Huffman December 8, 2016

Three Osprey players were named to the Southeast NSCAA All-Region team. This marks the third consecutive season that North Florida had multiple players be selected.   Senior Defender Jay Bolt was...

Dallas Moore on the court. Photo by Lili Weinstein

North Florida falls short of epic comeback in 77-71 loss to Syracuse

Al Huffman December 4, 2016

It seems that every time the North Florida (3-7) face a bad loss, they have a habit of coming back in a big way the next game. For the first half under the lights at Syracuse (5-2), it seemed the Ospreys...

Ospreys fall 91-60 to Gators; Davenport suspended indefinitely

Ospreys fall 91-60 to Gators; Davenport suspended indefinitely

Al Huffman December 2, 2016

https://youtu.be/Rjkq-n-AeZ4 Looking at the scoreboard and the box score, one would assume it was just a regular blowout where the #24 Florida Gators (7-1) quietly swept the North Florida Ospreys (3-6)...

Photo by Spinnaker Media

Tracking the Birds of Trey: Away game recaps

Al Huffman November 28, 2016

North Florida vs. North Dakota Right after Thanksgiving, North Florida men’s basketball (3-5) won one of three consecutive games over the weekend. The first game kicked off the weekend series on a...

Chris Davenport Spinnaker stock photo

Ospreys dominate Florida National 112-66

Al Huffman November 23, 2016

After a single-digit loss in the Deaf Dome, the Ospreys (2-3) returned home to host Florida National (2-6) and all the preparation against tough teams seem to pay off for the Ospreys as they dismantled...

LSU hangs on to beat North Florida 78-70

LSU hangs on to beat North Florida 78-70

Al Huffman November 19, 2016

Coming off the 94-56 trouncing at the hands of Miami, North Florida (1-3) had to make a statement.  Though they didn't win their road trip to LSU (3-0), the Ospreys’ offense stepped up and gave the...

Ospreys crumble versus Miami 94-56

Ospreys crumble versus Miami 94-56

Al Huffman November 17, 2016

Coming off its dominant win against Edward Waters, North Florida (1-2) had a second chance against major competition when Miami (2-0) came knocking at UNF Arena. The results weren’t pretty for the...

Dallas Moore, Ospreys incinerate Edward Waters 109-73

Dallas Moore, Ospreys incinerate Edward Waters 109-73

Al Huffman November 15, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWdIu0rVwAI&feature=youtu.be Video by Ronnetha Rogers and Joslyn Simmons With a 6-1 record in home openers, North Florida (1-1) Head Coach Matt Driscoll looked to...

Photo courtesy Ken Moss/Auburn Athletics

Men’s basketball drops season opener

Al Huffman November 12, 2016

As the North Florida (0-1) men's basketball found out Friday night, going on the road to take on a Power-Five conference school is no simple task as it lost its season opener to the Auburn Tigers (1-0.)...

Photo by Al Huffman

Soccer Weekend Recap: Oct. 29

Al Huffman November 1, 2016

North Florida Soccer had two polar opposite games this past weekend as both teams kicked off ASUN tournament play in dramatic fashion. Men's Soccer When a team clinches a playoff berth, it’s easy...

UNF Swimming grabs a win in lone home meet

Al Huffman October 24, 2016

The North Florida swim team (1-3 overall, 0-3 conf) faced off against three teams including two opponents that were postponed earlier in the season. The Ospreys lost to UNC Asheville and Gardner Webb...

Photo by Al Huffman

Ospreys blow lead twice in overtime loss

Al Huffman October 16, 2016

With all the momentum of the world on its side after two straight wins, North Florida (6-7-2 overall, 2-4 ASUN) needed every bit of it going on the road to face the first-place Stetson Hatters (8-4-2...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

UNF seals River City Rumble in double overtime

Al Huffman October 15, 2016

With only three minutes left in double overtime, North Florida men’s soccer (6-3-1 overall, 2-0 ASUN) scored to win its third straight game against arch rival Jacksonville (5-7 overall, 1-3 ASUN.) Last...

UNF Womens soccer. Photo by Joslyn Simmons

Road warrior Ospreys win two straight away games

Al Huffman October 12, 2016

With the season on the verge of ruin, North Florida women’s soccer (6-6-2 overall, 2-3 ASUN) desperately needed to snap its three-game losing streak in conference play. The Ospreys responded by winning...

Photos by Al Huffman

Early goals secure 3-0 win for Ospreys

Al Huffman October 2, 2016
The men's soccer team defeated Lipscomb to continue their undefeated streak in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Photo by Lili Weinstein

Women’s Soccer drops conference opener

Al Huffman September 25, 2016

Jacksonville University’s penalty kick snapped the Ospreys three-game winning streak on Saturday night, at Hodges Stadium. Last season, UNF fell to the Dolphins in the River City Rumble and in a dramatic...

Matt Begiun was the man behind Ozzie Osprey for nearly ten years.
 Photo by Jenn Mello. Illustration by Alex Balosie.

The man behind the mask: Matt Biegun

Al Huffman April 21, 2016

Everyone at North Florida knows and loves the iconic Ozzie the Osprey, but one part of Ozzie that goes unnoticed is the story of the man inside the costume. Matt Biegun, the man behind the mask, sat...

 Photo by Morgan Purvis

Baseball recap: North Florida vs. Stetson

Al Huffman April 18, 2016
The Ospreys looked to improve their 2-4 record in conference play when they hosted Stetson this weekend in a three-game home series.
The Ospreys dropped two of their three games against Jacksonville University. Photo by UNF Spinnaker

Ospreys fall flat against JU

Al Huffman April 13, 2016
After taking care of Florida A&M on April 6, the Ospreys rode their two-game winning streak into a weekend series with arch-rival Jacksonville University.
The Ospreys dropped two of three games in their A-Sun opener against Kennesaw.

Photo by Morgan Purvis

Ospreys drop Atlantic Sun opener

Al Huffman April 4, 2016
The Ospreys play their next game against Bethune Cookman on April 5.
The Ospreys end March with a 13-5 record, and begin conference play Friday. Photo by Will Weber

Ospreys end March on a high note

Al Huffman March 30, 2016
The Ospreys showed no mercy Tuesday night when they defeated Florida A&M 15-0 at Harmon Stadium.
 Photo by Morgan Purvis

Olmstead breaks school record in sweep of Dartmouth

Al Huffman March 25, 2016
The North Florida Ospreys continued its hot streak Thursday afternoon, sweeping a two-game series against Dartmouth.
The Deadbirds won the South Cup for the second-consecutive year, advancing to the Sweet 16. 

Photo courtesy of the Deadbirds

Deadbirds win second-straight South Cup, advance to Sweet 16

Al Huffman March 24, 2016
The Deadbirds are storming their conference again.
The Ospreys late-game heroics allowed them to win the weekend series over Quinnipiac.

Photo by Al Hoffman

Ospreys win series 2-1 after 6-5 thriller vs Quinnipiac

Al Huffman March 23, 2016
Despite overwhelming odds, late-inning heroics continue to yield winning results for the Ospreys.
Late-inning heroics have become a nightly occurrence for the Ospreys.

Photo by Morgan Purvis

Ospreys walk-off again

Al Huffman March 18, 2016
For the third time in five games, North Florida ended the game with a walk-off hit in the final inning.
Christian Diaz stretches to catch a throw from 3B Alex Merritt.

Photo by Will Weber

Ospreys sweep series, hit two walk-offs against UNC Wilmington

Al Huffman March 14, 2016

The North Florida Ospreys (9-8) followed a 52 minute rain delay with a walk-off triple in the bottom of the ninth to sweep the series against UNC Wilmington (9-5) on March 13. Game 1 Friday night...

Freshman Austin Drury winds up to deliver a pitch.

Photo by Emily Woodbury

Osprey lose close rematch against No. 1 ranked Gators

Al Huffman March 10, 2016
Coming off a 6-2 victory at Harmon Stadium the night before, the No.1 Florida Gators looked to defend their home field against the North Florida Ospreys Wednesday night.
Keith Skinner was the only Osprey to record multiple hits. Photo by Emily Woodbury

Ospreys hang with No 1. ranked Gators

Al Huffman March 9, 2016
The North Florida Ospreys hung with the No. 1 ranked Florida Gators Tuesday night at Harmon Stadium, but a four-run eighth inning led to a 6-2 loss.
The Ospreys took two of three games in its weekend series against Penn.

Photo by Garrett Milanovich

Ospreys set record, win weekend series

Al Huffman March 7, 2016
The North Florida baseball team won two of its three games in a weekend home series against the University of Pennsylvania.
Austin Howze gets set to deliver a pitch against Savannah State.

Photo by Will Weber

North Florida baseball wins 7-4 thriller against Savannah State

Al Huffman February 24, 2016
The North Florida Ospreys beat the Savannah State Tigers 7-4 on Feb. 23 behind a clutch game from preseason All-American Corbin Olmstead.
Kadesia Johnson drives to the basket to make a layup in the win against NJIT

Photo credit: Jordan Perez

North Florida women’s team emerge victorious, snapping eight game losing streak

Al Huffman February 22, 2016
The North Florida women’s basketball team won their last home game against the NJIT Highlanders 72-49 on Feb. 22.
The Ospreys took down Missouri, 5-4, in game three of their series. 

Photo credit: Morgan Purvis

Ospreys win series against George Washington 2-1

Al Huffman February 22, 2016
The North Florida baseball team (2-1) won their series against the George Washington Colonials (1-2) with a 10-7 victory on Feb. 21.
The Deadbirds took home their second-straight South Cup Saturday.

Photo by UNF Spinnaker

Ave Maria forfeits rugby match against North Florida for third consecutive time

Al Huffman February 19, 2016
The Deadbirds will have to wait a little longer to get a shot to settle the score with Ave Maria.
The 2009 US Air Force Thunderbirds fly over Superbowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 2.  (RELEASED)

The Three Types of Super Bowl Commercials

Al Huffman February 8, 2016
Reporter Al Huffman reviews the best and worst Super Bowl commercials.
Photo by Vic Drover.

One on one with ex-Deadbird Alex Mross

Al Huffman February 3, 2016
Mross went one-on-one with Spinnaker Sports and gave some insight about his budding rugby career.
Photo by Michael Herrera

North Florida falls to Owls for sixth straight loss

Al Huffman January 18, 2016
The North Florida women's basketball team (4-13 overall, 0-2 A-Sun) lost 70-55 to Kennesaw State (7-10 overall, 2-0 ASun) at the UNF Arena on Jan. 16.
Jacksonville defeats North Florida womens team for fifth straight loss

Jacksonville defeats North Florida women’s team for fifth straight loss

Al Huffman January 11, 2016

The UNF women’s basketball team (4-12 overall, 0-1 A-Sun) lost at home against arch rival Jacksonville University (9-7 overall, 1-0 A-Sun) by a score of 73-39 on Jan. 9. The loss marked five in a row...

Osprey Sports Swoop-Up: Men and women’s basketball stumble heading into conference play

Osprey Sports Swoop-Up: Men and women’s basketball stumble heading into conference play

Al Huffman January 7, 2016
Spinnaker Sports provide a refreshing recap of games played by both the Osprey Men and Women's basketball teams over the break.
The Camels managed to rack up 28 points in the paint over the Ospreys. 

Photo by Michael Herrera

Women’s basketball loses 66-55 to Campbell despite monster game by Ioannidis

Al Huffman December 20, 2015
The junior guard seemed to be the only UNF player who wasn’t struggling to score points.
The SC State defense pestered the Ospreys, nabbing 11 steals. 

Photo by Michael Herrera

Late rally not enough as women’s basketball loses 53­-48 to South Carolina State

Al Huffman December 20, 2015
A fine start and a furious finish couldn't make up for a slump in the middle of the game.
Guard Claire Ioannidis leads the Ospreys in scoring for the season with 13.7 points per game. 

Photo by Michael Herrera

Women’s basketball defeats Warner University 60-51

Al Huffman December 17, 2015
Strong showings from Sierra Shepherd and Claire Ioannidis helped ensure victory for the Ospreys.
Osprey senior Kadeisha Johnson pulled down 12 rebounds, including 10 defensive boards. 

Photo by Ashley Saldana

Women’s basketball falls apart in second half in 69-47 loss to Alabama

Al Huffman December 14, 2015
Their last game saw them winning in epic fashion against Trinity Baptist, 97-30.
USA rugby league team after beating Canada. 

Photo by Al Huffman

USA rugby hangs on to win 34-24 over Canada in shootout

Al Huffman and Al Huffman December 12, 2015
Match held at Hodges Stadium earns USA a spot in the Rugby League World Cup.
The Ospreys returned to Dayton, where they played against Robert Morris in their first ever NCAA tournament game. 

Photo by Joshua Brangenberg

Osprey Sports Swoop-Up: Rough weekend yields losses for both basketball teams

Al Huffman December 7, 2015
The men's team lost to Dayton 86-71, the women's to Georgia State 76-63.
The USARL Hawks are currently ranked 10 in the world, according to the Rugby League International Federation. 

Photo by Davey Wilson

USA Hawks rugby team competes at Hodges Stadium, beats Jamaica 20-14

Al Huffman December 6, 2015
The win puts the Hawks one step closer to qualifying for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
UNF Arena sported its brand new scoreboard for both women’s games in the Thanksgiving Classic. 

Photo by Al Huffman

Women’s basketball team breaks record and losing streak, defeats Towson 74-72 in OT

Al Huffman November 29, 2015
The streak had increased to four after a loss against Bethune-Cookman 53-49
The Ospreys have dropped four straight games heading into the Thanksgiving break.

Photo by Luiza Motta

Osprey women’s basketball falls hard to FSU 80-28

Al Huffman November 25, 2015
UNF takes its fourth straight loss after a weak first half leads to a weaker second one.
After a competitive first half the Louisville offense exploded in the second past UNF, led by Damion Lee with 24 points. 

Photo courtesy Sideline Sports

Men’s basketball loses in 89-61 heartbreaker at Louisville

Al Huffman November 21, 2015
The Cardinals dominated the second half after a close first period.
Photo by Luiza Motta

Osprey women’s basketball falls against Purdue 70-47

Al Huffman November 21, 2015
The game marks the team's third consecutive loss.
The Ospreys took home some individual awards with Carina Hoff earning s 1st Team All-Atlantic Sun selection and Kimberly Ferguson taking Academic All-Conference honors. Photo courtesy of Sideline Sports

Volleyball season ends with 3-1 loss to Jacksonville in first round of A-Sun tournament

Al Huffman November 20, 2015
JU broke their 1-1 tie with UNF in their River City Rumble rivalry on Nov. 19.
Photo courtesy of Sideline Sports

Ospreys lose 1-0 to Coastal Carolina in first ever NCAA tournament appearance

Al Huffman November 20, 2015
The men's soccer team's post-season journey ended on Thursday after a shut-out loss to the Chanticleers.
The Ospreys look to extend their historic season against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Nov. 19. Photo by Ashley Saldana

Ospreys set to play Coastal Carolina in first round of NCAA playoffs

Al Huffman November 16, 2015
After beating USC-Upstate for the Atlantic Sun Conference championship, the UNF men's soccer team will travel to South Carolina to play Coastal Carolina in their first NCAA Division I tournament appearance.
In this 2015 photo, Osprey head coach Derek Marinatos celebrates an Atlantic Sun Conference championship after reaching the final match for the third straight year.

Men’s soccer dominates in Atlantic Sun championship 7-0

Al Huffman November 15, 2015
UNF men's soccer team wins their first championship with a 7-0 win over Upstate.
UNF women’s basketball head coach Darrick Gibbs notches his first career win against UMKC. 

Photo courtesy of Twitter (@OspreyWBB)

Osprey women’s basketball win season opener on the road 62-55

Al Huffman November 13, 2015
Ospreys outscore the UMKC Kangaroos 18-11 in the first quarter, maintain lead throughout.
The Deadbirds may be heading to the conference championship this season as a result of the forfeit.

Image courtesy of Facebook.

UPDATE: UNF Rugby replaces canceled match with local exhibition

Al Huffman November 12, 2015
Ave Maria University backed out of the match against the Deadbirds due to not having enough players.
Senior Alex Morrell scored his fourth goal of the season with his first half equalizer. 

Photo by Ashley Saldana

UNF men’s soccer beat Lipscomb 2-1, advance to A-Sun finals

Al Huffman November 9, 2015
With their win and a loss by Florida Gulf Coast, the Ospreys will host the conference championship game against USC Upstate.
London Darling preformed Ariana Grande’s “Focus” during the first half of the show. 

Photo by Michie Willman

Annual drag show blends spectacle with LGBT progress

Al Huffman November 5, 2015
The performers provided a fun space to celebrate LGBTQ pride and freedom of expression.
UNF’s ten seniors cap off senior night with a 2-0 win. 

Photo by Kimberly Appleby

UNF men’s soccer beats USC Upstate 2-0, clinch share of regular season title

Al Huffman November 2, 2015
The Ospreys solidified their place in conference history on an eventful senior night
The UNF men’s cross country team placed second in the A-Sun Championship 8K. Photo by Brittnay Moore

Osprey men’s and women’s cross country both place 2nd in A-Sun Championship

Al Huffman October 31, 2015
The UNF cross country teams both fell to Lipscomb at the Atlantic Sun Championships Friday.
Junior Kimberly Ferguson had a match-high 22 digs. Photo by Ashley Saldana.

Osprey Sports Swoop-Up: River City Rumble weekend

Al Huffman October 27, 2015
The Ospreys competed against the JU Dolphins in three separate games this past weekend.
UNF men’s soccer have won back-to-back River City Rivalry matches against JU. 

Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics.

UNF men’s soccer hangs on to 1-0 lead, defeats JU for second straight year

Al Huffman October 25, 2015
A goal from senior midfielder Drew Spragg was enough to secure a win and remain undefeated in conference play.
The UNF Rugby Football Club emerged victorious in their home opener against FAU. Photo by Al Huffman

Deadbirds overcome mistakes and penalties, win 22-10 over FAU

Al Huffman October 18, 2015
The UNF rugby team opened up the new season with a win over FAU Saturday.
Former UNF rugby captain Joe Eichner. Photo courtesy of UNF Rugby Football Club

UNF rugby: The Deadbirds are back for blood

Al Huffman October 16, 2015
UNF rugby returns this season with new faces and eyes set on the Final Four.
Photo by Michael Herrera

Osprey Sports Swoop-Up: A roller coaster weekend for UNF Athletics

Al Huffman October 12, 2015
Check out results in volleyball, women's swimming and women's soccer.
NJIT’s Alex Adam rushes the Ospreys in an attempt to break their defense.

Osprey women’s soccer snatches a win from NJIT, 3-0

Al Huffman October 10, 2015
The Ospreys got off to a quick start, thanks to a goal by junior forward Kayla Aritt only 9 minutes into the match.
Photo courtesy of A-Sun Photos

Osprey men’s basketball are Atlantic Sun Preseason favorites

Al Huffman October 9, 2015
The team, as well as several individual team members, received accolades from the Atlantic Sun on Oct. 8.
Midfielder Milan Kovacs has scored 3 goals for the Ospreys this season. Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics.

Ospreys soar over Eagles 2-1

Al Huffman September 29, 2015
The men's soccer team beat Georgia Southern 2-1 Sunday night.
Abby Fesl, Junior, has 338 assists this season. Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

Athletes of the month: Abby Fesl and Carina Hoff

Al Huffman September 24, 2015
UNF Volleyball players Fesl and Hoff are recognized as Spinnaker's first athletes of the month.
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