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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

John Watson, Sports Editor

email: Sports@unfspinnaker.com

All content by John Watson
UNF's soccer teams train with winning mentality as coaches utilize extended offseason

UNF’s soccer teams train with winning mentality as coaches utilize extended offseason

John Watson, Sports Editor September 15, 2020

Featured Image: Darvin Nelson Usually by this time of the year, fans would flock to Harmon Stadium in hopes of seeing their favorite Osprey soccer team defeat rivals, some being travelers from far away...

Wait, the Jaguars are 1-0?

Wait, the Jaguars are 1-0?

John Watson, Sports Editor September 14, 2020

Featured Image: AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton As fans across the league checked their phones last night, they may have been very surprised to see the Jaguars as a week one winner in the NFL. It was not...

Walk-Ons preview 2020 NFL season

Walk-Ons preview 2020 NFL season

John Watson, Sports Editor September 11, 2020

In this week's episode of The Walk-Ons, the crew is back together to preview the NFL season and give their hot takes on who will come out on top in each division. Will the Buccaneers make it to the...

Chiefs defeat Texans 31-20 as NFL season starts with strong messages of social justice

Chiefs defeat Texans 31-20 as NFL season starts with strong messages of social justice

John Watson, Sports Editor September 11, 2020

Featured Image: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson Playing a contact sport during a pandemic is a daunting challenge to achieve, but the NFL is back on the turf with a new mindset as the 2020 NFL season officially...

25 percent refund on complete withdrawal deadline this Friday

25 percent refund on complete withdrawal deadline this Friday

John Watson, Sports Editor September 9, 2020

The last day to withdraw from UNF this semester for any refund will be this Friday, Sept. 11. If you choose to withdraw from all of your classes before Friday, you will receive a 25 percent refund from...

A detailed render of what the pool will look like once construction is finished in June 2021
Source: UNF Marketing and Publications

Competitive swimming returns to campus; construction of new facility continues

John Watson, Sports Editor September 8, 2020

A new stage is being set and the spotlights are warming up as construction is diving head first into building an olympic-size swimming pool on UNF's campus once again. In the September issue of UNF’s...

UNF has a golf course? An on-campus activity unlike many others

UNF has a golf course? An on-campus activity unlike many others

John Watson, Sports Editor September 3, 2020

Eagle putts, 300-yard drives and beautiful scenery are just some of the things you're able to accomplish when you step foot into UNF's own golf complex on-campus. The UNF golf complex is back open for...

Walk-Ons talk Jaguars football, Space Jam and Chik-fil-A

Walk-Ons talk Jaguars football, Space Jam and Chik-fil-A

John Watson, Sports Editor September 1, 2020

This week on the Walk-Ons, Marcel Robinson joined the crew to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the Action News Jax sports team and also being an alumni at UNF. The crew also got an inside...

Originally released in 2010, Inception was a big risk for Christopher Nolan who directed the Batman Trilogy and films like Memento and The Prestige

Inception returns to theaters to celebrate its 10th anniversary: an experience like no other

John Watson, Sports Editor August 31, 2020

With Christopher Nolan’s latest film Tenet being released in select theaters today for early viewing, there is a special movie at the box office that continues to confuse and amaze 10 years after it’s...

Jaguars cut ties with former stars and look towards the future for answers

Jaguars cut ties with former stars and look towards the future for answers

John Watson, Sports Editor August 31, 2020

Leonard Fournette is no longer a Jacksonville Jaguar after the team waived his contract early this morning in a shocking move to start the week. This is the second major move made by the Jaguars in...

The Jags are back! How students can buy 2020 season tickets through SG

The Jags are back! How students can buy 2020 season tickets through SG

John Watson, Sports Editor August 25, 2020

The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing, Gardner Minshew is slinging and Yannick Ngakoue is somehow still on the team. For the 2020 season there will be spectators in the seats at the bank, and the time...

Pandemic digs into fall volleyball season as team returns to campus

Pandemic digs into fall volleyball season as team returns to campus

John Watson, Sports Editor August 24, 2020

Featured image: Darvin Nelson As the fall volleyball season has been postponed, the team knows it is the “Wright time” to get better as a group and continue the chase towards championships. Head...

 Photo by Garrett Milanovich

Coach Driscoll speaks about optimism and the importance of the upcoming season

John Watson, Sports Editor August 21, 2020

As the UNF Arena continues to lie empty, athletes and staff are looking for answers and solutions regarding the future of competitive play. While fall ASUN competition has been pushed to the spring, college...

The Walk-Ons talk college football, the ASUN and a shared dislike for Kale Chips

The Walk-Ons talk college football, the ASUN and a shared dislike for Kale Chips

John Watson, Sports Editor August 20, 2020

In this week's episode of "The Walk-Ons" Dr. David Deeley joined the crew to talk about his career in sports and the future of college athletics. Dr. Deeley is a professor at the University of North Florida...

The UNF Field House, where the current indoor pool is housed. Photo by Pierce Turner

UNF Field House converted into study hall during phase one of re-opening

John Watson, Sports Editor August 17, 2020

While you may be able to go to the wellness complex to get some exercise during the week, you won’t be able to go shoot some hoops in the field house as the space has been converted into a study hall...

ASUN postpones 2020 fall season

ASUN postpones 2020 fall season

John Watson, Sports Editor August 14, 2020

Coffee, a bagel and the ASUN conference postponing fall sports. This morning proved to be different than many others... I usually eat a doughnut. The 2020 ASUN fall season and fall championships have...

Two Power Five conferences postpone college football as concerns grow over a heart issue caused by Covid-19

Two Power Five conferences postpone college football as concerns grow over a heart issue caused by Covid-19

John Watson, Sports Editor August 12, 2020

College football will have to go on without two of its Power Five conferences as the Big Ten and the Pac-12 have postponed their seasons due to Covid-19. The decision came late last night originally...

Movie review: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Movie review: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

John Watson, Sports Editor August 5, 2020

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga was a thrilling movie from start to finish filled with tons of great moments and many memorable performances. While action and superhero films fill the...

The Walk-Ons talk the start of the NBA season, how the MLB is dealing with Covid-19 and hot wings.

The Walk-Ons talk the start of the NBA season, how the MLB is dealing with Covid-19 and hot wings.

John Watson, Sports Editor August 4, 2020

In this week's episode of the Walk-Ons, the crew talks about why shooting percentages are going up in the NBA bubble, how Covid-19 has affected the MLB season and Lou Williams and his trip to get some...

Friday sports update: MLB battling Covid-19 and ASUN pushing back the fall season

Friday sports update: MLB battling Covid-19 and ASUN pushing back the fall season

John Watson, Sports Editor July 31, 2020

Want the latest and greatest news surrounding sports at UNF, Jacksonville and the U.S.? Look no further because this simple and quick video series has got your back. Welcome to the UNF Spinnaker Friday...

The ASUN Conference has suspended intercollegiate play until possibly April fifth at the earliest.

ASUN taking steps to ensure student-athletes get to the polls

John Watson, Sports Editor July 30, 2020

Election day is coming up soon and student-athletes in the ASUN conference will now get the day off according to the recent adoption of a new policy. The ASUN Student Athlete-Advisory Committee (SAAC)...

ASUN announces pushback of 2020 fall-sports season

ASUN announces pushback of 2020 fall-sports season

John Watson, Sports Editor July 24, 2020

It’s official, we will have to wait a bit longer than expected to see our Osprey athletes back in action. The ASUN conference has announced that there will be no regular-season fall sporting events...

The Walk-Ons talk community relations, career choices and following your dreams

The Walk-Ons talk community relations, career choices and following your dreams

John Watson, Sports Editor July 23, 2020

On this week's episode of The Walk-Ons, Christina Hovestadt joined the crew to talk about her career and how she ended up as the Community Relations Manager of the NFL Full Episode: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9fvAdZkIIk[/embedyt] Christina...

It runs in the family: former UNF hooper Chase Driscoll begins coaching career close to home

It runs in the family: former UNF hooper Chase Driscoll begins coaching career close to home

John Watson, Sports Editor July 22, 2020

As a former basketball player at UNF, Chase Driscoll is no stranger to the legacy behind the last name of "Driscoll". Now, he looks to create his own story as he looks forward to a new opportunity in coaching...

The Walk-Ons talk MLB baseball, the 2020 season and who will win the World Series

The Walk-Ons talk MLB baseball, the 2020 season and who will win the World Series

John Watson, Sports Editor July 21, 2020

Who will win the World Series? What is there to make of the 60-game season? Will the Mets ever make a breakthrough? On this week's episode of The Walk-Ons, we talk about all of those questions and more...

Jacksonville fall sports update: still much uncertainty

Jacksonville fall sports update: still much uncertainty

John Watson, Sports Editor July 16, 2020

Featured Image: Darvin Nelson As Covid-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S., many are wondering whether or not they’ll be able to watch their favorite sports team compete in 2020. Whether it...

Washington to retire 'Redskins' nickname after thorough review

Washington to retire ‘Redskins’ nickname after thorough review

John Watson, Sports Editor July 13, 2020

The Washington Redskins will be retiring the 'Redskins' nickname once-and-for-all after major organizations and sponsors called for change. On July 3rd, the team launched a "thorough review" of the...

Movie review: Kingpin (1996)

Movie review: Kingpin (1996)

John Watson, Sports Editor July 10, 2020

The movie Kingpin (1996) is a story-driven blast from the past that highlights a time when bowling was an emerging sport and large crowds would flock to see an exciting sporting event.   Summary: The...

The executive order was signed at a meeting with the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board

Trump signs executive order to prioritize job skills over college degree in government hiring

John Watson, Sports Editor July 2, 2020

President Trump has made it clear that a college degree does not define the type of worker you are. On Friday, June 26, President Trump signed an executive order to change the hiring process in federal...

Minor League Baseball season cancelled; Jumbo Shrimp look towards 2021

Minor League Baseball season cancelled; Jumbo Shrimp look towards 2021

John Watson, Sports Editor June 30, 2020

As the MLB gets ready to begin a shortened season in late July, an announcement earlier today has shut the door on the possibility of minor league baseball in 2020. The MiLB announced at 5 p.m. tuesday...

UNF shortstop Kyle Brooks attempting to turn a double play during the conference final in Fort Myers, Fla.  Photo courtesy asunphotos.com

Top five things to know about UNF sports

John Watson, Sports Editor June 25, 2020

As an Osprey, there is nothing quite like supporting your fellow classmates on the baseball diamond, basketball court or even on the soccer pitch. With the ASUN conference resuming play in the fall, here...

The Walk-Ons talk being a versatile journalist, covering major sporting events and bowling

The Walk-Ons talk being a versatile journalist, covering major sporting events and bowling

John Watson, Sports Editor June 25, 2020

Action News Jax sports reporter Stuart Webber joined the Walk-Ons crew this week to talk about his journey in the journalism industry and covering sports in the city of Jacksonville.   [embedyt]...

Artemis Fowl review

Artemis Fowl review

John Watson, Sports Editor June 18, 2020

In Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of a highly-regarded book, Artemis Fowl strived in visualizing a fairytale world, but struggled to find its footing with a jumbled plot and a confusing backstory. Summary: Artemis...

As recent tragedies bring racial injustice to light, UNF and the ASUN conference continue to push for change and understanding

As recent tragedies bring racial injustice to light, UNF and the ASUN conference continue to push for change and understanding

John Watson, Sports Editor June 16, 2020

In the three months since Covid-19 forced students off-campus and shut down college athletics nationwide, unfortunate events have occurred and suddenly a pandemic has not been the center of attention. When...

The Walk-Ons talk west-coast sports, doing what you love and fruit snacks

The Walk-Ons talk west-coast sports, doing what you love and fruit snacks

John Watson, Sports Editor June 16, 2020

Minot State Assistant Director of Athletics and San Jose State alum Jeff Bowe joined the Walk-Ons crew this week to talk about his experience in different jobs around the country, how Covid-19 has affected...

Former Ospreys join forces once again, but a change in format has left them off the court

Former Ospreys join forces once again, but a change in format has left them off the court

John Watson, Sports Editor June 10, 2020

Two stars on last year’s sharpshooting Osprey basketball squad were looking forward to combining forces on a brand new team until a new tournament format was released and the hopes of playing together...

The Walk-Ons talk Wisconsin sports, networking and reese's pieces

The Walk-Ons talk Wisconsin sports, networking and reese’s pieces

John Watson, Sports Editor June 9, 2020

Milwaukee Bucks digital content intern and recent 2020 graduate Simrah Awan joined the Walk-Ons crew this week to talk about her experience working for a professional sports organization and how Wisconsin...

The Walk-Ons talk sports journalism, Georgia food and Ant-Man

The Walk-Ons talk sports journalism, Georgia food and Ant-Man

John Watson, Sports Editor June 2, 2020

On this week’s episode of The Walk-Ons, Avery Braxton joins the crew to talk about his career in journalism, popular restaurants around central Georgia and how to find stories within a community. [embedyt]...

Uncut Gems Review

Uncut Gems Review

John Watson, Sports Editor May 29, 2020

As Uncut Gems came to the streaming circuit a few days ago, many skeptics of Adam Sandler’s film were able to watch it in the comfort of their own home rather than at a movie theater months ago. The...

SpaceX plans to send Americans to space tomorrow: Here's what you need to know

SpaceX plans to send Americans to space tomorrow: Here’s what you need to know

John Watson, Sports Editor May 26, 2020

Featured Image: Official SpaceX Photos on Flickr A landmark day in modern American history is upon us as SpaceX joins (space) forces with NASA to send astronauts to the International Space Station. Ahead...

Workers continue construction on the Student Union steps Photo: Cameron Visconti

Construction at the Arena Parking Garage and the Student Union

John Watson, Sports Editor May 22, 2020

Featured Image and Gallery: Cameron Visconti Small changes and construction at UNF's Jacksonville campus will be completed before students resume classes on-campus in the near future. The University...

The Walk-Ons talk Jacksonville sports, aggressive driving habits and chick flicks

The Walk-Ons talk Jacksonville sports, aggressive driving habits and chick flicks

John Watson, Sports Editor May 20, 2020

First Coast News sports anchor and reporter Ben Murphy joined the Walk-Ons crew in this week’s episode to talk about his career in the TV industry and why he thinks rom-coms are better than sports movies.   [embedyt]...

Image: Cliff on flickr

The Last Dance review: a dramatic and emotional conclusion

John Watson, Sports Editor May 19, 2020

The 10-part Michael Jordan documentary series concluded in dramatic fashion as the last two episodes of “The Last Dance” aired on Sunday night. Episode 9 Episode nine proved to be one of...

Golf and Covid-19: how UNF’s men’s golf team is continuing to hit the links

Golf and Covid-19: how UNF’s men’s golf team is continuing to hit the links

John Watson, News Director May 4, 2020

Raised cups, the absence of flagsticks and invisible tee-box markers have become the new norm for people looking to play a few holes of golf. As courses remain open during the Covid-19 pandemic, the UNF...

Top five UNF uniforms from the 2019-20 season

Top five UNF uniforms from the 2019-20 season

John Watson, News Director April 23, 2020

Featured Image by: Britt Moore As UNF Athletics joined the Under Armour family in the summer of 2019, new uniforms were on display throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. From classic whites...

Hobbies during quarantine: Ukulele with John Watson

Hobbies during quarantine: Ukulele with John Watson

John Watson, News Director April 15, 2020

While the semester comes to an end and Covid-19 continues to keep millions of people at home, it can be tough to keep your mind fresh and focused. Billionaire Warren Buffett once said, “The best investment...

Unfulfilled expectations

Unfulfilled expectations

John Watson, News Director April 10, 2020

The seasons of UNF’s spring sports teams were brought to a halt in mid-march when the ASUN conference announced all play would be cancelled for the rest of the season. Teams ranging from Beach Volleyball...

The NCAA’s new eligibility rule from a coach and student-athlete’s perspective

The NCAA’s new eligibility rule from a coach and student-athlete’s perspective

John Watson, News Director April 7, 2020

Featured image by: Darvin Nelson COVID-19 has put seniors' collegiate careers in jeopardy but a recent announcement from the NCAA could provide athletes with another opportunity to take the field. The...

April Fools’ Day: The history and mystery behind a day of hoaxes.

April Fools’ Day: The history and mystery behind a day of hoaxes.

John Watson, News Director April 1, 2020

April Fools’ day is filled with pranks and hoaxes, but the origins are basked in a cloud of mystery. Did the Gregorian system have something to do with it? Or, was it caused by lots of fish? Nevertheless,...

Vazquez raises eyebrows with impressive mile time

Vazquez raises eyebrows with impressive mile time

John Watson, News Director March 26, 2020

Featured image by: Romario Gardner Back in middle school, Jared Vazquez would rather ball on the court than run relays. Fast forward to his junior year at UNF and Vazquez has one of the best mile times...

COVID-19’s impact could possibly cancel season for UNF spring teams

COVID-19’s impact could possibly cancel season for UNF spring teams

John Watson, News Director March 12, 2020

Featured image by: Darvin Nelson The Coronavirus has been affecting college and professional sports across the nation and announcements from the NCAA and the ASUN Conference have put UNF Athletics in...

Costly errors hinder Ospreys in Saturday doubleheader

Costly errors hinder Ospreys in Saturday doubleheader

John Watson, News Director March 7, 2020

Errors, stranded baserunners, and a streaky Zach Lechnir were a recipe for disaster in a two-game doubleheader sweep by the Central Michigan Chippewas. The games were both an abbreviated seven inning...

Ospreys’ pitching woes continue in decisive loss to Rutgers

Ospreys’ pitching woes continue in decisive loss to Rutgers

John Watson, News Director February 22, 2020

In game two of a three-game series against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Ospreys once again had a tough time connecting on hits and holding their own on the mound in a 16-4 loss. Even though...

Spinnaker Spoilercasts: Zombieland Double Tap

Spinnaker Spoilercasts: Zombieland Double Tap

Aisling Glocke, Morgan Holbrook, and John Watson October 29, 2019

After 10 years of anticipation, the sequel to Zombieland was finally released. The film featured the original cast with some surprising twists and new characters. Here's what Spinnaker...

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