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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

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Riley Platt

Riley Platt, Sports Editor

Riley Platt is a senior University of North Florida multimedia journalism student. A lifelong Jacksonville native, Riley has always had a burning passion for sports, specifically at the collegiate level. He grew up coming to UNF basketball games as early as his middle school days and now gets to cover the Ospreys, living out his childhood dreams. Riley’s done a bit of everything with Spinnaker, whether it be writing over 200 articles, doing play-by-play commentary for UNF basketball and even serving as a sports anchor for Spinnaker TV’s weekly Nest News. Riley transitioned from Spinnaker to an internship at the end of the summer 2023 semester and is expected to graduate at the end of 2023. 

All content by Riley Platt
Soccer player protects ball from defender

Late goal propels women’s soccer to shorthanded win in ASUN home opener

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Oct 3, 2022

The University of North Florida (UNF) women’s soccer team picked up their second consecutive win on Sunday despite facing multiple setbacks in an exciting duel with Jacksonville State University (JSU)...

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As Floridians rush to prepare for Hurricane Ian, this Shell gas station by the University of North Florida was already out of gas by Wednesday.

Category 4 Hurricane Ian brings ‘catastrophic’ storm surge, winds to Florida

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Cat. 4 Wednesday afternoon, bringing maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour — two miles shy of a Cat 5. — and sending a flurry of alerts across the...

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UNF flag flies in the wind

Hurricane Ian puts UNF athletic events on hold

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 28, 2022

Hurricane Ian’s impact on the University of North Florida (UNF) reached the sports world, as athletics announced multiple postponements late Tuesday. This release was no surprise, as UNF announced...

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hurricane map

How UNF students should prepare for Hurricane Ian

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 27, 2022

With all University of North Florida (UNF) classes now canceled from Wednesday through the end of the week, students should be preparing for Hurricane Ian and the impact it may have on the Jacksonville...

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A soccer ball sits motionless on the field

Women’s soccer takes road match from Stetson with high-scoring performance

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 26, 2022

The University of North Florida (UNF) women’s soccer team turned heads on Sunday with an impressive 3-1 win over conference rival Stetson University. The 2022 season started out rather rough for the...

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Frank German stands on the mound

Former Osprey pitcher makes it Major, debuts with Red Sox

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 21, 2022

BOSTON, Mass. – Frank German made history on Saturday, becoming just the second Osprey in University of North Florida (UNF) Division I history to break into the highest echelon of professional baseball. German...

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Soccer player high fives teammate

Men’s soccer breaks through, picks up first win of season

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 21, 2022

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The University of North Florida (UNF) men’s soccer scored only one goal through six winless performances, but none of that mattered on Tuesday when they won their first match of...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Ospreys: Volleyball snaps losing skid, picks up win in Hawkeye State

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 19, 2022

The volleyball team highlighted a busy week of athletics at the University of North Florida (UNF), taking home a win after competing in the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa. The weekend didn’t get off...

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Josh Allen sacks Matt Ryan, who subsequently goes down.

Defense shines as Jaguars dominate Colts in home opener

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 19, 2022

The Jacksonville Jaguars had their best performance in years on Sunday, shutting out the Indianapolis Colts in a wire-to-wire 24-0 shutout win. In life, some things are a given. The sky is blue. The...

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UNF soccer player prepares to kick the ball downfield.

Men’s soccer can’t convert on plethora of chances, fall to Georgia Southern

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 14, 2022

Missed opportunities have plagued the University of North Florida (UNF) team throughout the opening stages of the season, something that yet again stung the Ospreys in a 1-0 loss to the Georgia Southern...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Women’s cross country shines bright in UNF Invitational

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 12, 2022

The women’s cross country team highlighted a busy week of University of North Florida (UNF) athletics, taking first place in the UNF Invitational on Friday.  Sophomore Emma Jane Schlageter made this...

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UNF basketball players walking off the court

Big-name programs headline 2022-23 men’s basketball schedule

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 12, 2022

After months of anticipation, the full University of North Florida (UNF) men’s basketball schedule has been released, and it includes some of the nation’s top teams. Much of the earlier non-conference...

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UNF soccer players walk down the field.

Men’s soccer drops road match against ranked FIU squad

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 7, 2022

MIAMI, Fla. — An away affair with one of the nation’s top teams didn’t go favorably for the University of North Florida (UNF) men’s soccer team on Tuesday, as the Florida International University...

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Volleyball is midair while a volleyball player prepares to hit it

Volleyball completes early phases of gauntlet schedule

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 6, 2022

The record may not indicate it, but the University of North Florida (UNF) volleyball squad has put up a fight against many of the nation’s top programs in their first two weeks of action. The opening...

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Doug Peterson talking to the team

With the 2022 preseason in the books, hope is on the horizon for the Jaguars

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Sep 1, 2022

The Jacksonville Jaguars have wrapped up the 2022 preseason and look to charge full throttle into the inaugural campaign of new head coach Doug Pedersen.  The Jaguars played a total of four preseason...

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UNF soccer team huddles around each other.

Late collapse sees men’s soccer fall to UCF in road duel

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Aug 30, 2022

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of North Florida (UNF) men’s soccer team put on a strong showing Monday night against the University of Central Florida (UCF), but fell short late to suffer a 2-1 loss.  The...

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Construction equipment sit on the arena floor.

UNF Arena renovations progressing, completion slated for October

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Aug 25, 2022

After roughly six months of construction, renovations to University of North Florida (UNF) Arena are coming along nicely as the Ospreys anxiously await their newly-updated home. Plans for an updated...

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Group of volleyball players huddle together following a point.

UNF volleyball poised to soar to new heights in upcoming season

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Aug 25, 2022

The Ospreys are coming off their most successful season in program history, but head coach Kristen Wright believes this is just the beginning. Wright enters her fifth season at the helm of the University...

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UNF left fielder Justin Holmes led the team in run production on Tuesday, bringing in two of the team’s five runs.

Baseball’s late push comes up short against UCF

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | May 4, 2022

The Ospreys went into Tuesday’s matchup against the University of Central Florida (UCF) with the season series on the line, but weren’t able to secure the win despite an eighth inning rally. Fans...

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Through the eyes of a photographer: March

Through the eyes of a photographer: April

Riley Platt and Justin Nedrow | May 2, 2022

Check out Spinnaker Photographer Justin Nedrow’s best photos of April. For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact editor@unfspinnaker.com.

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Olympic track star competes in UNF Invitational

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | May 2, 2022

An Olympic champion swinging by campus is far from ordinary, but Andre De Grasse did just that over the weekend, competing in the North Florida Invitational. The University of North Florida (UNF) hosted...

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Peter Holden was full of passion after securing the win with a strikeout in the ninth inning.

Holden’s complete game shutout propels baseball to win over Kennesaw State

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 30, 2022

Pitching was the name of the game on Friday as the University of North Florida (UNF) took down Kennesaw State (KSU) 3-0 in the series opener. A pitcher lasting all nine innings is a rarity in college...

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The Ospreys may have fallen short of the ASUN championship, but milestones were still made along the way in a successful season.

Beach volleyball’s season comes to an end in ASUN semifinals

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 26, 2022

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The University of North Florida (UNF) beach volleyball team advanced to the ASUN semifinals but came short of the championship, falling to Stetson University on Monday. Last year's...

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Globie, who was recently inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, smiles for the camera.

World-famous Harlem Globetrotters visit UNF

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 25, 2022

Basketball returned to the University of North Florida (UNF) on Friday as the Harlem Globetrotters visited as part of their 2022 World Tour. The Harlem Globetrotters are well known for their unique...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Women’s golf rallies to win ASUN championship

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 25, 2022

It’s not every day that multiple championships are up for grabs, but the University of North Florida (UNF) women’s golf team made the most of the opportunity on Sunday, taking home their third ASUN...

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Kayla McGory’s 4th inning home run got the Ospreys on the board in game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader against Georgia Southern.

Softball continues to dominate, takes down Georgia Southern in road doubleheader

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 21, 2022

It was more of the same for the University of North Florida (UNF) softball team on Wednesday as they picked up another pair of wins. The Ospreys have been on a tear as of late, winning 11 of their last...

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It was an all-around team effort over the weekend for UNF, with pitching and batting contributing to the team’s third consecutive sweep of a conference opponent.

Softball rolls through Kennesaw State, picks up third consecutive sweep

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 19, 2022

The Ospreys softball team continued their successful 2022 campaign over the weekend, taking all three games from the Kennesaw State Owls.  With only a few more weeks left in the regular season, every...

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Featured image: UNF forward Jazz Bond made history, becoming the first Osprey to be drafted to an American professional basketball team.

All Things Osprey: Jazz Bond makes UNF history

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 18, 2022

It was a monumental week throughout the world of UNF athletics, but women’s basketball forward Jazz Bond brought national attention to the University when she was drafted in the WNBA Draft on Monday.  Bond...

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UNF Baseball.

Baseball falls just short in road duel against South Carolina

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 13, 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Ospreys flew north to face the South Carolina Gamecocks of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), losing in a low-scoring affair Tuesday. Despite being in different conferences, the...

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UNF infielder Abraham Sequera played hero in Friday’s win, coming through late in the game to secure the victory.

Baseball takes series from JU in first River City Rumble meeting of season

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 11, 2022

The Ospreys have had a rough start to the season, but taking two of three games from their arch rivals over the weekend could be just what the doctor ordered. Harmon Stadium was the epicenter of baseball...

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Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani is greeted in the dugout after he hit a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Seattle. Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way superstar, is the winner of The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year award.

The long-awaited 2022 MLB season is finally here; everything you need to know for Opening Day

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 6, 2022

After an offseason that looked like it may never end due to a complex labor dispute, the Major League Baseball season begins this Thursday. Let’s take a look at some things to keep an eye on this weekend. The...

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Top-ranked teams called the Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex home on Friday and Saturday at the North Florida Invite.

Gallery: Beach volleyball hosts nationally-ranked Georgia State

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 5, 2022

The UNF beach volleyball team hosted the North Florida Invite over the weekend, with fans getting to see some of the top teams in the nation. The Ospreys took on Pepperdine, Florida State, and Florida...

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UNF’s Zoe Cahill prepares to send a serve over the net, an initial key to coming out on top of a volley and securing a point.

UNF’s Zoe Cahill prepares to send a serve over the net, an initial key to coming out on top of a volley and securing a point.

Sunny skies were abundant on Friday as fans filled the amanda at the Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex.

Sunny skies were abundant on Friday as fans filled the amanda at the Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex.

Georgia State’s Bella Ferary reaches for the skies to counter a UNF spike.

Georgia State’s Bella Ferary reaches for the skies to counter a UNF spike.

A showdown takes place at the net, with UNF’s Chantel McMillan and Georgia State’s Chloee Keespies dueling for a point.

A showdown takes place at the net, with UNF’s Chantel McMillan and Georgia State’s Chloee Keespies dueling for a point.

While things didn’t go UNF’s way throughout the weekend, smiles were still present between teammates Julianna Askew (5) and Zoe Cahill (4) celebrating a point.

While things didn’t go UNF’s way throughout the weekend, smiles were still present between teammates Julianna Askew (5) and Zoe Cahill (4) celebrating a point.

UNF’s Maddie Norris rejects a Georgia State offering over the net in a bang-bang play.

UNF’s Maddie Norris rejects a Georgia State offering over the net in a bang-bang play.

Things don’t always go according to plan, as seen here with UNF’s Chantel McMilan and Madeline Camp scrambling to avoid giving up a point.

Things don’t always go according to plan, as seen here with UNF’s Chantel McMilan and Madeline Camp scrambling to avoid giving up a point.

With multiple courts on site, fans are able to watch different matches taking place at the same time.

With multiple courts on site, fans are able to watch different matches taking place at the same time.

The sunny skies made for warm temperatures, with the game officials keeping Gatorade on standby for hydration.

The sunny skies made for warm temperatures, with the game officials keeping Gatorade on standby for hydration.

ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Men’s golf take down top programs at Hayt invitational

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Apr 4, 2022

It was a busy week around campus for UNF athletics, but the top highlight came away from campus on the golf course. The men’s golf team turned heads, taking down a number of notable teams in the Hayt,...

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The sunny weather didn’t translate to the field, as UNF lost to Florida State 12-3 on Wednesday.

Softball falls to second-ranked Seminoles in matinee duel

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Mar 31, 2022

The Ospreys went face-to-face with one of the best teams in the nation, the Florida State Seminoles, on Wednesday afternoon in a neutral-site game at Jacksonville University. The wind rolled off the...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Baseball turns heads with series win over UCF

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Mar 14, 2022

After a rough start to the season, the UNF baseball squad appears to have turned things around. The Ospreys kicked off their week on the diamond with a win over Butler University on Tuesday. While the...

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The backstop of Harmon Stadium shines bright under the lights as the Ospreys host the Florida Gators.

Building an athletic department through opponents: How UNF is using strategic scheduling to bolster its programs

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Mar 8, 2022

The Ospreys have hosted some big-name opponents over the past few weeks, something that Director of Athletics Nick Morrow views as a stepping stone to creating the ideal college sports experience at the...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Softball dominates, baseball slays Boston College

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Mar 7, 2022

Basketball season may be over, but things on the diamond are starting to heat up at the University of North Florida. UNF softball has gotten off to a phenomenal start to their season, winning 16 of...

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UNF forward Jonathan Aybar (21) and teammates regroup after a hard-fought possession on defense against Liberty University on Feb. 15, 2022.

Men’s basketball season comes to end with tournament loss

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Mar 3, 2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A long and disappointing 2021-22 season came to a close on Tuesday as the Ospreys fell to Lipscomb University in the ASUN tournament. In a season full of frustration, things started...

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UNF outfielder Kayla Harper sets in for an at-bat against the Florida Gators on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

All Things Osprey: Basketball squads cap off regular season, while softball picks up trio of weekend wins

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 28, 2022

Things didn’t get off to a great start for many of the University of North Florida athletic teams this week, but men’s basketball and softball carried the torch in the latter half to close out the...

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UNF forwards Jonathan Aybar (21) and Jadyn Parker (24) take to a layup line with all smiles earlier in the season against Liberty.

Men’s basketball bounces back with overtime win at Stetson

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 27, 2022

DELAND, Fla. — After suffering arguably one of the worst losses in program history, the Ospreys got back on track Saturday with a hard-fought road win to close out the regular season. The UNF men’s...

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Rhetta Moore led the way for UNF with 20 points on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2022.

Women’s basketball rolls through JU to end losing skid

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 25, 2022

UNF women’s basketball got the job done on Thursday, picking up their biggest win against Jacksonville University in program history. It has been an up-and-down season for the Ospreys, but a win over...

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UNF Head Coach Matthew Driscoll sits silently in frustration as his team took a 18-point deficit into halftime.

Men’s basketball humiliated in River City Rumble blowout loss

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 24, 2022

After steadily building momentum over the last few weeks, all hope seems lost as the Ospreys were trampled 71-39 by Jacksonville University (JU)  on Wednesday. This game was over the second it started....

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

All Things Osprey: Softball sweeps Big Ten power

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 21, 2022

This past week was a successful one for the Ospreys, as softball and men’s basketball both picked up big-time wins. Homecoming week always brings about exciting events, which was no different this...

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UNF teammates Jarius Hicklen (10) and Chaz Lanier (2) chat during a stoppage in play.

Men’s basketball continues to roll, takes down FGCU in front of raucous Homecoming crowd

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 21, 2022

The Ospreys have been on a tear, making in-state foe Florida Gulf Coast University their latest victim in a wire-to-wire win on Saturday. Anticipation built as lines grew outside of UNF Arena, with...

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University of North Florida Basketball Head Coach Matthew Driscoll instructs guard Jordan Preaster during a stoppage in play at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, Tuesday, Feb. 15.

Newcomers step up, lead men’s basketball to upset win against Liberty

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 16, 2022

When fans of any Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) school hear the words “Liberty University,” resentment follows soon thereafter. These fans have been trapped under the fist of the Flames, who have...

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ALL THINGS OSPREY

Introducing All Things Osprey: A weekly recap of UNF athletics

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 14, 2022

Welcome to All Things Osprey, a Monday morning update on the previous week of athletic events at the University of North Florida. With so many sports seasons going on simultaneously, it’s easy for...

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Pitching fuels softball’s doubleheader sweep to open 2022 season

Pitching fuels softball’s doubleheader sweep to open 2022 season

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 12, 2022

Featured image: Todd Drexler The University of North Florida (UNF) softball team got their season off to a good start Friday, picking up a pair of wins on opening day thanks to some stellar pitching.  The...

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UNF guard Jaida Bond takes a free throw late in the game against Bellarmine on Wednesday morning.

Ospreys snap losing skid, take down Bellarmine in morning matchup

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 10, 2022

UNF women’s basketball took down conference foe Bellarmine in an all-around win Wednesday morning. Things haven’t gone the Ospreys’ way as of late, dropping some close games in the final minutes....

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UNF forward Jadyn Parker (24) goes to work in the post against Bellarmine on Wednesday.

Second half rally falls short, Ospreys fall to Bellarmine

Riley Platt, Sports Editor | Feb 10, 2022

A common theme throughout the season for UNF men’s basketball has been an inability to come out on top in tight conference games. After winning two games in a row — one of which was against the...

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