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All content by Will Weber
Illustration by Mariana Martins

Florida’s strange firework laws

Will Weber December 29, 2016

If you’ve ever used a roman candle, firecrackers or any firework that explodes or flies to celebrate in the state of Florida, you’ve committed a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year...

Dr. Bruce Fortado and Dr. Paul Fadil. Photo courtesy of Chambers Williams

The fight to publish: How two UNF whistleblowers exposed an industry

Will Weber December 13, 2016

Despite having similar dimensions to most offices on campus, the third-floor room tucked in the corner of the Coggin College of Business feels like a storage closet untouched for decades. Shelves covering...

Donald Trump signs autographs for fans at the end of the rally last October at The Landing. Photo by Kristen Smith

Trump wins Florida

Will Weber November 8, 2016

Donald Trump won 49 percent of the votes in Florida, earning him 29 electoral votes in the race to become the President of the United States, according to the Associated Press. Trump currently...

Graphic by Mariana Martins

Where the candidates stand on the major issues

Will Weber November 8, 2016

The 2016 race for President of the United States looks more like a torturously long season of The Real World, than a competition for leader of the free world. Deleted emails, missing tax returns, a...

A poem about poetry week

A poem about poetry week

Will Weber October 17, 2016

It’s fun, it’s diverse, but most important it’s free, It’s the international festival of poetry. They have food and games at the three-day festival, But the poetry contest takes it to another level. If...

Photo by Nick Blank

UNF classes to resume Monday

Will Weber October 8, 2016

Classes at the University of North Florida will resume Monday, according to an email sent by the school, however students and employees with unique situations should contact their faculty or supervisors. Power...

Supplies are piled up outside of Ozzies in preparation for all UNF residents to evacuate to the Fountains. Photo by Nick Blank

How to stay informed when there’s no power

Will Weber October 6, 2016

With power outages imminent for nearly all of Florida’s east coast, here’s a few ways to stay safe and informed: The Florida Public Radio Emergency Network works with 13 public radio stations...

Supplies are piled up outside of Ozzies in preparation for all UNF residents to evacuate to the Fountains. Photo by Nick Blank

UNF to evacuate all residential students to the Fountains

Will Weber October 6, 2016

  The UNF Crisis Management Team is moving all students on campus to the Fountains residence hall in preparation for Hurricane Matthew, according to an email sent to students and staff. Approximately...

Photo courtesy National Hurrican Center.

Governor declares state of emergency as Matthew approaches

Will Weber October 3, 2016

A category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds is expected to barrel through Haiti and surrounding islands late tonight as it moves north up the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane Matthew is expected to bring 15-25...

Graphic by Kyle Crompton

Debate Overview: Best arguments and what stood out

Will Weber September 27, 2016

It was a back and forth slugfest Monday night, when Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump traded blows at Hofstra University in the first of three presidential debates. What stood out In the year’s most...

Photo by Will Weber

The Freshman Follow-Through

Will Weber September 20, 2016
The Spinnaker follows three incoming freshman as they navigate their way around the pitfalls of college life.
The Public Opinion Research Lab sits on the second floor of Building 51, in room 2222.
Photo courtesy of PORL

On-campus polling center strives to be best in the south

Will Weber September 9, 2016

At 1 a.m., quiet darkness envelops UNF’s concrete campus, and the hum of crickets replace the chatter of students. But in the Public Opinion Research Laboratory, tucked away on the second floor of the...

Student Health Services warns of Zika

Student Health Services warns of Zika

Will Weber September 9, 2016

Free condoms, insect repellent towelettes and informational brochures were handed out during the “Zika 101 Update” on Sept. 8, an open-discussion presentation sponsored by Student Health Services on...

Photo by Camille Shaw

Update: Man who exposed himself to students told victims it was “just a dare,” report states

Will Weber September 7, 2016

Update 9/7 at 6:05 p.m.: “This is just a dare, and I wanted to see if y’all noticed that my penis was out.”    This is what two women were told as they attempted to assist a man in locating...

UNF comes in 3rd place in VS Pink Campus Showdown

UNF comes in 3rd place in VS Pink Campus Showdown

Will Weber September 2, 2016

WE ARE NORTH FLORIDA #ospreynation #duval #onlyinjax Video Edits: @heyimjayla @nicjamesdavis @camilleshawphoto A video posted by Victoria's Secret PINK at UNF (@pinkunf) on Sep 1, 2016 at 9:00am PDT UNF...

Katy Murphy hugs her son at the Rio Olympics. Photo courtesy Katy Murphy

How an Olympian got his start on UNF’s campus

Will Weber August 30, 2016

When the starting buzzer rang, the eight coiled swimmers gripping the wall exploded out with full extension in the men’s gold medal 100m backstroke. From her front-row seat at Olympic Aquatics Stadium...

Players celebrated after Milan Kovacs first goal of the game. Photo by Lili Weinstein

Soccer wins Mike Gibbs Tournament to start 2016 season

Will Weber August 29, 2016

Game 1 By Will Weber Milan Kovacs, whose four goals last year are the most of any returning player, scored two goals in the home opener against Winthrop Friday night, leading the Ospreys to a 3-0 win...

UNF soccer enters 2016 with new faces, higher expectations and all the motivation

UNF soccer enters 2016 with new faces, higher expectations and all the motivation

Will Weber August 22, 2016

Coach Derek Marinatos walked off the field at Coastal Carolina in disbelief. It was the soccer team’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and the head coach knew they were talented enough...

Moore dodging two Eagle defensemen in a drive to the basket  Photo by Connor Spielmaker

2016-2017 men’s basketball schedule released

Will Weber August 19, 2016

The Ospreys released the 2016-2017 basketball schedule Thursday night. Here are the important dates, followed by key takeaways. Nov. 11: @ Auburn Nov. 16: Miami Nov. 18: @ LSU Dec. 1: UF Dec. 3:...

Zika: What you should know

Zika: What you should know

Will Weber August 8, 2016
The Florida Department of Health announced July 29 that four people in Dade and Broward counties contracted Zika after being bit by mosquitoes.
Zika: What you should know

Zika: What you should know

Will Weber August 4, 2016

The Florida Department of Health announced July 29 that four people in Dade and Broward county contracted Zika after being bit by mosquitoes. Hundreds of Floridians have been infected after traveling to...

The womens tennis team is now 2-0 in Atlantic Sun play after a winning weekend.

Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

UNF tennis coach Audra Cohen resigns

Will Weber July 30, 2016

Correction: Coach Audra Cohen's resignation was announced June 30. Three-time Atlantic Sun Coach of the Year Audra Cohen resigned from her position as the UNF women’s tennis coach last Thursday to...

Beech played five games in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
 Photo by Connor Spielmaker.

Review: Beech’s NBA summer league stint

Will Weber July 21, 2016

Beau Beech flanked his point guard as he sprinted down the court after forcing an errant shot on defense. He stopped just behind the three-point line and called for the ball with the confidence of a five-year...

Player Profile: Benedikt Haid

Player Profile: Benedikt Haid

Will Weber July 19, 2016

Leading up to the start of basketball season, the Spinnaker will be profiling the incoming recruits for the 2016-2017 season. Benedikt Haid is a 6-foot-4-inch shooting guard from Austria. Haid grabbed...

Beech played five games in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
 Photo by Connor Spielmaker.

Beech struggles to find shot; Nets advance to Quarterfinals

Will Weber July 15, 2016
An update on Beech's performance with the Brooklyn Nets.
Graphic by Ben Cross

Player Profile: J.T. Escobar

Will Weber July 13, 2016

Leading up to the start of basketball season, the Spinnaker will be profiling the incoming recruits for the 2016-2017 season. J.T. Escobar is a 6-foot-2-inch guard who is transferring to UNF from Ole...

Beau Beech hit three treys in his third game with the Brooklyn Nets.

Photo by Michael Herrera

Beech shines with Nets

Will Weber July 13, 2016

Following a disappointing performance Monday night, UNF grad Beau Beech tallied 13 points, including seven straight points to end the first quarter, for the Brooklyn Nets in the Las Vegas Summer League...

Matt Begiun, who has brought Ozzie Osprey to life for ten years, is retiring.
Photo courtesy Facebook.

UNF looking for a new Ozzie

Will Weber July 11, 2016

For the past decade, Matt Biegun has stood courtside for nearly every home basketball game, met nearly every student and swooped like its going out of style. But you wouldn’t recognize him. He is Ozzie,...

Sophomore Bobby Harris is the first active Osprey to qualify for the Olympic Trials.

   Photo by Morgan Purvis

Osprey to compete at Olympic Trials

Will Weber July 6, 2016

Bobby Harris, a sophomore high-jumper at UNF, will compete in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials on July 8-9, in Eugene, OR. Harris is the first-ever active UNF athlete to qualify for the Olympic Trials....

Graphic by Ben Cross

Player Profile: Garrett Sams

Will Weber July 5, 2016
Leading up to the start of basketball season, the Spinnaker will be profiling the incoming recruits for the 2016-2017 season.
Graphic by Ben Cross

Player Profile: Al-Wajid Aminu

Will Weber June 28, 2016
Leading up to the start of basketball season, the Spinnaker will be profiling the incoming recruits for the 2016-2017 season.
Beech finished his career as the second-leading scorer in UNF history.

  Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Beech joins Brooklyn Nets

Will Weber June 27, 2016
It was 30 minutes past midnight and the NBA draft had just ended, when Beau Beech got the call. He was sitting in Mellow Mushroom, flanked by his girlfriend and close friends, when his agent called to inform him he would be joining the Brooklyn Net’s Las Vegas Summer league team.
Student Wellness Complex booms in use since its opening

Student Wellness Complex booms in use since its opening

Will Weber June 24, 2016
This three-story, 80,000 square foot building has seen more sweat, testosterone and spandex than a 1980’s themed frat party. Its occupiers resemble ancient Greek statues, chiseled enough to make couch potatoes grab an extra large sweater in self-consciousness.
Flags across the country were lowered to half staff in mourning of the victims of 9/11.

Photo by Jenn Mello

Mass Shootings: Are we ready?

Will Weber June 22, 2016
It was about an hour past lunchtime June 1, when phones across the country began buzzing with breaking-news notifications. Another school shooting occurred, this time at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Wellness Complex celebrates one million visits

Wellness Complex celebrates one million visits

Will Weber June 20, 2016

In celebration of its one-millionth visit, the Student Wellness Complex is hosting four special programs from 4-6 p.m. Monday, and giving away free towels to the first 500 visitors. There will be three...

Senior Brian Baker was selected in the 11th round by the Colorado Rockies.
Photo by Morgan Purvis

Two Ospreys selected in the MLB Draft

Will Weber June 13, 2016
The 2016 Major League Baseball Draft was a three-day event in which over a thousand names were called, including two North Florida Ospreys.
Two sets of twins bring UNF recognition on the track and in the class

Two sets of twins bring UNF recognition on the track and in the class

Will Weber June 7, 2016
You’ve got two-hours of cardio training every morning during the week, strength training in the afternoons, a 15 mile run on Saturdays and eight track meets sprinkled throughout the spring semester. How would YOUR grades be looking?
Harris attempts a jump at the East Prelims
 Photo by Morgan Purvis

UNF represented by four athletes at NCAA East Preliminaries

Will Weber May 31, 2016
Four North Florida track and field athletes competed at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field East Preliminaries this weekend, but none were able to post scores high enough to qualify for the NCAA Championships, thus ending their seasons.
 Photo by Morgan Purvis

Ospreys take Atlantic Sun Tournament opener

Will Weber May 25, 2016

Backup Bubba Olivera, starting for the injured Patrick Ervin, delivered a stellar performance that included three hits and a home run and led the Ospreys to an opening round win in the Atlantic Sun Conference...

UNF Head Coach Smoke Laval is just the second baseball coach in North Florida’s history, replacing 23-year veteran Dusty Rhodes in 2010.Photo by Joslyn Simmons

Baseball opens Atlantic Sun Tournament against FGCU

Will Weber May 25, 2016
The Osprey’s (37-17) quest for their first Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Championship begins today at 4:00 p.m. with an opening matchup against Florida Gulf Coast University (24-30).
Nick Morken.  Photo by Morgan Purvis

Ospreys bring home six gold medals, finish second overall in the conference championship

Will Weber May 23, 2016
The Ospreys brought home six individual, first-place medals at the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship meet at Hodges Stadium, but the team fell just short of gold with a second-place finish.
Corbin Olmstead looks on during an at-bat against the University of Florida.

Photo by Emily Woodbury

Olmstead still in hunt for John Olerud award

Will Weber May 13, 2016
Senior Corbin Olmstead is still in contention for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year award after the watch list of 24 players was cut down to 18 on Wednesday by the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.
UNF junior Mary Dawson finished tied for second with a score of 221.
Photo courtesy ASunPhoto.com

Women’s golf historical season ends

Will Weber May 10, 2016
The 2015-2016 season came to an end for the North Florida women’s golf team after they finished 14th in the Baton Rouge Regional at LSU’s University Club Saturday.
The Osprey defense gave up zero errors Tuesday against UCF. Photo by Emily Woodbury

Osprey’s late-game heroics continue

Will Weber April 20, 2016
The Osprey’s trend of nail-biting finishes continued Tuesday night, when a UCF error in the bottom of the ninth allowed Dakota Higdon to race home from second base for the team’s fifth walk-off win of the season.
Photo by UNF Spinnaker

Karmeris brings Ospreys back, bullpen keeps them ahead

Will Weber April 16, 2016
The Ospreys (21-14), facing a five-run deficit and in danger of losing their third-consecutive game, silenced the crowd at USF Baseball Stadium when right fielder Nick Karmeris belted a grand slam in the fifth inning.
Mary Dawson led the Ospreys to their first A-Sun Championship in program history.  Photo courtesy ASunPhoto.com

Women’s golf makes program history

Will Weber April 13, 2016
In just its fourth year of existence, the North Florida women’s golf team brought home its first Atlantic Sun Championship Tuesday at Reunion Golf Resort, after dominating the field with an 11-stroke win.
Coach Moon watches as the Osprey’s play in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament.
Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Over the Moon: How one hire changed UNF athletics for years to come

Will Weber April 12, 2016
When the Ospreys joined the Atlantic Sun in 2005 they became the punching bag of the league, compiling just 20 wins over the following four years and living in the cellar of league standings.
The Ospreys have now beaten Bethune-Cookman in five of the last six games.

Photo by UNF Spinnaker

Offensive explosion lifts Ospreys above Bethune-Cookman

Will Weber April 6, 2016
Despite falling behind early and being out-hit, the Ospreys stormed back with runs in each of the last four innings to beat Bethune-Cookman 12-6 Tuesday at Harmon Field.
Moore is the first Ospreys to be named to the AP All-American Honorable Mention list. 

Photo by Tyler Voorthuijsen

Moore brings home another award

Will Weber March 31, 2016
Junior point guard and Atlantic Sun Player of the Year Dallas Moore collected another honor for his outstanding play this season.
 Photo by Connor Spielmaker

First 750 students get in free

Will Weber March 14, 2016
The first 750 students to the door get in free tomorrow night vs the Gators.
Demarcus Daniels.  Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Ospreys face Gators in opening round of NIT

Will Weber March 13, 2016
The Ospreys will play the Florida Gators Tuesday in the first round of the NIT at home.
 Photo by Connor Spielmaker

No madness for the Ospreys; the road curves to the NIT

Will Weber March 6, 2016
With the Hatters loss to the Eagles March 6th in Ft. Myers, the Ospreys will head to the National Invitation Tournament instead of March Madness.
Were just as excited as this guy, Photo by Connor Spielmaker

So you’re saying there’s still a chance?

Will Weber March 4, 2016
Ospreys lose in the semifinals to FGCU, but still hold hope for March Madness.
Trent Mackey and Romelo Banks can do nothing but watch as the Eagles pulled away in the second half. 

 Photo by Connor Spielmaker

North Florida falls to FGCU but it’s not over yet

Will Weber March 3, 2016
The Ospreys season might not be over, after a 56-89 defeat against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.
Photo by Morgan Purvis

Softball drops home opener

Will Weber March 3, 2016
Osprey softball fell to in-state rival UCF 7-2 March 2 at the UNF Softball Complex.
UNF Head Coach Matthew Driscoll.  Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Ospreys bring home multiple awards

Will Weber March 3, 2016
Men's basketball players and head coach bring awards back home to the nest.
The Ospresy snapped their four game losing streak with a victory against JU. 

Photo by Morgan Purvis

Ospreys take Mayor’s Cup for second consecutive year

Will Weber March 3, 2016
The North Florida Ospreys snapped their four game losing streak with a 10-6 win over cross-town rival Jacksonville University Wednesday, securing the Mayor’s Cup for the second straight year.
Beech played five games in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
 Photo by Connor Spielmaker.

A-Sun Semifinal Preview: Ospreys v. Eagles

Will Weber March 2, 2016
The North Florida Ospreys will host the fourth-seeded Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the Atlantic Sun Tournament Semifinal Thursday at the UNF Arena
The Ospreys were swept by Hartford this weekend, despite having chances to win.

Photo by Morgan Purvis.

North Florida Baseball: Weekend Roundup

Will Weber February 29, 2016
UNF played Hartford in a three game series this weekend, dropping all three due to poor hitting with runners in scoring position and lackluster defense.
 Photo by Tiffany Salameh

Students: Enjoy the successful basketball team while you can

Will Weber February 29, 2016
This team is historical, their success unprecedented and their shooting record-breaking. But it could be coming to an end.
Dallas Moore will lead the charge against the Spartans in A-Sun Quarterfinal.

Photo by Morgan Purvis

A-Sun Quarterfinal Preview: Ospreys v. Spartans

Will Weber February 28, 2016
Sports Editor Will Weber gives us a preview of what to expect in the Ospreys upcoming game against the USC Spartans and some predictions too.
T

Photo by Morgan Purvis

North Florida’s mistakes lead to a third straight loss

Will Weber February 27, 2016
Poor defense and untimely, two-out errors contributed to the Osprey baseball team’s 9-8 defeat Saturday against the Hartford Hawks.
Jay Bolt pushes the ball forward, looking to attack.
Photo by Joshua Brangenberg

Ospreys tie Armada in defensive struggle

Will Weber February 25, 2016
The Ospreys next game will be against the U17 U.S. National team Sunday, Feb. 28, in Bradenton, Florida.
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