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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
First half fire fuels Ospreys win against Charleston Southern

First half fire fuels Ospreys win against Charleston Southern

John Watson, Sports Editor September 11, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Another day, another win for Coach Faulconer and his Ospreys. As this one came down to the wire, it wasn’t as close as the final score shows. It was a game controlled...

Updated: Tropical Depression Mindy travels across southern Georgia, missing Jacksonville

Updated: Tropical Depression Mindy travels across southern Georgia, missing Jacksonville

John Watson, Sports Editor September 8, 2021

(Updated Thursday, Sep. 9, @ 9:30 a.m.) Mindy has been newly classified as a Tropical Depression. Missing Jacksonville, Mindy is "expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of southern Georgia...

Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

A look back on UNF’s impressive Labor Day weekend

John Watson, Sports Editor September 8, 2021

Winning is contagious. Just ask the three UNF sports teams that saw competition over the long weekend. Winning against a Power Five team, overtime victories and roaring crowds are just some of what has...

Students taking part of the Fortnite Tournament at the Boathouse in 2018.

Is the Boathouse gone for good?

John Watson, Sports Editor September 3, 2021

Featured Image: Colin McCann Is the Boathouse closed for good? The rise of COVID meant a sudden fall for one of UNF’s oldest dining establishments? With the Boathouse remaining empty for over a...

Scoring her third goal of the season, Thais Reiss continues to be an important piece of the UNF attack

What you need to know before going to an athletic event

John Watson, Sports Editor September 2, 2021

Did you know that if you are a student of the University, you can go to every single athletic event for free? Sporting events at UNF are back in full force and there’s a lot to know about watching your...

Late heroics prove the difference as women’s soccer defeats Mercer in home opener

Late heroics prove the difference as women’s soccer defeats Mercer in home opener

John Watson, Sports Editor August 30, 2021

There is no place quite like home. Back at Hodges Stadium for the first time this season, the Osprey women’s soccer team found a way to get the job done and hold off the Mercer Bears. Improving to...

Men's soccer ready to get the ball rolling on 2021 season

Men’s soccer ready to get the ball rolling on 2021 season

John Watson, Sports Editor August 13, 2021

Featured Image: Darvin Nelson Nomadic. One of the prevalent points of the 2020 season was that the Ospreys were always on the go. In the coming days of their 2021 campaign, the team is excited and pumped...

Gabby O'Connell has been with the team since 2016 and is a key piece of UNF's foundation

Eager, hungry and excited: UNF volleyball ready for 2021 campaign

John Watson, Sports Editor August 13, 2021

In what will be the shortest offseason in program history, the Osprey volleyball team is practicing with a purpose as the regular season is on the horizon. While their finish last season was one of their...

Photo Gallery: FSU football practices at UNF

Photo Gallery: FSU football practices at UNF

John Watson, Sports Editor August 12, 2021

Football at UNF? While the Ospreys may not have a football team, they hosted the FSU Seminoles as the team traveled to Jacksonville to practice. The practice was held at the field by UNF Crossings. Photos...

Women’s soccer season preview: UNFinished Business

Women’s soccer season preview: UNFinished Business

John Watson, Sports Editor August 6, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow UNFinished Business. After a spring 2021 campaign that saw a spectacular regular season followed by a shock defeat in the ASUN semifinals, the UNF women’s soccer team...

Jobs in college: Is self-employment a good option?

Jobs in college: Is self-employment a good option?

John Watson, Sports Editor August 4, 2021

  Working while also going to college can be quite a pickle. With the workday cutting into study hours and having limited time to yourself, it can be a juggling act balancing work and school. However,...

Ervin Lewis previously held the titles of Senior Associate AD of Facilities and Operations and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. He will still carry the duties entrusted in those roles to his new title as deputy athletics director.

Ervin Lewis promoted to Deputy AD

John Watson, Sports Editor August 2, 2021

As the athletic department looks to kick off the fall season, some roles are being shifted as newly-hired Athletic Director, Nick Morrow takes over. As one of UNF’s office veterans, Ervin Lewis has been...

Is Planet Fitness really judgment free?

Is Planet Fitness really judgment free?

John Watson, Sports Editor July 20, 2021

Is Planet Fitness really a “Judgement-free zone” when it comes to working out? Gyms like Planet Fitness pride themselves on creating inclusive environments for everyone. But is this inclusivity actually...

ASUN releases men’s basketball conference schedule

ASUN releases men’s basketball conference schedule

John Watson, Sports Editor July 8, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Windmill dunks, crossovers and the birds of trey are returning for yet another season of ASUN competition. Facing familiar foes and some new additions, this year's conference...

UNF’s new track elevates Jacksonville’s national track presence

UNF’s new track elevates Jacksonville’s national track presence

John Watson, Sports Editor July 7, 2021

Featured Image: UNF Athletics Years in the making, UNF’s newly resurfaced Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium has caught the attention of runners and fans alike. With Olympic stars like Allyson Felix...

Nick Morrow profile: How Matchbox 20 and the University of Maryland brought UNF its next AD

Nick Morrow profile: How Matchbox 20 and the University of Maryland brought UNF its next AD

John Watson, Sports Editor June 14, 2021

Working a Matchbox 20 concert in his freshman year at the University of Florida, Nick Morrow was guarding people from coming backstage. As he saw the ins and outs of event production, he gained an appreciation...

UNF continues postseason win streak with win over Kennesaw State

UNF continues postseason win streak with win over Kennesaw State

John Watson, Sports Editor May 28, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow With this year’s final four being held at UNF’s Harmon Stadium, UNF is no stranger to their own ballpark and how far the outfield fences are from home plate. With this...

Men wearing headphones playing video games late at night

New ESports pilot program hopes to elevate UNF’s gaming presence

John Watson, Sports Editor May 26, 2021

Featured Image: Kerkez | Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Years ago, many would have thought that ESports was just another fad that would die out like silly bands in middle school. As the pandemic forced...

OF/ LHP Austin Bogart is 2-0 on the mound against Stetson this year, allowing just six earned runs in 21.2 innings

Ospreys open ASUN tournament with win over Stetson, take 1-0 series lead

John Watson, Sports Editor May 22, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow In the postseason, every pitch matters. Whether it be a 1-2 curveball in the bottom of the second or a 3-1 fastball down the middle in the top of the eighth, every pitch...

Men’s golf narrowly misses top-5 cut at NCAA Regionals

Men’s golf narrowly misses top-5 cut at NCAA Regionals

John Watson, Sports Editor May 20, 2021

With the season on the line and sitting at the cut line at the NCAA Regionals, the men’s golf team knew that the third and final day would be make-or-break. As they found themselves in the home stretch...

Blake Marabell's three hits on the day were crucial as the Ospreys squeaked past the Hatters 3-2

Marabell’s heroics prove the difference maker as UNF wins on senior day

John Watson, Sports Editor May 16, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow In the 40th and final game of the regular season, the Ospreys and the Hatters met in a low-scoring affair at Harmon Stadium. With this being the Osprey’s senior night,...

Coach Pigg and his team of Ospreys gave it their best as UNF closed out their season.

Ospreys finish track and field season with solid outing at ASUN Outdoor Championships

John Watson, Sports Editor May 16, 2021

Featured Image: @ASUNXCTF on Twitter Ending the season on a good note is something all coaches look forward to. While the Ospreys may not have brought home the ASUN Championships, strong finishes from...

Jubran's record-setting performance highlights first day of ASUN Outdoor Championships

Jubran’s record-setting performance highlights first day of ASUN Outdoor Championships

John Watson, Sports Editor May 15, 2021

Featured Image: @ASUNXCTF on Twitter Hot off success at the ASUN cross country championships just weeks ago, Nathan Jubran continued his dominance with another phenomenal race. Whether it’s a track,...

Tebow is looking to make his return to the NFL after last being seen in training camp with the Eagles in 2015

Fans collide over Tim Tebow signing with the Jags

John Watson, Sports Editor May 13, 2021

A man who has led a fascinating professional sports journey has ended up as the newest member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. From throwing dimes as a member of the Denver Broncos to hitting dingers with...

UNF upsets #25 Ole Miss to mark first-ever NCAA tournament win

UNF upsets #25 Ole Miss to mark first-ever NCAA tournament win

John Watson, Sports Editor May 7, 2021

Featured Image: @ASUNTennis on Twitter UNF accomplished something that has never been done in the history of the ASUN. With their win over #25 Ole Miss, they become the first women’s tennis team in...

Wait, some UNF sports are still competing?

Wait, some UNF sports are still competing?

John Watson, Sports Editor May 7, 2021

Featured image: Justin Nedrow As the end of the spring sports seasons come to a near, there is still much at stake for many UNF teams. With some going to play in the ASUN tournament and others finding...

Game review: MLB The Show 21

Game review: MLB The Show 21

John Watson, Sports Editor May 6, 2021

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd. The sights and sounds from America’s 32 MLB ballparks set the stage for this year's edition of MLB The Show. While many PlayStation users have enjoyed...

UNF Alumni Andrew Baker has passed away

UNF Alumni Andrew Baker has passed away

John Watson, Sports Editor April 16, 2021

Andrew Baker passed away this morning at 3:53 a.m. after a long battle in the hospital according to a Facebook post from his sister, Gillian McLaughlin. In the post she wrote:  “Patrick Andrew...

Ospreys season comes to an end with heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Liberty

Ospreys season comes to an end with heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Liberty

John Watson, Sports Editor April 15, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow At the hands of the Liberty Flames, the North Florida Ospreys have been bounced from the ASUN conference tournament due to a 1-0 loss. On Thursday afternoon, the Ospreys...

Three titles and number one in the country as a freshman, UNF golfing sensation Nick Gabrelcik is hungry for more

Three titles and number one in the country as a freshman, UNF golfing sensation Nick Gabrelcik is hungry for more

John Watson, Sports Editor April 15, 2021

Featured Image: UNF Athletics Usually, as a freshman, a new golfer to UNF’s program would need some time to adjust to the atmosphere and the intensity of collegiate golf. However, that is not the...

Being held at the UNF Arena this year to promote social distancing, this year's show was both entertaining and heartwarming

The OZZIES returned last night, here’s who took home awards

John Watson, Sports Editor April 15, 2021

Featured Image: UNF Athletics The OZZIES returned in spectacular fashion last night as student-athletes from around UNF were recognized for their achievements on and off the field. Here are the award...

Dedication to building winning culture fuels Ospreys ahead of ASUN quarterfinals

Dedication to building winning culture fuels Ospreys ahead of ASUN quarterfinals

John Watson, Sports Editor April 9, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow When I arrived at UNF in the fall of 2018, the first athletics event I attended was a women’s soccer match against Middle Tennessee. This 0-2 loss in late August was...

UNF volleyball suffers season-ending loss to Lipscomb in ASUN semis

UNF volleyball suffers season-ending loss to Lipscomb in ASUN semis

John Watson, Sports Editor April 3, 2021

After one of their best seasons in program history, the Osprey volleyball team suffered a season-ending 3-1 loss in the conference tournament to the Lipscomb Bisons. After an unusual regular season, the...

93 octane and a car treadmill; How Osprey Racing is preparing for their first race in nearly two years

93 octane and a car treadmill; How Osprey Racing is preparing for their first race in nearly two years

John Watson, Sports Editor April 2, 2021

As the Osprey Racing members load up their 600-pound vehicle onto what seems like a car treadmill, they aren’t just seeing how fast their machine can go. These college students are learning how to improve...

UNF sweeps Stetson to reach conference semis for first time since 2012

UNF sweeps Stetson to reach conference semis for first time since 2012

John Watson, Sports Editor March 28, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Get the brooms out, folks; we have a sweep on our hands. UNF women’s volleyball was on a mission to win in the ASUN quarterfinals, and nothing would stand in their way....

'Belief in each other' motivating Ospreys ahead of ASUN quarterfinals

‘Belief in each other’ motivating Ospreys ahead of ASUN quarterfinals

John Watson, Sports Editor March 27, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow After almost a year and a half, postseason volleyball will finally return to the ASUN Conference. The moments an athlete dreams about are just a bump, spike and a kill...

UF scores pair of late goals to hand UNF first loss of season

UF scores pair of late goals to hand UNF first loss of season

John Watson, Sports Editor March 25, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow For 75 minutes, it seemed as though the two teams were in a scoring standstill with both defenses looking like brick walls. Then suddenly, one team found themselves up...

UNF women’s soccer survives double-overtime scare to stay undefeated

UNF women’s soccer survives double-overtime scare to stay undefeated

John Watson, Sports Editor March 21, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow A seven-match win streak to start the season is nothing to take lightly when it comes to any sport on any field, court or even rink. The women’s soccer team has been...

UNF volleyball aces their way to victory in regular-season finale over Stetson

UNF volleyball aces their way to victory in regular-season finale over Stetson

John Watson, Sports Editor March 21, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow On senior night, the Osprey volleyball team used an all-around performance to end the regular season on a winning note. After dropping the first game of their two-day,...

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 12: In this handout image provided by UFC, (L-R) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria kicks Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

UFC returning to Jacksonville, set to host full crowd of 15,000

John Watson, Sports Editor March 16, 2021

The UFC is coming back to Jacksonville in spectacular fashion as the city is set to host UFC 261 in front of a fully-packed stadium crowd of 15,000 fans.  UFC president Dana White took to Twitter on...

Team effort leads Ospreys over Lions in ASUN quarterfinal

Team effort leads Ospreys over Lions in ASUN quarterfinal

John Watson, Sports Editor March 12, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow A strong third-quarter performance and smart basketball were a recipe for success as the North Florida Lady Ospreys booked their spot in the ASUN semifinals with a win...

Preview: Lady Ospreys flock to ASUN tourney for QF matchup against UNA

Preview: Lady Ospreys flock to ASUN tourney for QF matchup against UNA

John Watson, Sports Editor March 11, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Why would anyone drive to a small town in the middle of Georgia with a population of just over 33,000? There’s only one reason… to win ASUN conference matchups and...

UNF men’s cross country wins ASUN championship

UNF men’s cross country wins ASUN championship

John Watson, Sports Editor March 5, 2021

A sunny day in Macon, Ga. shined bright on some Ospreys today as the men’s cross country team swooped in and took home the ASUN championship title. With star runner Nathan Jubran leading the charge...

Shooting woes plague UNF in season-ending loss to North Alabama

Shooting woes plague UNF in season-ending loss to North Alabama

John Watson, Sports Editor March 4, 2021

While the Ospreys had their hopes of hopping on the team bus with cheerful spirits after their ASUN quarterfinal game, it didn’t turn out to be that way. Instead, UNF was dealt a loss that will likely...

Preview: UNF set to face North Alabama in ASUN quarterfinal

Preview: UNF set to face North Alabama in ASUN quarterfinal

John Watson, Sports Editor March 4, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow The regular season has ended for all nine ASUN conference teams, and the annual conference tournament is just hours away. As UNF laces up their basketball shoes and warms...

JU men’s basketball out of ASUN tournament due to COVID issues

JU men’s basketball out of ASUN tournament due to COVID issues

John Watson, Sports Editor March 1, 2021

In an unfortunate turn of events, Jacksonville University men’s basketball has been forced to withdraw from the ASUN conference tournament in the wake of too many positive COVID-19 test results within...

UNF trounced by Stetson to wrap up regular season

UNF trounced by Stetson to wrap up regular season

John Watson, Sports Editor February 27, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow After last night’s disappointing performance, the Stetson Hatters came to play in both team’s regular-season finale as UNF struggled to find their groove and couldn’t...

Josh Berenbaum, who heated up in late February, could provide a spark if needed in tonight's game.

Hot shooting off the bench fuels UNF win vs. Stetson

John Watson, Sports Editor February 26, 2021

Home of the Stetson Hatters, DeLand is a city just outside Orlando and located west of Daytona. While usually a quiet and easygoing city, the Birds of Trey were in town and looked to disrupt with their...

Lady Ospreys heat up in fourth quarter, extend ASUN win streak

Lady Ospreys heat up in fourth quarter, extend ASUN win streak

John Watson, Sports Editor February 21, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow For most of Saturday’s game, it would have looked like the score would end in a tie as both teams battled throughout. However, the last 10 minutes of the match proved...

The Ospreys recorded their second win of the season as they defeated FGCU on Sunday afternoon.

Ospreys soar past Eagles in ASUN-opening win on Valentine’s Day

John Watson, Sports Editor February 14, 2021

Love was in the UNF Arena on Sunday as there were many things to love about one team's performance. A win on Valentine's Day against the ASUN preseason top team? What's not to love about that. The UNF...

Osprey road trip comes up empty-handed in loss to Liberty

Osprey road trip comes up empty-handed in loss to Liberty

John Watson, Sports Editor February 13, 2021

Like a broken record, the same problems showed up for the Ospreys as the Liberty Flames swept them in their season-series. The 80-60 loss proved that this team still has a lot to learn. If a fan had...

Flames torch Ospreys in wire-to-wire win

Flames torch Ospreys in wire-to-wire win

John Watson, Sports Editor February 12, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow As Liberty continued to push their lead, the North Florida Ospreys had to play catch-up the entire game and were forced to try and make a miracle happen. The Flames brought...

Lady Ospreys snap Liberty's 11-game win streak in series-opening win

Lady Ospreys snap Liberty’s 11-game win streak in series-opening win

John Watson, Sports Editor February 6, 2021

A home win against the top team in the ASUN to start the weekend? The Lady Ospreys checked that off the list as they got the win 85-80 on Saturday at the UNF Arena. Hot off an eight-game win streak,...

Women’s soccer returns and dominates after 461 days in between matches

Women’s soccer returns and dominates after 461 days in between matches

John Watson, Sports Editor February 4, 2021

461 days. That’s how long UNF women’s soccer had to wait before the end of their 2019 season to play again. At Patton park on a chilly Wednesday night, they looked as if they hadn’t skipped a beat...

One day, two states, two wins; both Osprey basketball teams defeat UNA

One day, two states, two wins; both Osprey basketball teams defeat UNA

John Watson, Sports Editor January 30, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Home or away, Alabama or Florida, the Ospreys are always on the hunt for wins. As both basketball teams were in action today against the same school, the Ospreys showed...

ASUN adds three new schools and football as conference expands

ASUN adds three new schools and football as conference expands

John Watson, Sports Editor January 29, 2021

The ASUN conference just got a whole lot bigger as the conference announced the addition of three new schools and the sponsorship of FCS football. The news was announced in a press release on ASUNSports.org. The...

Ospreys survive strong Kennesaw State comeback attempt, sweep season series

Ospreys survive strong Kennesaw State comeback attempt, sweep season series

John Watson, Sports Editor January 24, 2021

There was a time when the Ospreys led by 20 points and were hitting shots and putting pressure on the Owls. Those good times slowly faded away as Kennesaw State started to cut the lead, and suddenly, the...

Second half scoring barrage propels Ospreys to win at home vs Kennesaw State

Second half scoring barrage propels Ospreys to win at home vs Kennesaw State

John Watson, Sports Editor January 23, 2021

While the final score looked like a convincing 69-54 win over an ASUN conference rival, it wasn’t precisely a wire-to-wire win for the Ospreys. Tied 26 apiece at the half, the Ospreys had to find their...

Erin Jones takes a three-point shot in Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. (Photo: John Watson)

Newcomers shine in win against JU, Ospreys sweep season-series

John Watson, Sports Editor January 17, 2021

Something happened today at the UNF Arena that hadn’t happened for nearly 11 straight years… A women’s basketball series sweep against Jacksonville University. In a game that UNF head coach Darrick...

Ospreys find groove in comeback win over Lipscomb, split season series

Ospreys find groove in comeback win over Lipscomb, split season series

John Watson, Sports Editor January 16, 2021

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Short-term memory loss found its way to the Birds of Trey as they avenged Friday’s loss to Lipscomb with a comeback win on Saturday. Trailing by 15 points with just 10...

When will more sporting events return to campus?

When will more sporting events return to campus?

John Watson, Sports Editor January 14, 2021

Featured Image: Khorri Newton Mark your calendars, set your alarms and put on your finest face coverings because more sports are about to return to campus in January. While basketball has led the athletic...

Hand sanitizer and hitting pins, how the Jacksonville bowling community has been affected by COVID-19

Hand sanitizer and hitting pins, how the Jacksonville bowling community has been affected by COVID-19

John Watson, Sports Editor January 8, 2021

Throwing balls, making spares and having fun with your friends are somethings that people come to enjoy when they go to a bowling center. However, 2020 had other plans for such activities as bowling lanes...

The Walk-Ons talk high school football, sideline reporting during COVID and fashion tips

The Walk-Ons talk high school football, sideline reporting during COVID and fashion tips

John Watson, Sports Editor January 7, 2021

In 2021's first Walk-Ons episode, Cory Mose joined the show to talk about his profession and how he got to where he is today. Cory is a native of Houston, TX, and now currently a sports anchor and reporter...

ASUN announces shift in schedule, UNF MBB set to stay local this weekend

ASUN announces shift in schedule, UNF MBB set to stay local this weekend

John Watson, Sports Editor January 5, 2021

2021's first River City Rumble matches will come earlier than expected as the ASUN has announced a slight shift in the conference schedule. Instead of heading up to Kennesaw State this weekend, the...

Strong start not enough as Ospreys fall to Auburn

Strong start not enough as Ospreys fall to Auburn

John Watson, Sports Editor December 18, 2020

Featured Image: Justin Nedrow Usually, if a team scores over 80 points in women's basketball, they are expected to win the game. However, when facing a Power Five school like Auburn, posting 80 might...

UNF COVID-19 Task Force issues end-of-semester Coronavirus update

UNF COVID-19 Task Force issues end-of-semester Coronavirus update

John Watson, Sports Editor December 14, 2020

Featured Image: Pierce Turner As students and staff head home for the holidays and reflect on a very unique semester, UNF is making sure all of their Ospreys stay safe and remain vigilant in the fight...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II, left, throws a pass over Tennessee Titans linebacker Derick Roberson (50) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Minshew replaces Glennon in third quarter vs Titans, Jaguars lose 12th straight game

John Watson, Sports Editor December 13, 2020

The return of Gardner Minshew, the pride of Yulee and a big milestone for James Robinson. Both teams had hoped this was going to be a memorable game and thankfully, the possible storylines became reality...

Ryan Burkhardt recorded eight points (two treys) in the 76-67 loss to Creighton.

Perseverance and versatility lead Ospreys to first win of the season against FIU

John Watson, Sports Editor December 13, 2020

Who would have known that eight games into the season, the Ospreys would finally have their first win of the year? Well, when the final buzzer sounded on Saturday evening, a big sigh of relief was felt...

Late push not enough as UNF loses close one to FAU in MBB home opener

Late push not enough as UNF loses close one to FAU in MBB home opener

John Watson, Sports Editor December 8, 2020

Coming down the stretch, the Ospreys knew they were within striking distance, but then, out of the night sky, the FAU Owls swooped down and snatched victory from the talons of Coach Driscoll and his squad. The...

Downtown Jacksonville Landing View of St.Johns River.

UNF PORL releases results from poll on Lot J construction, Jaguars leadership approval rating

John Watson, Sports Editor December 3, 2020

What do Jacksonville residents think about Lot J construction, Shad Khan’s approval rating and Lenny Curry’s time in office? The UNF Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) conducted a recent poll of Jacksonville...

Darvin Nelson

Ospreys fall to Seminoles without Hendricksen; Driscoll excited for upcoming games

John Watson, Sports Editor December 3, 2020

While their opening four games of the season haven't exactly been walkovers, the Birds of Trey are continuing to improve, even following a 28 point loss to ranked Florida State.  While 86-58 may be...

North Florida's Jose Placer (15) scored a career-high 26 points for the Ospreys, but it wasn't enough as UNF fell to Flagler on Saturday afternoon. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP)

Missed opportunities and turnovers plague Ospreys in loss to Miami

John Watson, Sports Editor November 30, 2020

Nobody ever said it was going to be an easy season. Going up against non-conference opponents is always a hefty task, and the Ospreys have felt the heat through the first three games of the season. With...

What in the world is Small Business Saturday?

What in the world is Small Business Saturday?

John Watson, Sports Editor November 28, 2020

In big cities and in small towns, small businesses are everywhere you look. While you may look past them on your way to work, it is no easy task to own a small business. Small Business Saturday was created...

UNF WBB loses season-opener to ranked NC State 65-93

UNF WBB loses season-opener to ranked NC State 65-93

John Watson, Sports Editor November 25, 2020

It has been 254 days since UNF has competed in Division I competition and UNF WBB kicked off the return of athletics with a contest against the eighth ranked team in the country, NC State. As the final...

Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson, left, leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson (22) as linebacker Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (92) comes in to help during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey)

Why the Jaguars have much to look forward to after Sunday’s loss

John Watson, Sports Editor November 24, 2020

Featured Image: AP Photo/Matt Stamey In a season that has been filled with so many negatives, tough losses and disappointments, the Jacksonville Jaguars have reached as close to rock bottom as possible...

The Walk-Ons talk high school football, Taysom Hill and a difficult matchup for the Jaguars

The Walk-Ons talk high school football, Taysom Hill and a difficult matchup for the Jaguars

John Watson, Sports Editor November 22, 2020

This week on the Walk-Ons, we explore Drew McDonald's adventure into the world of high school sporting events as he covers football in the southern parts of Florida. Also, we talk about what the Drew Brees...

A photo take outside of the game room near the exterior door to the Student Union.

Major updates come as construction of the Game Room reaches final stages

John Watson, Sports Editor November 16, 2020

Gamers rejoice! Construction on the Lend-A-Wing’s addition to the Game Room space is nearly complete and plans are in place for both spaces to re-open in the spring semester. As COVID-19 propelled...

Newcomers and leadership highlight UNF's first virtual Basketball Media Day

Newcomers and leadership highlight UNF’s first virtual Basketball Media Day

John Watson, Sports Editor November 11, 2020

UNF basketball Media Day is usually a day where sports reporters from around Jacksonville get together, attend a luncheon and then speak to key coaches and players from both of UNF’s basketball teams....

Jazz Bond had 13 rebounds in the ASUN/MAAC Challenge. Photo by Khorri Newton.

ASUN WBB preseason player of the year Jazz Bond speaks on the team’s ‘win everyday’ mentality

John Watson, Sports Editor November 10, 2020

Featured Image: Khorri Newton While Jazz Bond has been racking up ASUN preseason awards such as the ASUN preseason player of the year and ASUN preseason defensive player of the year, all cards are on...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Jake Luton throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Late push not enough as Jaguars lose seventh straight

John Watson, Sports Editor November 8, 2020

As time was set to expire in the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Jake Luton needed a miracle in his first career NFL start to get the win. However, the Houston Texans had other ideas and came away with...

Walk-Ons talk world series drama, Jake Luton and covering high school football

Walk-Ons talk world series drama, Jake Luton and covering high school football

John Watson, Sports Editor November 4, 2020

What is going on with Justin Turner and his defiant world series celebration? Why haven’t the Jaguars fired Dave Caldwell and Doug Marrone? Who is this new sports writer for the Palm Beach Post? We talk...

Bellarmine University: five things to know about UNF's newest conference rival

Bellarmine University: five things to know about UNF’s newest conference rival

John Watson, Sports Editor October 30, 2020

From the depths of Kentucky comes a new challenger in the ASUN conference never seen before. Entering the Division I coliseum for the first time in its history, Bellarmine University looks to shake up...

Josh Endicott averaged 54 percent from the field in his first year with the Ospreys.

ASUN releases revised conference basketball schedule; how it affects UNF

John Watson, Sports Editor October 29, 2020

Featured Image: Darvin Nelson There has been a minor change in format this season as the ASUN conference has announced a revised schedule for conference play in men’s and women’s basketball. The...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, right, is brought down by a group of Los Angeles Chargers defenders during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Jaguars still struggling as Chargers QB Herbert shines in first career win.

John Watson, Sports Editor October 26, 2020

Featured Image: Kyusung Gong | AP When I moved to Jacksonville after the Jaguar’s 2017 AFC championship team season, I had high expectations for the team after they had accomplished so much in that...

Darvin Nelson

Report: Ospreys MBB heading north to NC State to play in multi-team event in late November

John Watson, Sports Editor October 23, 2020

It looks like the Birds of Trey will be heading north this winter as reports have come in of UNF’s involvement in a multi-team event hosted by NC State. According to a tweet posted by CBS Sports college...

The Walk-Ons talk the World Series, Jaguars football and Atlanta sadness

The Walk-Ons talk the World Series, Jaguars football and Atlanta sadness

John Watson, Sports Editor October 20, 2020

In this week’s episode of The Walk-Ons, the crew talks about their world series, the Jaguars being a not-so-good team and the legend of Randy Arozarena. Full Episode: https://youtu.be/6dIWW3WXKq0 __ For...

Consistently inconsistent Jaguars lose fifth straight in 34-16 loss to Detroit

Consistently inconsistent Jaguars lose fifth straight in 34-16 loss to Detroit

John Watson, Sports Editor October 18, 2020

Five straight losses and five straight games of giving up 30 or more points. Disappointment has once again plagued the Jaguars as they search for answers following a 34-16 loss to the Detroit Lions earlier...

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) walks off the field after failing to make a first down against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Jaguars lose yet again, but what’s new?

John Watson, Sports Editor October 12, 2020

Every week, Jaguars fans are hopeful to go to sleep on Sunday night with a win under their belt and a smile on their face. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to disappoint, and this week’s 30-14...

Video: Construction of UNF's competition swimming complex

Video: Construction of UNF’s competition swimming complex

John Watson, Sports Editor October 9, 2020

Featured Image: Erika Romanczuk After nearly eight years of waiting patiently, Osprey swimmers will finally get a chance to compete on campus once again as construction finishes on their new Olympic...

Graduates celebrating their hard work.

Graduation application deadline extended to next Friday

John Watson, Sports Editor October 8, 2020

The deadline for students graduating in December to apply for graduation has been extended from tomorrow Oct. 9th, to next Friday, Oct. 16th. If you didn’t know already, seniors graduating this term...

The Bookstore shaving a large sale on apparel .Photo by Valeree Del Guidice

UNF Bookstore hosts online ‘Cyber Sale’ this week

John Watson, Sports Editor October 5, 2020

Get your laptops out and browsers open because the UNF Bookstore is having a cyber sale this week full of great deals and tons of savings.  You can save 25 percent off clothing, accessories and gifts...

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Chris Claybrooks (27) for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)

Jaguars defense continues to struggle in loss to Bengals

John Watson, Sports Editor October 5, 2020

As 60 minutes of regulation time expired at Paul Brown field in Cincinnati, one team was finally headed in the right direction and the other was baffled after losing three straight games. Ever since week...

Walk-Ons talk postseason baseball, LeBron James and the Falcons

Walk-Ons talk postseason baseball, LeBron James and the Falcons

John Watson, Sports Editor October 1, 2020

In this week’s episode of the walk-ons, the crew talks about the start of the MLB postseason, the NBA finals and what the heck is going on with the Falcons. Check out this week’s episode to see whats...

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA - MAY 30: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches into space with NASA astronauts Bob Behnken (R) and Doug Hurley aboard the rocket from the Kennedy Space Center on May 30, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The inaugural flight is the first manned mission since the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 to be launched into space from the United States. (Photo by Saul Martinez/Getty Images)

Jack-O-Lanterns in space? SpaceX set to launch second crewed mission on Halloween

John Watson, Sports Editor September 30, 2020

Featured Image: Saul Martinez/Getty Images SpaceX is reaching for the stars once again as their next crewed mission to the odyssey of space will be on Halloween of this year.  The first fully crewed...

Jaguars vs. Dolphins preview: The duel in Duval of two magicians

Jaguars vs. Dolphins preview: The duel in Duval of two magicians

John Watson, Sports Editor September 24, 2020

Two magicians will be looking to battle it out on the football field as Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Miami Dolphins travel north to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars and Gardner Minshew tonight at 8:20 p.m.. The...

Jaguars place Josh Lambo on injured reserve with hip injury; will miss game against Dolphins and more

Jaguars place Josh Lambo on injured reserve with hip injury; will miss game against Dolphins and more

John Watson, Sports Editor September 23, 2020

The Jaguars will have to play without their star kicker after Josh Lambo has been placed on the injured reserve with a hip injury. Lambo is expected to be out 3-5 weeks. The team called up rookie Brandon...

The Walk-Ons recap week one of the NFL season and more

The Walk-Ons recap week one of the NFL season and more

John Watson, Sports Editor September 20, 2020

Will the Jags keep winning? What’s to make of the Buccaneers slow start? Who will win the U.S. Open?  On this week’s episode of The Walk-Ons, the guys recap week one of the NFL season and also...

UNF study abroad fair is returning to campus; what you need to know

UNF study abroad fair is returning to campus; what you need to know

John Watson, Sports Editor September 17, 2020

The path to swooping overseas starts with a conversation and those conversations can be had at the upcoming UNF study abroad fair. The UNF study abroad fair is Tuesday, Sept. 22nd and will be from 12...

NCAA announces start date for 2020-2021 college basketball season

NCAA announces start date for 2020-2021 college basketball season

John Watson, Sports Editor September 17, 2020

Basketball is set to be the first sport to return to campus as the NCAA recently announced a start date of Nov. 25th for competitive play. This date is 15 days later than originally scheduled and comes...

Drafting UNF's second ever dodgeball team

Drafting UNF’s second ever dodgeball team

John Watson, Sports Editor September 16, 2020

Featured Image: Jordan Beauchamp | Flickr While there are still no live sporting events being played on UNF's campus, a few key members of last semester's spring dodgeball squad have departed and a...

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