Matthew Manuri’s Biography
In 2016, photographer Dennis Akers joined our team and expanded our USF brand with some of the best photography in the in game – from there I’ve brought on several new faces including four interns to-date.
I’m Matthew Manuri, owner and founder of SoFloBulls.com (Articles). I was born and raised in Naples, FL, then attended the University of South Florida (USF) where I earned BS degrees in Accounting and Finance, Class of 2009. I was a very active member of the Florida Iota chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon ### and my day grind is Fortune 500 real estate accounting. I’ve previously written for Bulls247 (CBS Sports), USF Rivals (Yahoo Sports), Scout (CBS Sports), and TheDailyStampede/VoodooFive (SB Nation).
After writing for others publishers and bolstering the prowess of other brands, I landed the Scout publisher position. Just prior to the 2016 season opener against NIU, I was coaxed to breakout and run my own show by fellow USF alum, the SFB photo maestro, aka the sultan of scents (Candle Pour), Dennis Akers.
Neither of us knew what would take place over the next four years, we were literally enjoying the being out there with the Bulls. From game one my spirited, passionate narratives paired with Dennis’ dual-threat ability to capture breathtaking action shots while simultaneously turning the gameday experience into a passionate directors cut photo narrative through the lens of his Nikon.
Dennis redefined the art of photo journalism by capturing taking photos of those most ignored: the fans, player’s parents, cheerleaders, our friends, Sundolls, referees, helmets, assistant coaches, Rocky D. Bull, and even the band. Dennis quickly became the most identifiable man wielding a camera, always rocking the first ever SoFloBulls polo in his signature shade, highlighter yellow.
Hundreds of articles and thousands of photos later, we’d added several new faces, created an annual internship program for USF students that now sports six alum, and our little ole brand became the outlet with the most media credentials of any USF media coverage site or newspaper. What’s next? We will have to wait excitedly to find out.