Meet the MIVA
Loyola's Path to Glory
Published 4/16/14
Lions, Mastodons, Hawks, oh my. The team names in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association sound formidable enough, but Loyola Men’s Volleyball hasn’t had all that hard of a time keeping its conference foes at bay.
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Loyola's Path to Glory
Published 4/16/14
Lions, Mastodons, Hawks, oh my. The team names in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association sound formidable enough, but Loyola Men’s Volleyball hasn’t had all that hard of a time keeping its conference foes at bay.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
And Then, There Was One
No. 1 Ramblers to wrap up regular season at arch rival Ohio State
Published 4/9/14
Beat Ohio State. At Ohio State. It’s something Loyola Men’s Volleyball hasn’t been able to do since they swept the Buckeyes in straight sets on March 31st, 2006. So it’s only fitting that this regular season, already chock-full of storylines and ‘firsts since,’ will end with a chance for the Ramblers to exact some revenge down in Columbus, Ohio.
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No. 1 Ramblers to wrap up regular season at arch rival Ohio State
Published 4/9/14
Beat Ohio State. At Ohio State. It’s something Loyola Men’s Volleyball hasn’t been able to do since they swept the Buckeyes in straight sets on March 31st, 2006. So it’s only fitting that this regular season, already chock-full of storylines and ‘firsts since,’ will end with a chance for the Ramblers to exact some revenge down in Columbus, Ohio.
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Stars Aligning for Senior Star
Smalzer Leads Men's Volleyball
Published 4/2/14
Fear. If you stand nearly 7 feet tall, you likely experience that feeling a lot less than most. But Joe Smalzer, a redshirt senior for Loyola Men’s Volleyball, has an intimate relationship with fear. It’s what drives him.
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Smalzer Leads Men's Volleyball
Published 4/2/14
Fear. If you stand nearly 7 feet tall, you likely experience that feeling a lot less than most. But Joe Smalzer, a redshirt senior for Loyola Men’s Volleyball, has an intimate relationship with fear. It’s what drives him.
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Jaeschke Leads Successful Sophomore Season
The second year outside hitter leading by more than just example
Published 3/26/14
When Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Shane Davis went on a recruiting trip in the winter of 2012, he expected to connect with many talented prospects. What he didn’t expect, was to make the most important connection at an airport.
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The second year outside hitter leading by more than just example
Published 3/26/14
When Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Shane Davis went on a recruiting trip in the winter of 2012, he expected to connect with many talented prospects. What he didn’t expect, was to make the most important connection at an airport.
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Wichita State Rolls into the MVC Semifinals
The top-seeded Shockers remain undefeated
Published: 3/8/14
As time wound down during their 80 to 58 drubbing of No. 9 Evansville, the Wichita State band cued up their signature song for the thousands of Shocker faithful in attendance at the Scottrade Center. “You don’t want to go to war with the Shockers. Don’t start no stuff, won’t be no stuff.”
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The top-seeded Shockers remain undefeated
Published: 3/8/14
As time wound down during their 80 to 58 drubbing of No. 9 Evansville, the Wichita State band cued up their signature song for the thousands of Shocker faithful in attendance at the Scottrade Center. “You don’t want to go to war with the Shockers. Don’t start no stuff, won’t be no stuff.”
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Shane Davis: From Star Player to Head Coach
Davis has taken the Ramblers to new heights since taking over in 2003
Published: 2/26/14
Walking through the doors of his office is like walking through Loyola volleyball history. Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Shane Davis, 34, has spent nearly half his life with the Ramblers, and it shows.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Davis has taken the Ramblers to new heights since taking over in 2003
Published: 2/26/14
Walking through the doors of his office is like walking through Loyola volleyball history. Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Shane Davis, 34, has spent nearly half his life with the Ramblers, and it shows.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Volleyball Town, U.S.A.
No. 1 Ramblers look to take part in first NCAA Championship hosted at LUC
Published: 2/19/14
It has been 88 years since the Windy City has played host to an NCAA Division-I Championship. You can look even further back and see that Loyola has never hosted one in its 144-year existence. All of that will change this May.
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No. 1 Ramblers look to take part in first NCAA Championship hosted at LUC
Published: 2/19/14
It has been 88 years since the Windy City has played host to an NCAA Division-I Championship. You can look even further back and see that Loyola has never hosted one in its 144-year existence. All of that will change this May.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola's big man puts up big numbers
Sophomore Nick Olson, the Men's Volleyball team reclaim No. 1
Published: 2/12/14
He stands 6-foot-10. He reaches 11 feet and 8 inches high. No, I’m not talking about Kevin Durant or LeBron James. I’m talking about sophomore Nick Olson, middle hitter for Loyola’s, once again, top-ranked Men’s Volleyball team.
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Sophomore Nick Olson, the Men's Volleyball team reclaim No. 1
Published: 2/12/14
He stands 6-foot-10. He reaches 11 feet and 8 inches high. No, I’m not talking about Kevin Durant or LeBron James. I’m talking about sophomore Nick Olson, middle hitter for Loyola’s, once again, top-ranked Men’s Volleyball team.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Hutz helps Men's Volleyball obtain No. 1 Rank
The Sophomore setter helps the Ramblers make history
Published: 1/29/14
There was no hour-long ESPN special chronicling where he would take his talents, but sophomore setter Peter Hutz did take a page out of the LeBron James recruiting book during his club volleyball days in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.
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The Sophomore setter helps the Ramblers make history
Published: 1/29/14
There was no hour-long ESPN special chronicling where he would take his talents, but sophomore setter Peter Hutz did take a page out of the LeBron James recruiting book during his club volleyball days in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Super Bowl Showdown
Phoenix Editors and Football Experts voice their Super Bowl Picks
Published: 1/29/14
The weather; Peyton Manning's legacy; the best offense vs. the best defense; Marshawn Lynch's refusal to talk to the media; the list of storylines for Super Bowl 48 goes on and on. The Phoenix Editors and Football Experts took a stab at sifting through all the noise to make their picks!
MY PICK
FULL WEB ARTICLE
Phoenix Editors and Football Experts voice their Super Bowl Picks
Published: 1/29/14
The weather; Peyton Manning's legacy; the best offense vs. the best defense; Marshawn Lynch's refusal to talk to the media; the list of storylines for Super Bowl 48 goes on and on. The Phoenix Editors and Football Experts took a stab at sifting through all the noise to make their picks!
MY PICK
FULL WEB ARTICLE
Men's Volleyball Moves to No. 2 in NCAA
Nationally ranked Men’s Volleyball hopes to turn better start to season into better finish
Published: 1/22/14
At the start of 2013, Loyola Men’s Volleyball players were just as concerned with battling a team-wide illness as they were with their opponents. After dropping its first three matches, the team regained its health and its winning ways, wrapping up the season with the program’s first ever appearance in the Final Four. In 2014, Loyola is making other teams sick to their stomachs.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Nationally ranked Men’s Volleyball hopes to turn better start to season into better finish
Published: 1/22/14
At the start of 2013, Loyola Men’s Volleyball players were just as concerned with battling a team-wide illness as they were with their opponents. After dropping its first three matches, the team regained its health and its winning ways, wrapping up the season with the program’s first ever appearance in the Final Four. In 2014, Loyola is making other teams sick to their stomachs.
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola Women's Volleyball Season Recap
Women’s Volleyball’s season ends despite setting up a storybook finish
Published: 12/4/13
Despite Stephanie Kinane's school record 39-dig effort, the Ramblers failed to qualify for their first ever MVC Conference Tournament.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Women’s Volleyball’s season ends despite setting up a storybook finish
Published: 12/4/13
Despite Stephanie Kinane's school record 39-dig effort, the Ramblers failed to qualify for their first ever MVC Conference Tournament.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Loyola Women's Volleyball: It's Not Over
Women’s Volleyball still has tournament hopes despite two straight losses
Published: 11/20/13
Even after multiple setbacks, the Ramblers still hold their Missouri Valley conference tournament fate in their own hands. DOWNLOAD PDF
Women’s Volleyball still has tournament hopes despite two straight losses
Published: 11/20/13
Even after multiple setbacks, the Ramblers still hold their Missouri Valley conference tournament fate in their own hands. DOWNLOAD PDF
Phoenix Sports Digital Issue: Chicago Sports Preferences
Amir Bastanipour, 31 retired military serviceman and Tabitha Bastanipour, 28 stay-at-home mom
Published: 10/9/13 (Web Only)
Editor’s Note: For the Phoenix’s digital issue, we, the Phoenix sports editors, asked our writers to go into the city and interview Chicago residents about sports in general, be it their favorite sports, favorite teams, favorite sports memories or their opinions on issues surrounding sports. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Amir Bastanipour, 31 retired military serviceman and Tabitha Bastanipour, 28 stay-at-home mom
Published: 10/9/13 (Web Only)
Editor’s Note: For the Phoenix’s digital issue, we, the Phoenix sports editors, asked our writers to go into the city and interview Chicago residents about sports in general, be it their favorite sports, favorite teams, favorite sports memories or their opinions on issues surrounding sports. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola Women's Volleyball Feature: Morgan Reardon
Local freshman becomes a dominating presence on offense
Published: 10/9/13
Don’t assume the only way a Loyola alum could give back to an athletic program is with their checkbook. DOWNLOAD PDF
Local freshman becomes a dominating presence on offense
Published: 10/9/13
Don’t assume the only way a Loyola alum could give back to an athletic program is with their checkbook. DOWNLOAD PDF
Loyola Women's Volleyball Feature: Maureen Carls
*Won 2nd Place at the ICPA Awards for a Sports Feature in a Non-Daily*
Off-season improvements create a star
Published: 9/18/13 (Print and Web)
A little home cooking is paying big dividends for Loyola women’s volleyball. Sophomore right hitter Maureen Carls has emerged as one of the Ramblers’ leading producers while playing an hour away from home. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
*Won 2nd Place at the ICPA Awards for a Sports Feature in a Non-Daily*
Off-season improvements create a star
Published: 9/18/13 (Print and Web)
A little home cooking is paying big dividends for Loyola women’s volleyball. Sophomore right hitter Maureen Carls has emerged as one of the Ramblers’ leading producers while playing an hour away from home. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola Women's Volleyball ECU Tournament Recap
Ramblers collect a weekend sweep to move to 5-2
Published: 9/10/13 (Web Only)
Sophomore Maureen Carls made her presence felt early and often on her way to tournament MVP honors. She collected 34 total kills, including a career high 17 in the team’s first match, and chipped in 12 blocks over the course of the two-day event in Greenville, N.C. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Ramblers collect a weekend sweep to move to 5-2
Published: 9/10/13 (Web Only)
Sophomore Maureen Carls made her presence felt early and often on her way to tournament MVP honors. She collected 34 total kills, including a career high 17 in the team’s first match, and chipped in 12 blocks over the course of the two-day event in Greenville, N.C. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFC Preview: NFC West
Kaepernick and Co. are primed for a return trip to the Super Bowl.
Published: 9/6/13 (Web Only)
The 49ers represented the NFC in the Super Bowl last year and are in prime position to return to that stage if Colin Kaepernick can turn in a repeat performance. But the Seahawks have a dual-threat quarterback of their own in Russell Wilson, who certainly has the weapons around him to make a deep postseason run. How will these two phenoms fare in their Sophomore seasons? And can the Cardinals or Rams take a step forward this season and pose a threat to the power couple atop the division?
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Kaepernick and Co. are primed for a return trip to the Super Bowl.
Published: 9/6/13 (Web Only)
The 49ers represented the NFC in the Super Bowl last year and are in prime position to return to that stage if Colin Kaepernick can turn in a repeat performance. But the Seahawks have a dual-threat quarterback of their own in Russell Wilson, who certainly has the weapons around him to make a deep postseason run. How will these two phenoms fare in their Sophomore seasons? And can the Cardinals or Rams take a step forward this season and pose a threat to the power couple atop the division?
DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFC Preview: NFC East
The return of RGIII makes the Redskins the early favorites in the East
Published: 9/5/13 (Web Only)
The race in the NFC East is always fun to watch from afar; mostly because the national media loves to focus in on the Dallas Cowboys and meticulously document their annual process of crashing and burning at the end of the season. But will the song remain the same in 2013, or will we see Dallas back in the playoffs? Is Chip Kelly the magic elixir to cure the Eagles offense? Will the Giants play the waiting game again? And will RGIII return to dominance after his ACL surgery? DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
The return of RGIII makes the Redskins the early favorites in the East
Published: 9/5/13 (Web Only)
The race in the NFC East is always fun to watch from afar; mostly because the national media loves to focus in on the Dallas Cowboys and meticulously document their annual process of crashing and burning at the end of the season. But will the song remain the same in 2013, or will we see Dallas back in the playoffs? Is Chip Kelly the magic elixir to cure the Eagles offense? Will the Giants play the waiting game again? And will RGIII return to dominance after his ACL surgery? DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFC Preview: NFC South
Quarterback play will dictate success for the high-powered offenses of the South
Published: 9/4/13 (Web Only)
Can Matt Ryan live up to the lofty expectations that come with his new $21 million dollar price tag? Will the return of head coach Sean Payton make the difference for the Saints and Drew Brees? What should we expect from Cam Newton this season? And will we see the Josh Freeman continue his return to his stellar 2010 form? DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Quarterback play will dictate success for the high-powered offenses of the South
Published: 9/4/13 (Web Only)
Can Matt Ryan live up to the lofty expectations that come with his new $21 million dollar price tag? Will the return of head coach Sean Payton make the difference for the Saints and Drew Brees? What should we expect from Cam Newton this season? And will we see the Josh Freeman continue his return to his stellar 2010 form? DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola Women's Volleyball Pre-Season Preview
Lady Ramblers look to peak in the Missouri Valley Conference
Published: 9/4/13
Loyola women’s volleyball is on the upswing. You don’t have to dig too far back in the history books to find a time in which the opposite was true. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Lady Ramblers look to peak in the Missouri Valley Conference
Published: 9/4/13
Loyola women’s volleyball is on the upswing. You don’t have to dig too far back in the history books to find a time in which the opposite was true. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFC Preview: NFC North
Is the North the best division in the NFC?
Published: 9/3/13 (Web Only)
The NFC North sent two teams to the playoffs last season, and I believe the conference will be repeating that feat this year. But it won't be the same two teams as last season. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Is the North the best division in the NFC?
Published: 9/3/13 (Web Only)
The NFC North sent two teams to the playoffs last season, and I believe the conference will be repeating that feat this year. But it won't be the same two teams as last season. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFL Story Lines
What to keep an eye on around the NFL in 2013
Published: 9/1/13 (Web Only)
Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones aren't the only ones with their minds set on breaking offensive records this season. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
What to keep an eye on around the NFL in 2013
Published: 9/1/13 (Web Only)
Matt Ryan, Roddy White and Julio Jones aren't the only ones with their minds set on breaking offensive records this season. DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
NFL Tweet-View
Previewing the AFC North
Published: 9/1//13
#HeyDiddleDiddleRayRiceUpTheMiddle DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Previewing the AFC North
Published: 9/1//13
#HeyDiddleDiddleRayRiceUpTheMiddle DOWNLOAD PDF | WEB LINK
Loyola Women's Softball Midseason Report
Homeruns and sunshine contribute to the team's success
Published: 4/24/13
It has been a tale of two seasons for the women’s softball team. One of the only common threads between their rough start and their current hot streak has been Mother Nature’s consistent torment on their schedule. DOWNLOAD PDF
Homeruns and sunshine contribute to the team's success
Published: 4/24/13
It has been a tale of two seasons for the women’s softball team. One of the only common threads between their rough start and their current hot streak has been Mother Nature’s consistent torment on their schedule. DOWNLOAD PDF
MLB Tweet-View
Previewing the NL West
Published: 4/10/13
A breakdown of each team in the NL West in 140 characters or less. Will the San Francisco Giants re-emerge as division champions, or will the Los Angeles Dodgers and their huge payroll take over? DOWNLOAD PDF
Previewing the NL West
Published: 4/10/13
A breakdown of each team in the NL West in 140 characters or less. Will the San Francisco Giants re-emerge as division champions, or will the Los Angeles Dodgers and their huge payroll take over? DOWNLOAD PDF
Phoenix Sports Feature: Nicole Pauly
Softball scores big with a former professional
Published: 4/3/13
From a high school star in Palatine, Illinois, to a professional in Akron, Ohio, Nicole Pauly has seen it all when it comes to softball. Now in her third season as a Graduate Assistant Coach for Loyola's team, Pauly is trying to pass some of her expansive knowledge to the Ramblers. DOWNLOAD PDF
Softball scores big with a former professional
Published: 4/3/13
From a high school star in Palatine, Illinois, to a professional in Akron, Ohio, Nicole Pauly has seen it all when it comes to softball. Now in her third season as a Graduate Assistant Coach for Loyola's team, Pauly is trying to pass some of her expansive knowledge to the Ramblers. DOWNLOAD PDF
Loyola Women's Softball Preview
The Ramblers will look to avenge a tough ending to last season
Published: 2/27/2013
After falling to Valparaiso in back-to-back games in the Horizon League Tournament last season, the Ramblers are excited to start the 2013 season off on the right foot. DOWNLOAD PDF
The Ramblers will look to avenge a tough ending to last season
Published: 2/27/2013
After falling to Valparaiso in back-to-back games in the Horizon League Tournament last season, the Ramblers are excited to start the 2013 season off on the right foot. DOWNLOAD PDF
Windy City Mo-Joe
The Tragedy of Johnny Knox
Published: 2/19/13
Johnny Knox's road to the NFL resembled a quintessential underdog story: a rags-to-riches tale that was just beginning its NFL chapter. As a fan favorite and rising star on both the Bears offense and special teams, Knox was in prime position to showcase the skills he worked so hard to perfect to the world.
And then, in a flash, it was gone. Compared to the amount of time Knox struggled his way through the lowest collegiate football ranks, his NFL career seemed to pass in a microsecond.
Many sympathize with him, but few actually know his full story. Unfortunately, it is now a story that has ended far too soon.
DOWNLOAD PDF
The Tragedy of Johnny Knox
Published: 2/19/13
Johnny Knox's road to the NFL resembled a quintessential underdog story: a rags-to-riches tale that was just beginning its NFL chapter. As a fan favorite and rising star on both the Bears offense and special teams, Knox was in prime position to showcase the skills he worked so hard to perfect to the world.
And then, in a flash, it was gone. Compared to the amount of time Knox struggled his way through the lowest collegiate football ranks, his NFL career seemed to pass in a microsecond.
Many sympathize with him, but few actually know his full story. Unfortunately, it is now a story that has ended far too soon.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Windy City Mo-Joe
Patience is a virtue when it comes to the Cubs
Published: 2/6/13
Patience is easily the hardest virtue to embrace. Even when you do manage to wait a long time for something worthwhile, it feels like the payoff is relatively short-lived. Then, it’s right back to waiting.
For this reason, Cubs fans are not going to like what I’m about to say: We need to exercise more patience. Yes, I said more. DOWNLOAD PDF
Patience is a virtue when it comes to the Cubs
Published: 2/6/13
Patience is easily the hardest virtue to embrace. Even when you do manage to wait a long time for something worthwhile, it feels like the payoff is relatively short-lived. Then, it’s right back to waiting.
For this reason, Cubs fans are not going to like what I’m about to say: We need to exercise more patience. Yes, I said more. DOWNLOAD PDF
Ramblers Stand Tall on Senior Night
Men’s soccer clinches berth in Horizon League Tournament
Published: 11/7/12
Fifth-year senior goalie Peter McKeown couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present from his teammates. The Ramblers are headed back to the Horizon League Tournament as the sixth seed after they edged out a thrilling win against the Wright State Raiders on Senior Night Saturday, Nov. 3. DOWNLOAD PDF
Men’s soccer clinches berth in Horizon League Tournament
Published: 11/7/12
Fifth-year senior goalie Peter McKeown couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present from his teammates. The Ramblers are headed back to the Horizon League Tournament as the sixth seed after they edged out a thrilling win against the Wright State Raiders on Senior Night Saturday, Nov. 3. DOWNLOAD PDF
NBA Tweet-view: Phoenix Staffers Predict NFL Season, Twitter Style
Predicting the Southeast Division
Published: 11/7/12
Some more thoughtful sports tweets from yours truly. How will the NBA's Southeast Division shake out this year? DOWNLOAD PDF
Predicting the Southeast Division
Published: 11/7/12
Some more thoughtful sports tweets from yours truly. How will the NBA's Southeast Division shake out this year? DOWNLOAD PDF
Jumping Across the Pond
Junior track and field star James McLachlan competes for Loyola in Chicago, but calls England his home
Published: 10/17/12
There are 18,000 miles that stand between Chicago and the small town of Wymondham, England, where junior track and field standout James McLachlan calls home. Even though he’s almost half a world away, McLachlan has had just as much success here in the states as he enjoyed back home. DOWNLOAD PDF
Junior track and field star James McLachlan competes for Loyola in Chicago, but calls England his home
Published: 10/17/12
There are 18,000 miles that stand between Chicago and the small town of Wymondham, England, where junior track and field standout James McLachlan calls home. Even though he’s almost half a world away, McLachlan has had just as much success here in the states as he enjoyed back home. DOWNLOAD PDF
NFL Tweet-view: Phoenix Staffers Predict NFL Season, Twitter Style
Predicting the AFC East
Published: 9/5/12
How will the Patriots, Bills, Jets, and Dolphins finish this season? Here's how I see it: DOWNLOAD PDF
Predicting the AFC East
Published: 9/5/12
How will the Patriots, Bills, Jets, and Dolphins finish this season? Here's how I see it: DOWNLOAD PDF
Welcome to Theo-Fest 2012
An Usher's Point of View of the 2012 Cubs Convention
Published: 1/22/12
“Hope springs eternal” is an overused expression in sports. But nothing more adequately describes the mood at the Cubs Convention, an annual gathering of Cubs legends, players, coaches, and fans. DOWNLOAD PDF
An Usher's Point of View of the 2012 Cubs Convention
Published: 1/22/12
“Hope springs eternal” is an overused expression in sports. But nothing more adequately describes the mood at the Cubs Convention, an annual gathering of Cubs legends, players, coaches, and fans. DOWNLOAD PDF