Hats off to our Athletes of the Year, a pair of three-sport stars who were vital in their teams’ successes – cross-country runner, wrestler and soccer defender David Heitstuman, a junior at E.J. King in Japan, and Kadena senior volleyball spiker, basketball guard and softball shortstop Zori Drew.

Heitstuman becomes just the first athlete selected for such honors in E.J. King’s history, and the 21-year history of Stripes’ Athlete of the Year awards. Drew is the fourth Kadena athlete to receive such recognition in the last five years.

Thank you to all who chimed in with their thoughts on who deserved other honors such as Most Improved Team, Play, Game and Program of the Year. Those who’ve not sounded off, feel free! Certainly, not all of your choices agreed with those of Stripes; let’s hear what you think!

Graduations have come and gone, and with the school year ending this week, this space should be quieter, save for military athletics (interservice football and softball seasons are in full swing) until late August, when we convene for School Year 2007-08.

Have a warm, wonderful, restful summer, wherever you may go. See you in a few weeks!