Hope everybody's had a restful summer, hope everybody's batteries are recharged and we're all ready to charge headlong into what should shape up to be a marvelous fall season of DODDS-Pacific athletics.

Practices are well underway from Misawa to Mangilao, doors open Aug. 27 and the first games are on the 31st! Boy, did time zoom by quickly.

Before we get started, may I post a gentle reminder, shirt-tailing onto similar reminders posted late last May, and with apologies to FOX News commentator Bill O'Reilly's signature line:

Caution: You are about to enter a no-hate zone.

The discussion in May regarding the events at Yokota High School on May 24 during the Far East Girls Class AA Soccer Tournament semifinal was lively, but unfortunately, it descended into personal attacks.

Please, remember who we're discussing. These aren't professional or collegiate athletes embroiled in their various dramas and controversies -- we're talking young, impressionable high school athletes in their quest to make their high school experience as fruitful and rewarding as possible.

When you post, please keep on topic and stick with the issues, and avoid talking personalities. Especially during football season, which sets the tone for the entire school year, emotions are at their highest and school pride flies highest.

Let's just remember what we're here for. And have fun.