BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Northampton Community College head golf coach Steve Malitzki enters his second season with cautious optimism, "I think we can compete if a couple of the guys can step up their games," commented Malitzki, "obviously losing Chris Gill leaves a huge void to fill, but I like the guys we have coming in and I am really looking forward to getting out on the course."

Malitzki, who guided the Spartans to a 5th place finish at the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association (PCAA) championships during his first season at the helm, is looking for a repeat performance of day two at the state championships.  "Day two was unbelievable," recalls Maltizki, "we carded a 243 which was good for 2nd best team score of the day ... unfortunately we dug ourselves too deep of a hole on day one."  

Leading the way on day two was Gill, who carded a 73, to lead the Spartans charge.  "I think we have some guys capable of posting numbers similar to Chris," stated Malitzki, "the talent is there, it is just a matter of putting it all together at the right time."

Northampton travels to Luzerne County Community College on September 11th to kick-off the 2009 campaign.  The Spartans will host the NCC Invitational on September 29th at Green Pond Country Club.