BETHLEHEM, Pa. - This is the first in a series of Spartan All-Access behind the scenes reports following Head Coach Ned Yelovich and the NCC men's soccer team as they prepare for their first season of NJCAA competition.

As Coach Yelovich presided over the team's second official practice on Wednesday, it was evident that he and his staff are setting out to instill a work ethic into this young squad.  "Get your feet in the air," barked the new Spartan Head Coach, "hard-work, precision and teamwork," were also words that resignated throughout the soccer complex during the two-hour practice.

Yelovich, along with assistant coaches Pier Richan and Sean Foley, understand the task before them ... not only are they coaching a team in its inaugural season in the NJCAA, they are also playing in the toughest NJCAA region in the country.  Region XIX is loaded, including 2009 national champion Union County College, 2008 final four participant County College of Morris and perennial powerhouses such as Brookdale Community College and Ocean County College.

"We have our work cut out for us, no question," remaked Yelovich, "but on the positive side, as the new kid on the block, no one knows what to expect from us."

Asked if anyone has stood out or surprised him so far, Yelovich responded, "I have been real pleased with the leadership of the returning sophomores and we have been pleasantly surprised by the play of Ernesto Bellota (Easton) and Stephen Underwood (Faith Christian) ... but it's still early."

While it may still be early, it is only 12 days until the Spartans face Bergen County College in their NJCAA opener.