BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Very rarely in a coaching career does year 20 on the sidelines feel like year one ... however in the case of Northampton women's basketball coach Art Wolfe, the 2009-10 season may seem like just that.

Wolfe, entering his 20th year as the coach of the Spartans, has accomplished it all ... nine Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC) titles, five Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association (PCAA) championships and a career record of 342-134 (72%).  However the 2009-10 season presents him the opportunity to achieve a number of "firsts" as Northampton enters its initial season as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The Spartans will now compete in Region XIX of the NJCAA against the likes of Brookdale Community College, Gloucester County College and the County College of Morris, to name a few.  The Region XIX champion earns an automatic bid to the NJCAA national championships in March.

"It is definitely exciting," remarked Wolfe, "we are looking forward to the new league, new opponents and the challenges that come with it.  I think we can compete, though it definitely will be an increase in competitivenes on a nightly basis."

Wolfe returns three letterwinners; Jenna Bartholomew, Ashley Slater and Krista Ruhle from last year's 20-5 EPCC Championship squad.  Freshman include Antoinette Wise, Linda Bookwalter, Myeisha Nelson, Ashley Benthem, Ciara Mbonu and Chalice Melhem.  "Our roster is a little smaller than normal," quipped Wolfe, "we historically have had in the 14-16 range, but we will make do with what we have."

The Spartans open the 2009-10 season on Tuesday November 3rd at NJCAA Division I Harcum College before hosting Bucks County Community College on November 5th.  The Spartans will then host the Elite Limousine & Coach Tip-Off Tournament on November 7th and 8th, with NJCAA national finalist Onondaga Community College (NY), Manor College (PA) and Harford Community College (MD).