BETHLEHEM, Pa. - As February 1st grows nearer, so does the excitement and anticipation of Head Baseball Coach Adrian Yaguez.  The Spartans are set to start Spring practice on Monday as they begin preparations for the 2010 NJCAA / Region XIX season.

"I can't wait," remarked an enthusiastic Yaguez, "last year left us wanting so much more, we weren't ready for it to end."  The Spartans, in their first season of NJCAA competition, game within one victory of qualifying for the Region XIX playoffs.  In the end, the Spartans finished 8-12 overall and 7-9 in Region XIX, which was good for 4th place.

"I think we are much improved, but everyone in the Region could be saying the same thing about their respective clubs," remarked Yaguez.  "I know we are deeper than last year and we have added some really talented individuals to the club."

The Spartans will be taking a Spring Trip this year, which they did not do last season.  "It will be a tremendous help," commented Yaguez, "just the opportunity to get outside, to see live pitching ... no matter how we do record-wise in Myrtle Beach, we will be better for the experience."

The Spartans will open the northern part of their schedule on March 21st when they host perennial NJCAA powerhouse Herkimer County Community College (NY).  "Our schedule is very challenging," stated Yaguez, "but that is one of the reasons kids want to come here and play ... they get a chance to play nationally-ranked teams such as Herkimer, Gloucester, Camden, Brookdale, etc. ... they get the opportunity to prove themselves against the best in the country."