Greece Olympia soccer coach Rob DuPrau stresses the importance of positivity. The fact that Olympia won just two games on the pitch last year has no relevance to this season. Neither does the winless campaign from the junior varsity from 2010 or even the fact that some players have yet to join the team for various reasons.

All DuPrau wants his players to do is keep the right outlook as they look to take on a tough Division 2 schedule.

“We have a group that has done a real nice job on keeping their focus and taking in pride in how they compete,” DuPrau said. “We have some good leaders that will keep that mentality as we start the season. Every game starts at zeroes and we feel like we will be competitive in them.”

DuPrau knows it won’t be an easy road, but with the high level of soccer in Monroe County, it’s easy for no one.

The Spartans graduated 11 seniors in all including goalkeeper Max Drexler - a mainstay with the program, now playing at Daemen College.

But things will still start from the back this year.

Senior Chris Hoecker, a three-year player will anchor the team as the sweeper.

“Chris is a leader on this team and we are really counting on him in many aspects of the game,” DuPrau said. “He is our anchor.”

His presence in the back will be key as Dylan Frank is a first-year participant to soccer but jumps in as the starting keeper.

“He has worked real hard in the offseason and is a natural athlete,” DuPrau said. “He is a tough kid and I think he will do well at the position.”

Frank also plays hockey and lacrosse and has big-game experience.

DuPrau is hoping the mostly young offense can round into form in a relatively quick period of time. Junior Mike Roby is back for his third year with the program and DuPrau is hoping his production increases for his junior season.

Robin Rodriguez is a transfer in from the country of Cuba and will be playing organized soccer for the first time. He speaks no english but understands the language of soccer very well and should be a welcomed addition up top.

Freshman Tremaine Young is a 6-foot-4 newcomer who gives the Spartans a presence from the forward position and is a physically gifted athlete who should excel at the sport with more game experience under his belt. His height is a big plus in the air.

“We are going to have to keep everyone healthy and have the guys with experience really step it up and carry us early on,” DuPrau said. “Hopefully the new guys will be quick to learn and really follow our seniors lead and have us clicking mid way through. The future is bright for this program and the kids are showing a lot of promise and potential.”

Olympia will start their season on Sept. 6 against Churchville-Chili.