General News
20 December, 2023
Mercy to enter BAS
MERCY Regional College has joined the Ballarat Associated Schools (BAS) Competition for Open Boys Football and Open Girls Netball in 2024.
A long standing and well regarded competition, BAS membership includes Damascus College, Ballarat Grammar, Ballarat and Clarendon College, St Patrick’s College and Loreto College as well as many State Schools from the Ballarat region.
Principal Sharon Gillett said the school was excited to maximise students’ sporting connections and opportunities.
“Being part of the BAS Competition will provide a unique experience for our students and offer them the chance to participate in a higher level of competition across a 10 week period, increasing the focus on the development of teamwork and sporting excellence,” she said.
“We look forward to forming a positive sporting network with our fellow schools in the Ballarat region and we thank those who have made this opportunity possible.”
Gillett will coach the netball team alongside staff member and Hampden League Open Division coach for Camperdown, Emily Stephens. Gillett has coached netball across many leagues and competitions including the Victorian State League Netball competition and both AFL Barwon Geelong and Bellarine Football Netball Leagues.
Gillett and Stephens are thrilled that MRC Alumni, former elite netball player and Netfit Netball director Sarah Wall will assist with specialist coaching.
Parent volunteer Wayne Robertson will coach the football side in the 2024 competition, assisted by Darren Cheeseman and MRC staff. Robetson is a highly regarded coach with over 10 years of coaching experience, coaching juniors through to seniors in both the Colac and District and Hampden Leagues. He has a passion for developing individuals and teams to maximise their potential and will be an asset to our students in learning and developing their football further.
“I commend the school on their initiative to enter a team in the Ballarat Associated Schools competition for the 2024 season,” Robertson said.
“I am excited to lead the school in their inaugural year and look forward to working with students to create an environment that will promote development, whilst representing the values of Mercy Regional College with pride.”
MRC students from Years 9 to 12 will have the opportunity to trial for selection early in 2024.