St Michael’s College is proud to announce that Mark Harrity, a two-time SACA Coach of the Year (2016-2017 and 2023-2024), will join the College as the 1st XI Cricket Coach for the next two seasons. With over 80 secondary students participating in the College’s cricket program, Mark’s appointment brings a high level of professionalism and expertise.  

Mark is recognised as one of the best junior cricket coaches in Australia. His accolades include: 

• Two-time SACA Coach of the Year (2016-2017 and 2023-2024) 

• Level Three Cricket Coach  

• West Torrens District Cricket A Grade Coach (2016-2025) 

• Multiple Premiership winning coach at West Torrens District Cricket Club  

• Varied coaching roles throughout SACA and the Darren Lehmann Academy 

• Played 84 First Class games for South Australia 
• Represented Australia at 2nd XI and Prime Minister XI level. 

‘After many years of coaching in High Performance programs at the SACA and Premier Cricket at West Torrens, I am excited for this opportunity to bring my coaching experience to St Michael’s College. I look forward to working with the students to help them improve as a team and as individuals.’ – Mark Harrity 

The College’s cricket program continues to expand and in partnership with West Torrens Cricket Club, St Michael’s College has also secured a grant through SACA and Cricket Australia, to develop new cricket pitches, providing students with access to some of the best turf wickets and surfaces in South Australia.   

Over the years, St Michael’s College has produced several standout cricketers, including Spencer Johnson (Class of 2013), who has made a mark as an Australian International cricketer, representing the Australian National Cricket team in One Day Internationals and T20, as well as in the BBL, the Hundred, Major League Cricket, Vitality Blast, the Indian Premier League and for South Australia. On the domestic scene, Old Scholars such as Daniel Drew (Class of 2014) who has played for South Australia, in the Twenty20 BBL and is Bradman Medallist, Harry Nielsen (Class of 2012) who is in the Adelaide Strikers squad and played in the Cricket Australia XI, and Conor McInerney (Class of 2011) a South Australian Squad member, continue to excel.

Mark Harrity has coached Spencer, Daniel and Harry during their time at West Torrens Cricket Club, highlighting the strong connections between the College and the broader cricketing community. Spencer and Daniel shared reflections on their journey from school cricket to the professional stage, offering inspiration and advice to current students, with both having fond memories of their time spent under Mark’s coaching guidance. In particular, the 2016 Triple Premiership at West Torrens Cricket Club, with it being Mark’s first year coaching them both, was a real highlight to be part of!

When it comes to playing Cricket at St Michael’s College, Daniel Drew shared his experience of the camaraderie and friendships built while playing for the College and West Torrens. With many students playing for both St Michael’s College and West Torrens, the team morale would continue outside the school gates, with lifelong friendships made. A sentiment echoed by Spencer, who emphasised the enjoyment that comes with being part of a team environment.

For Mark Harrity, the opportunity to coach Students at St Michael’s College, opens up new doors and opportunities to support more students to follow in the foot steps of Spencer and Daniel. He said, ‘to have the opportunity to coach the kids at an earlier stage, where we can have more influence over their development as cricketers, and their skills and techniques is exciting’.

‘We are excited to welcome Mark Harrity to St Michael’s College as our 1st XI Cricket Coach. His experience and proven track record in developing young cricketers will be invaluable to our program. We look forward to seeing our students thrive under his guidance and achieving new heights in cricket.’  – Tony Daley, Principal