Specialist Sport
Take your game to the next level
The Specialist Sports program at St Patrick’s College provides aspiring student-athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of high-performance sport while continuing to excel in the classroom.
Introduced in 2026, the program has quickly become a popular and successful addition to the College curriculum, combining practical training, athlete development and sports education in a structured learning environment.
Currently offered at Year 10 level with plans to expand this in 2027 and beyond, students can choose between Specialist Football (Aussie Rules) and Basketball, participating in dedicated classes that focus on skill development, game analysis, strength and conditioning, leadership, nutrition, recovery, goal setting and performance mindset.
Specialist Football
Led by Head of Sport Jason Lappin, the Specialist Football program provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from a coach with extensive AFL playing and coaching experience.
Through practical sessions, video analysis and athlete education, students develop their football skills while gaining a deeper understanding of game strategy, preparation, leadership and performance.
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In this subject, students will cover:
- Skill acquisition, analysis and biomechanics (kicking)
- Fitness components
- Mental resilience, mindfulness, monitoring tools, yoga, visualisation
- Game preparation/nutrition
- Individual and team training and game performance analysis
- Recovery and injury prevention strategies
Specialist Basketball
Led by Co-ordinator of Basketball Jarrod Fryar, the Specialist Basketball program offers students access to high-level coaching informed by state, national and international basketball experience.
Students refine their individual and team skills while exploring the physical, tactical and mental aspects of high-performance basketball, helping prepare them for future representative and elite opportunities.
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- In this subject, students will cover:
- Skill acquisition, biomechanics focus
- Fitness components, training principles for basketball
- Game sense and tactics (data analysis)
- Recovery and injury prevention
- Advanced basketball skills and sports psychology (focus, mental rehearsal, visualisation and game preparation including nutrition, stress, mindfulness)
Meet the Teachers
Jason Lappin
Head of Sport
Jason Lappin brings extensive AFL and elite coaching experience to the St Patrick’s College Specialist Football program.
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A talented footballer from Wangaratta, Jason began his senior career with the Wangaratta Magpies before moving to Queensland to play with West Brisbane in the QAFL, where he twice represented Queensland at state level.
His playing career reached the AFL when he was selected by the Western Bulldogs with Pick 9 in the 1996 Pre-Season Draft. While injuries limited his opportunities at the highest level, Jason spent two and a half seasons on the Bulldogs’ list before continuing his career with the Coburg Tigers in the VFL.
Returning to the Wangaratta Magpies in 2002, Jason played four seasons before taking on the senior coaching role from 2007–2009. During this period, he guided the club to two Ovens and Murray Football League premierships, including the drought-breaking 2007 flag — the Magpies’ first in 40 years.
Jason’s coaching journey then took him to the AFL, joining the North Melbourne Kangaroos as a Development Coach. Over more than a decade at the club, he progressed to Assistant Coach before concluding his time at North Melbourne at the end of 2020. In 2022, he joined the Geelong Cats as a Performance Analyst and Midfield Coach, playing a role in the club’s AFL Premiership success that same year.
Now serving as Head of Sport at St Patrick’s College Ballarat, Jason leads the Specialist Football subject for Year 10 students. Through his coaching and teaching, he provides aspiring footballers with valuable insights into the pathways, standards and opportunities available within elite football.
Jarrod Fryar
Co-ordinator of Basketball
Jarrod Fryar brings a wealth of high-performance playing and coaching experience to the St Patrick’s College Specialist Basketball Program.
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A Ballarat Basketball junior product, Jarrod followed a pathway similar to that now available to students in the College’s elite basketball program. During an outstanding representative career, he captained Victoria on three occasions and represented the state five times at national championships, winning five medals, including two gold, one silver and two bronze.
Jarrod also represented Australia at the Under-17 Oceania Championships and the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in 2010, serving as vice-captain of the national team.
At senior level, he competed in NBL1 with the Melbourne Tigers (2012–2013) and the Eltham Wildcats (2014–2017), before transitioning into coaching and athlete development.
His coaching experience includes serving as Head of Basketball at Doncaster Secondary College and working extensively with Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) programs across Under-16 and Under-18 age groups. He also coaches with AUSA Hoops, helping aspiring athletes pursue opportunities to play college basketball in the United States.
As Coordinator of Basketball at St Patrick’s College, Jarrod works alongside Ballarat basketball legend Eric Hayes to lead the College’s elite basketball teams and support the development of student-athletes both on and off the court.
More Than Sport
The Specialist Sports Program reflects St Patrick's College's commitment to developing well-rounded young men who strive for excellence in all areas of life.
Grounded in the College pillars of Faith, Tradition, Excellence and Joy, the program encourages students to build resilience, discipline, confidence and teamwork — qualities that will serve them well long after their playing days are over.
With strong enrolments, positive student feedback and plans for future growth, the Specialist Sports Program is helping shape the next generation of student-athletes at St Patrick’s College.
Apply
Take the next step and begin your application today.
Applications are accepted across all year levels throughout the school year; however, strict closing dates apply for Year 7 students and scholarships.
