Ms Wright, a long-time infant teacher at the school, is a decorated table tennis player — and coach — who has been roped into the role of coaching the school team.
“This is the first time we have played in a competitive table tennis competition,” she said.
Rochester will be involved in this week’s regional event, the winner and runner-up qualifying to play in a Melbourne event.
A team of eight years 5 and 6 students will be representing the school, hoping to emulate the feats of their coach — who continues to play at the top level in Bendigo.
The school is fortunate to have three portable tables in its multi-purpose room and another “fixed’’ outdoors table, allowing the members of the squad plenty of opportunity to practice.
Ms Wright said there was plenty of excitement within the table tennis community with the 2026 Commonwealth Games firmly on the radar for Bendigo.
“We have hosted the world juniors and the Oceania events. And now there is a chance that Bendigo could host the table tennis competition for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,’’ she said.
The team is made up of Luke Birthesel, Nate Toohill, Cohen Trail, Judd Cuttriss, Keeley Major, Jasmine Watson, Evie Coghill and Logan Sparkes.
Mrs Wright said the regional competition was designed to further develop the sport in the region.
She is leading a coaching program for six to16-year-olds at Bendigo for the table tennis association.
13°C