Physical Education, Grades PreK4-8

Mr. Bal, a self-proclaimed sports nut and diehard fan, is excited to bring his passion for athletics to Our Lady of Mercy. A native of Pittsburgh, Mr. Bal closely follows the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and Pitt Panthers. Having spent some of his college years in Philly at La Salle University, Mr. Bal also has an affinity for the La Salle Explorers, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Philadelphia Union.

Mr. Bal studied PR, Advertising, and African Studies and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Duquesne University in 2018. Upon graduation, Mr. Bal did a year of service and worked for the Homeless Children’s Education Fund as a Teen Outreach Advocate. Working in several high schools in the Pittsburgh Public School District, he discovered his true passion for working with the youth in an educational setting. After a year of teaching middle school chemistry in Harlem, NY, Mr. Bal decided to move to Philadelphia. Prior to joining the OLM family, Mr. Bal taught for 3 years at St. Pio Regional Catholic School in South Philly. During his time at St. Pio, Mr. Bal taught Social Studies, ELA, Religion, Spanish, and Computers and also coached the Boys Varsity Basketball Team for St. Richard Parish. After teaching almost every school subject, Mr. Bal was ecstatic to accept the Phys Ed position at OLM – a perfect fit and dream come true.

Mr. Bal believes that sports not only promote a healthy lifestyle but that they can truly unite people of all different backgrounds and interests. There is not a sport in the world that Mr. Bal does not enjoy watching. In recent years, he has even developed an appreciation for European Soccer. His favorite sports to participate in are basketball, soccer, golf, and bowling. During the summer, Mr. Bal worked for the Philadelphia 76ers as a coach/counselor for the team’s youth summer camps. His ultimate sports bucket list item is to attend a Summer Olympics or a World Cup Soccer Tournament.

Regardless of skill level, Mr. Bal thinks that sports can be enjoyed by all and he is excited to work with all students in developing their passion for physical fitness.