Sport News

Strength and Conditioning - Simon Price

The Benefits of Strength Training for Adolescents 

There is still a misconception around adolescents participating in strength training activities because of the fear of injury and affecting growth, yet research published in 2020 by Flinders University on the 2016-17 sports injury hospitalization rate paints a vastly different picture. Strength training reported only 10 injuries for every 100,000 participants aged 15 years and above, which in comparison to other sports completed in the AIC competition (Rugby 1181, AFL 777, Soccer 323, Basketball 243, Cricket 192, Racquet Sports 50, Track and Field 23, Swimming 21) is extremely low. When a cricketer bowls a ball, there can be 6-7 times bodyweight of force generated through the stance leg and when a soccer player heads the ball that is travelling up to 130km/hr, it creates a force of 100 to 150 times gravity. From that point of view, it makes sense to have stronger muscles that have the ability to support joint structures and withstand external forces that have the potential to cause injury. 

From a Health and Wellness perspective, the Queensland Government recommends children and young people do at least 60 minutes each day of moderate to vigorous physical activity that makes the heartbeat faster. Strength training is a fitting example of vigorous activity that also has positive psychological benefits for young men around body image and self-esteem issues. Research completed by Faigenbaum et al (2000) reported that some parents observed positive personality effects in their children, including increased readiness to perform household chores and homework. That research also suggests that strength training prepares children for participation in organised sport and recreational activities and improves their sense of character and overall psychosocial functioning.

It has been well documented the performance benefits of strength training. Athletes who participate in regular strength training have a positive influence on the rate of force development and power, jumping, sprinting, change of direction, throwing ability, enhanced running economy and greater flexibility. All key components of performing well in any field-based sport.

In conclusion, Strength training in Adolescents can be a safe and effective way to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility while potentially decreasing the rate of sports-related injury. A suitably designed and supervised program can help improve children's overall health and sense of psychosocial well-being. Hopefully, the information here demonstrates that the benefits of strength training far outweigh the potential risks.

Look forward to seeing your son in the gym soon. 

Volleyball - Adam Knight, Volleyball Co-ordinator

Andrew Crook - 2022 Volleyball Captain

The 2022 volleyball season is underway with two rounds already completed against St Edmund’s and Villanova College. With the disruptions of COVID-19, unfortunately, the first round against St Laurence’s had to be cancelled for all teams but the 1st VI.

Coming off the undefeated premiership from the 2021 first VI, the current first team is eager to continue the legacy left by the last year’s team. With two wins against St Laurence’s and St Edmunds and one loss against the strong Villanova squad the team is wanting to bounce back in the upcoming game against Padua.

As the quote goes “the star team will always best a team of stars. What makes a star team is the culture and aspect of family that draws the boys closer and pushes each other over the line to perform when the time comes.” This reflects the MCA volleyball program, we may not have stars, but we certainly have culture. The boys have shown this within the first two rounds coming away with humble victories and sportsmanlike losses.

Best of luck to every team playing volleyball, cricket and AFL this term. Win or lose, what’s important is meeting new people and forging new friendships weather that may be within Marist or on the sporting field. Remember, this year is the year of presence so try and get around the firsts boys. If you play, you stay.

Volleyball Results - Round 3 v VILLA

Cricket - Mitch Reid, Cricket Co-ordinator

Round 3 of the AIC cricket season saw the College take on Villanova College. Villanova who are a strong cricket school provided tough matches throughout all year levels. This was a great test for all teams and provided a fantastic learning opportunity for students. Overall, the College won 15/30 completed matches. With strong performances in our Open and Primary School teams. 

1st XI Match Report 

After a dominant first-up win against St. Edmunds in Round 2. The 1st XI won the toss and chose to bat against a strong Villa opposition that had never previously been beaten by the Year 12 Ashgrove boys. Again, Matt Trotter and Max Hrstich started well before Trotter fell with the score on 32. A 68 Run partnership between Hrstich (32) and Nuss (58) gave Ashgrove the ascendency. Strong contributions from the middle and lower order saw us finish at 8/239.

Villanova started strongly blazing away at the required 5 runs an over from the start. At 2/130 Villa looked like they were mounting a strong chase before a couple of quick wickets stalled that. From then on, we continued to take wickets at regular intervals to win the match by 20 runs. Ryan Harten finished with 4/43, Billy Nuss and Marcus Zipf grabbed 2 apiece and Aidan O'Connell picked up his first wicket in 1st XI. The win leaves Ashgrove in 1st position going into another big clash against Padua at Banyo.

2nd XI Match Report

The 2nds played Villanova 2nds on Saturday afternoon in our first full-length game of the season. Batting first, Ashgrove were in trouble at 4 for 17 before a middle and a late order partnership ensured a total of 134 which would ultimately be defendable. Fletcher Beasley scored 32 off 36 including 55 boundaries, Tom Davies 26 off 37 with three 4s and a 6 and Roman Watt a quickfire 22 off 15 (four 4s). In reply Villanova were restricted to 115 with Tom Davies the pick of the bowlers with 3/15 off 5. Joe Whitten and Carter Bidgood picked up two wickets each whilst Harry Masel, Paul Strachotta and Henry Gardiner all picked up a wicket each. The seconds look forward to playing Padua at Banyo this Saturday to continue their undefeated run.

Cricket Training 

There is heavy rain forecast for the week. Please keep an eye on the College App for training updates. Please note there will be no training on Monday 28 Feb due to the student free day. 

Student Availability 

With 36 cricket teams, selecting teams is a large task on a weekly basis. All students who are unavailable for training and games need to email their age group coordinators with as much notice as possible so teams can be selected before the weekend. 

Parent Support 

Thank you to all parents who supported the teams over the weekend with umpiring and scoring. This support helps coaches spend more time with the students coaching them throughout the game. Parents are encouraged to talk with coaches about getting involved with support during games.

Cricket Results - Round 3 v VILLA

AFL - Brett Gillett, AFL Co-ordinator

Year 8 Match Report

Round 2 against Villanova was always going to be the toughest game of the season for the boys. Throughout the week the boys trained very well and were sharp coming into Saturday’s game. The boys started exceptionally well in the first half battling in and around the contest. A few skill errors released the pressure that the boys were able to build and Villa being the good team that they are, were able to capitalise.

As the game progressed the boys continued to show plenty of heart and trying their all. However, with Villa’s superior ball movement and experience, the final score was 81-34. Once again the boys efforts could not be faulted, with Padua next week I have no doubt that the boys will be able to bounce back.

Year 9/10 Match Report

Round 3 vs Villanova at Sandgate 2. Our captains won the toss and we kick off aided by a strong breeze. We had 3 debutants in X Howard, C Kurylewski and J Cervetto. The team started well, however, our kicking for goal was again a bit astray early, though we finished well to kick 5 goals and 5 points for the quarter on the small oval. Jackson Williams was providing a real target and Ben Caughley was dominating in the ruck, well supported by Jacob Harper and Jack Thompson. In the 2nd quarter, Villa kicked back with a couple of goals and the team struggled against the breeze but were inspired by a fabulous long goal by Will McCauley. After halftime Marist dominated and scored 9 goals to just 6 points to run out winners by just under 15 goals. Isaac Roache and Tom Howard were everywhere and Christian K was excellent up forward in his first game. The defenders luckily didn't see a lot of the ball but were well led by Tom Williams and Dan Goddard down back. This week sees a game against Padua, who haven't lost in 3 years in this age group, an excellent challenge for the lads.

AFL Results - Round 3 v VILLA

Swimming - James Boyce, Swimming Head Coach

Last week the boys competed at Centenary against five other AIC Swimming programs for another opportunity to gain selection for their spot on the AIC Swimming Team. Even though the meet was cut short by bad weather, some fast swimming was produced.

This Friday, we have the Marist College Ashgrove Swimming Age Championships. This event will be hosted here at the College, and boys will race in their age groups, not year levels.

Every year, this is a highly contested swim meet with boys trying to win age champion, many of these races going down to the final event. The winners will be announced at the Swimming presentation night on Tuesday 8 March.

Warm-up will commence at 3:30 pm, with the first event in the water at 4:15 pm. 

Unfortunately, there will be no spectators allowed in the pool area.

The final AIC Swimming squad will be announced on Monday 28 February. 

Thank you to Mr Chris Zipf (Cricket and AFL) and Tomas Ruiz (Volleyball) for the photos each week. Photographs for the newsletter can be submitted to sports@marash.qld.edu.au by 3:00pm on a Monday.

Student Achievements

Sean Bright was selected in the Waterpolo Australia Cadet Men’s squad. His selection was achieved after playing for Qld U16s in the recent Waterpolo National Championships. Congratulations Sean on this fine achievement.

Year 12 Student - Jackson Grounds

Purchase Tickets Online

Brisbane Bandits v Team Australia

Parking Information

The below places are available for parking. Bishop Street, Kelvin Grove Community Centre, Newmarket - 214 Ashgrove Avenue, Ashgrove International City Church - 23 Foster St, Newmarket In the car park Underneath the Newmarket Hotel.

Sport Canteen

Thank to all of the parents who made themselves available for sports canteen for our first week back.

This Saturday we are looking for help from Years 5, 7, 8 and 9. Please put your name in the SignUp, ideally by Friday if you can help.

Grandstand - SignUp Link

The Flats - SignUp Link

Champagnat Centre - SignUp Link

(NB: To volunteer you will need to be double vaccinated and wear a mask.)