Sport News

It has been a great start to the year with lots of boys active and engaged in sport and some really positive results across the board, highlighted by our 1st VI Volleyball Team who had a comprehensive three sets to nil victory against local rivals Padua on Saturday afternoon.

I have been really pleased to see the uptake from boys for our change to the training item policy for 2024 where boys are required to wear Marist blue training shirts to training sessions (unless a coach specifically advises otherwise). This has been a long time in the works, with communication going out over 18 months ago that we would be introducing this change for 2024 to have boys uniformed and consistent for training sessions. I have been really impressed with the look of our teams at training and anecdotally I think it has had a positive impact on the quality of our training sessions. So, thank you!

Last weekend we came up against Padua College, our closest AIC school geographically, which adds a sense of occasion and competitiveness to the contest, especially as many of the boys across the two schools know each other. On Friday night we surrendered the Cameron-Andrews Cup back to Padua in the 1st XVIII match, where Padua were far too strong for us on the day and look like a fair chance for the AIC premiership. On Saturday our 1st XI kept their assault on the AIC alive with a comprehensive win at Padua scoring 215 and bowling the opposition out for 70. Well done to Sam Lewis (5 wickets) and Will Nickelson (83 runs) in a strong all-round team performance.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

This Thursday sees our inter-house swimming carnival with house rivalry on show again. The carnival will take on the same format as last year with two year levels at a time competing for a double (see bell times and schedule below). The primary objective of the carnival is house spirit and participation. Every boy can swim competitive races for points for his house, there are no prior nominations, it is about getting every boy involved, wither in the races or the novelty events. See you house captain if you want to have a swim.

Year 9 and Year 10

9:00am – 10:30am

Year 8 and Year 11

11:30am – 1:00pm 

Year 7 and Year 12

1:40pm – 3:10pm 

Students to wear normal Term 1 school uniform. 

Students to bring the following items for the swimming carnival.

• Swimmers to participate in 
• Towel 
• Hat, sunscreen, water bottle 

Students to change into swimmers at the pool changerooms at the start of their session.

Recognition – Mr Andrew Ward

It gives me great pleasure to advise that our own Director of Tennis, Mr Andrew Ward has completed his studies with Tennis Australia and Deakin University and has achieved the significant recognition of Master Club Professional Coach and Diploma of Leadership and Management. Mr Ward has been working hard on this and we are proud of his achievement. 

He was presented his certificates at the Brisbane International recently by Tennis Queensland CEO Mr Kim Kachel and Tennis Queensland President Ms Jane Prentice.

Cricket

Mr Derek Lennon (Cricket Coordinator)

Probably the only thing worse than a complete wash out is a wet day where play is interrupted, games get cancelled with late notice or games get abandoned during play. That was the story for us last Saturday. As we know, cricket more than any sport is in the hands of the weather and it did not shine last Saturday. We did manage to get a large number of games played, with some results coming from countbacks. On Saturday we had games completed with Marist winning 14 and losing 6 matches. 

Team Photos

This Saturday is our first round of team photos for the season. Please make sure you check the schedule on the College app and are at the right place, at the right time, looking sharp and ready to go.

What a Partnership

Well done to Sam Wilcox and Braidyn Polich who put on an unbeaten 150 run partnership on the 2nds match on Saturday. Not a bad effort considering the seconds play 35 overs.  

1st XI Match Report – Sam Lewis

On the weekend the Marist 1st XI travelled out to Banyo to meet Padua in a tough second round clash. With the skipper losing another toss, Marist was sent into bat on a tough deck. After some good bowling from Padua early, coupled with the loss of opener Oliver Hayes, runs came slow in the first 17 overs. Luckily Will Nickelson anchored the innings with a crucial 83 of 130 and with the help of Frank Piper (24 runs), Joey Laner (21 runs) and Flynn Cleary (18 runs of just 9), the Marist lads set a solid total of 9/216. 

Coming off the break, the team was eager for the bowling innings. Joey Laner showed his class early on with 2 quick wickets, one coming off the second ball of the game. Whilst Will Easter and Archie Murray bowled well, Padua owned this session building a steady partnership of nearly 50 runs and fighting their way back into the contest. After a quick drink and some wise words from Mr Abbott and Mr Gibson, some good glovework behind the stumps broke this partnership straight after the drinks and the boys were up. Padua then lost 7 wickets for 20 runs collapsing to the spin bowling of Louis Morris (3/9 of 10) and Sam Lewis (5/22 of 6). This resulted in a 147-run victory for the Marist 1st XI making us 2-0 going into the premiership game next week vs Iona. 

Next week is our first home game of the year and if any parents, supporters, or boys could make it down for even just 30 minutes, it would mean a lot to the boys.

Volleyball

Mr Patrick Denkes - Volleyball Coordinator

Round 2 saw MCA Volleyball take on Padua College. It was a competitive weekend, with Padua’s junior teams being particularly well-trained and disciplined. There were several strong performances from the round, like the 9A’s, who showed great resilience to come from behind to win a nail-biter in the third set. Congratulations also must go to all opens teams and coaches on their excellent results. No opens team dropped a set across the round despite fierce game from Padua College. Well done as well to the 1st IV, who secured their first win for the season.

AFL

Mr Corey Robinson (AFL Coordinator)

Round 2 against Padua was a very physical encounter across all ages. A big thank you again to all the support Friday night for the Cameron/Andrews Cup as Marist College Ashgrove was greatly represented by students and parents. A thank you also to the parents who embraced the rain Saturday as well as all the players across both days.

The 1st and 2nd XVIII unfortunately couldn’t keep the momentum of Round 1 going, both losing to Padua . The Seconds started the 1st quarter well leading by a goal, but a two goal to none 2nd quarter started the turn for Padua to go on and win by 16 points. Hunter Fidler played a vital role shutting down Padua’s leading goal kicker – leaving him goalless for the entire game whilst Archie Powell also showed his skills down forward and providing a great goal kicking target. The 1sts were unfortunate not to caplitalise on their dominance in the 1st quarter while Padua made the most of their opportunities. In a very physical game, Padua continued to have all the answers to Marist’s counter attacks, with the scoreboard showing Padua as the dominant team on the night. Liam Rice’s move to the midfield provided a big spark in the second half and allowing Marist to move the ball forward with himself unlucky not to get on the scoreboard. Flynn Cleary’s leadership and effort were outstanding as he ran all day in the midfield and kicked a goal himself. Tom Williams down back, Jacob Cook and Lucas Cottom (both playing in the ruck) also were shining lights in night that unfortunately wasn’t Ashgrove’s.

Saturday was a wet and physical 5-9 competition. Some better results compared to Round 1 with the 5B’s getting their first win of the season with a last-minute goal and the 5D’s (playing in the 6C competition) had a great contest in which the game finished in a draw! 7B, 8B and 9B all had great wins. A big congratulations this week goes to the 9B’s who won with 10 seconds to go but also have their second win in a row despite not winning a game the last few years! Despite the losses of the other teams, the coaches and players have done a great job this week working on their weaknesses and showed great improvement from Round 1.

Thank you to all students for looking the part at training’s and game day’s – it’s also great to hear a few more War Cry’s during the weekend!

Football

Mr Derek Lennon (Football Coordinator)

All boys must be registered to play Football. You will not be able to play in the AIC season if you are not registered. The last chance for players to be added to the registration list is the internal trial day on Saturday 23 March. If you are not registered by then you will not be eligible to play.

There are 2 parts to the process. Year 8-10 A teams and 2nds will be selected first then all other teams.

When

The Year 8-10 A team and 2nds Head and Assistant Coaches will conduct trials from week 4 once per week through the rest of Term 1. See below for times and locations. A squad of up to 18 players will be chosen to continue training until the holidays.

Year        A Coach                                Venue and Times

8A          Patrick Denkes                   Des Connor Park 7           Wednesday 6:30-7:45am

9A          Blair Whitlock                     Des Connor Park 7           Thursday 3:30-4:45pm

10A        Libby Wark                          Des Connor Park 7           Wednesday 6:30-7:45am

2nds      Willem Baines                    Des Connor Park 7           Wednesday 3:30-5:00pm

Selection

These provisional teams will be posted on the College App on Friday Week 8. These squads will continue training until the holidays at the same times as the trials times (as listed above).

What happens if I am not selected?

All players who miss out on A squad selection are required to attend the all other teams trials to be seen by the other coaches so you can be fairly selected into the appropriate team for your ability. 

Trials for All Other Teams

The team trials for all other teams will start on Monday 18 March, the internal trial day Saturday 23rd March and continue in Week 10. 

We are scheduled to play A-B teams against St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace on Saturday 13 April. Players will be asked at trials if they are available for this trial. Teams for these matches will be posted on the College App on Friday of Week 10. At that stage these teams are still provisional and will be subject to change over the first few weeks of Term 2.

Instructions for All Trials

Trials are in various locations and days- check the trial schedule on the College App carefully closer to the dates.

Boys will need to report in at the first trial they attend to the Year Coordinator and ensure their name is marked off for every trial they attend afterwards.

Boys should look to attend as many trials as they can for selection but need to balance with their academic workload and also honour your Term 1 sport commitments. Consider your academic exam schedule and make informed decisions about whether you need to attend a trial or miss a trial to prepare for exams. Clear communication with the A coach or Year Coordinator is vital here.

If you are unable to attend the scheduled trials you need to email the Year Level Coordinator in advance of the trial to notify. Provide your name and student number and the reason you are missing the trial. 

Boys are to wear Marist apparel, football boots and shin pads to trial.

You can find the selection criteria on the College App.

Illness and injury will impact on the selection process. Trials will continue until the end of Week 1, some year levels may take longer than others. This is to allow all boys to be graded fairly.

Players will need to indicate availability for trial matches on Saturday 15 April at the Saturday internal trial round (23th March).

Student Achievements

Well done to all the boys who competed at the Queensland State Triathlon Championships last weekend in Hervey Bay: Will Banner, Toby Banner, Flynn Banner, Lachlan Davidson and Jake Davidson. Will, Toby and Jake were selected to represent Queensland at the upcoming national titles in Western Australia.

Cross Country

Mr Mitch Reid - Head Coach / Cross Country Coordinator

Welcome to the 2024 AIC Cross Country season!

Term 1 training will commence with our introduction week on Monday 19 February (Week 5). Please see below the details for training:

Dates: Monday 19, Wednesday 21, Friday 23 February

Venue: McMahon Oval (new starting venue for 2024)

Time: Training starts at 7:00am sharp. Students are to arrive at 6:45am and sign into the session with their student ID card.

There will be a BBQ breakfast at McMahon Oval on Friday 23 February where the 2024 coaching staff will be introduced. 

Term 1 training will continue each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning in Term 1.

The 2024 program handbook will be posted on the College App during Week 5. This handbook will include – key program dates, 2024 race schedule, training structure, April holiday training information and cross country staff details.

Students wishing to participate in cross country for 2024 will need to register via the parent portal/student café (same process as other AIC sports).

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Shane Ward, who after many dedicated years as Cross Country Head Coach has stepped down from the role. Mr Ward has been instrumental in leading the program to many AIC championships and fostering a strong culture of cross country within the college. For 2024, Mr Mitch Reid will be Head Coach. If you have any questions, please email Mr Mitch Reid (Cross Country Coordinator/Head Coach) – reidm@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

QLD Athletics Shield Meets 2024 Weekly Summary

Some of the results from the weekend heats in rainy conditions were as follows –

• Asher Parkin – In the 3000m over the weekend Asher recorded the second fastest time by any athlete at Marist in 8m49.93 surpassing Tom Prole’s run of 8m51 back in 2021. Asher’s time has only been bettered by Zac Milligan’s recent 3km school/state record but shows the incredible times of our middle-distance runners and we are hopeful of building on this depth in 2024 for AIC and other state/national representative meets. Well done Asher!.
• Lyndon Maynard – Has been competing weekly at shield meets jumping 1.75m regularly and pushing up to the 1m80+ region as well as jumping 5.78m for a PB. Has recently qualified for State Little Athletics Championships in both long jump and high jump.
• Perry Croft – Has been shifting attention to sprint distances from 100m-400m. His sprint times have been coming down and his form continues to improve and he may well convert to a 400m-800m specialist in 2024.
• Harry Prole – Some fine efforts recently in the 800m bringing his times down to 2m08 in a recent 800m and backed up with a similar time in the rainy conditions on the weekend.
• Sania Elisala – An excellent start to the season with 100m (12.8) and 200m run into headwinds. Looking fast for the season ahead.
• Xavier Simms – Also starting the season with strong first-up runs in 100m and 200m and building for a possible States and Nationals charge in March-April.

Little Athletics QLD Pathway – Met North Regional Championships

On the weekend of February 3-4, a number of our primary and middle school junior athletes competed at Little Athletics Met North regional championships which was also a qualifying event for the LAQ State Titles. Some of the results of our athletes were as follows -

• Nathan Wright – 1st Shot (Gold), 2nd Javelin (Silver) qualifying for both at State Titles in March (12 Years).
• Perry Croft – 2nd 1500m, 2nd 800m (silver), 4th 400m qualifies for all events (15 years).
• Lyndon Maynard – 1st High Jump (Gold), 3rd Long jump (Bronze) – qualifies both events (16 Yrs).
• Nate Griffin – New to Marist in 2024, Nate qualified in many of the sprint events 2nd - 200m Hurdles (Silver), Equal 1st 100m Gold), 3rd 200m (Bronze), 3rd 400m (Bronze) (13 Yrs).
• Max King – 2rd 100m(Silver), 4th Discus, 3rd Javelin (12 Yrs) – Qualifies for all 3 events (12 Yrs).
• Cooper Norlander – Competed in both 400m (5th) and 1500m (13 Yrs).
• Mason Loli – 1st Shot put(gold), 4th Javelin, qualifying for States (11 Yrs).
• Connor Campbell – 1st 400m and 300m hurdles (Gold), 2nd 100m hurdles and 200m (Silver) qualifying in all events (15 Yrs).
• Nick Bray – 2nd High Jump (Silver), 1500m (4th) – qualifies for both events (12 Yrs).
• Will Minihan also competed across several events (800m/80m hurdles/long jump) and Matt Higgins in the 800m (12 Yrs).

Well done to all who have competed at these championships and moving on to State Championships. This competition will help you in the upcoming AIC season starting in Term 2.

If I have missed anyone’s results, please send an email to Mr Martin or Mr Graham so we can see how you are going with the various competitions and recognise your efforts.

Marist Track and Field – Sunday Sessions

This year, Marist College is looking to win its 10th successive AIC Track and Field Championship. To be successful, a lot of planning, commitment and effort goes into the program across the calendar year.

For all students wanting to train, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details - 

INCLUDED: Running – sprints and jumps / Throws – early pre-season fitness and cross training, along with throwing.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15pm-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

Marist Track and Field – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has continued to showcase incredible moments in Track and Field again this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.

Follow us and stay up-to-date with Marist Track and Field on Instagram - @marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Thanks to the student and parents / guardians who have already completed the sign on process.

If you haven’t signed on yet, please go to the Marist app and see information regarding the sign on process. ALL students who wish to play Term 2 sports are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources.

Marist Rugby Connection | Year 5

This is an open invitation to ALL Year 5 students.

The Marist Rugby Union program is committed to a strong and genuine connection from the 1st XV down to our newest bumblebees in Year 5. This Friday, the Year 5 students are invited to train with the Open Blue squad. The is a wonderful opportunity to connect the students in a safe and friendly environment, and to align some of our key rugby language and philosophies.

DATE: Friday 16 February

TIME: 6:45-7:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

DRESS: Blue Marist training gear and Marist white or blue socks / Marist rugby socks

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

Starting next week in Week 5 (Monday 19 February), Marist College is delivering a 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws, and management of safety issues such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call.

NOTE – you are not required to sign on for the Rugby Ready Program. Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury. Please see the documents on the Marist app for all information including the program content, schedule and dress code.

You will note the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however, they only need to attend one.

NOTE – Any student competing for a position on the AIC Marist swim team, you will start your Rugby Ready Program in Week 7 following the AIC Swimming Championship. A schedule will be made available closer to the time.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2023 the College delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the smallest bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it was captured in wonderful colour.

To stay connected with Marist rugby and with all the program’s achievements, please follow our Instagram page @marist_ashgrove_rugby

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome to this week’s edition of what’s new at the courts.

This week we have some exciting news about the club for the members, which I will share with you shortly.

Fixtures Program - Exciting Opportunities for Development

Our Fixtures program is in full swing, and we invite more players to join us on Wednesdays for our Division 1 competition. These matches aim to enhance students' game styles, pushing them to understand and improve their skills. All players joining are eligible for the grand prize of a Head Tennis package valued at over $500.

Brisbane and Super Leagues Update - Mixed Results and Notable Wins

Round 2 of Saturday afternoon fixtures brought mixed results, with some matches affected by rain. Noteworthy wins include Leo Scuderi in Div 11 and Charlie Kelly's straight sets win in Div 9. Brisbane League Div 4 featured a close match by Liam Webb. We're thrilled to have eleven teams representing our club, with all courts in use this week.

Coaching Program Highlights - Focused on Player Development

Squad classes have been popular, and we appreciate the participation in both squad sessions and private lessons. Our coaching team is committed to providing the best coaching and knowledge to help students achieve their tennis goals. The emphasis is on enjoyment through knowledge, ensuring students leave the court with a smile.

Friday Morning Open Team Hit Out - Preparation for AIC Competition Trials

Students are encouraged to join the Friday morning sessions in preparation for AIC competition trials. These sessions, running from 6:45am-8.15am, provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and form combinations for the Term 2 1st X Squad.

Club News and Capital Upgrades - Exciting Court Resurfacing Project

We're thrilled to announce the start of capital upgrades, beginning with the resurfacing of all courts and beautification of the surroundings. The project starts in the last week of this term and continues throughout the holidays, with limited court access during the restoration. We apologise for any inconvenience but anticipate having the newest-looking courts in Brisbane.

Tuesday Night Social - Tennis and Socialising Opportunity

We're launching a Tuesday Night Social for tennis enthusiasts to meet new people. The first three weeks are free for non-members, and joining the club makes these sessions free for you. Adult memberships are $140 per year or $250 for a family, offering additional benefits such as free daytime court hire.

Contact Information

For queries or lesson bookings, please contact us at MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au  

Jade and the team are ready to assist you. Thank you, and we hope to see you on the courts soon!

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Another week has passed, filled with significant achievements in the pool. This week marked a significant milestone as Marist College Ashgrove proudly hosted the Northwest District trials for the first time. The occasion was a great opportunity for our college, accompanied by a sense of pride as we witnessed the commendable performances of the boys chosen to represent Marist College at this event.

I want to congratulate all the boys who participated in these trials. Their commitment and determination were truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to witness their exceptional performances. Additionally, I want to commend the athletes who were selected to represent Met North from our college: Flynn Barrett, Finn Beaver, Riley Freer, Clancy Heenan, Edward Heenan, Harry Kirkman, Sam Mellifont, Ross Murie, Jimmy Ryan, Daniel Sadimenko, and Will Weight.

In addition to the district trials, numerous members of our swimming team showed their skills at the Queensland State Sprint Championships. It was great to see our athletes compete over the weekend, and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the commendable performances of all our swimmers. Special congratulations to those who secured positions within the top 10 in their respective events.

Nicholas Osborn

· 2nd Boys 13yrs 50m Freestyle

· 5th Boys 13yrs 50m Breaststroke

· 2nd Boys 13yrs 50m Butterfly

Samuel Mapledoram

· 4th Boys 13yrs 50m Freestyle

Thomas Bedggood

· 7th Boys 13yrs 50m Butterfly

Archer Mellifont

· 2nd Boys 15yrs 50m Freestyle

· 2nd Boys 15yrs 50m Backstroke

Phelix Meehan

· 4th Boys 14yrs 50m Freestyle

· 9th Boys 14yrs 50m Backstroke

· 8th Boys 14yrs 50m Butterfly

Daniel Sadimenko

· 5th Boys 10yrs 50m Freestyle

· 3rd Boys 10yrs 50m Backstroke

· 6th Boys 10yrs 50m Butterfly

As we approach the final stages of preparation, I urge our swimmers to capitalize on this period by intensifying their efforts in training. This week presents a valuable opportunity for focused training sessions, particularly with no swim meet scheduled for Friday. Instead, two training sessions will be tailored for boys who have secured positions within the top 10. These sessions will prioritize relay-focused training, aligning with our team's strategic focus for the upcoming AIC Championships.

It is imperative to maintain our training regimen in the weeks ahead. While acknowledging the demands of Term 1 sports, consistency in training remains vital as we strive for continuous improvement and success in our swimming endeavours.

Round 3 Draws

AFL

Cricket

Volleyball

Round 2 Results

AFL

Cricket

Volleyball