Sport News

Year in Review

Along with the graphic representation, here is a very brief summary of the year in review. It has been a wonderful year for us with many great victories, championships won and most importantly, boys enjoying their sport and learning valuable life skills and lessons.

Term 1

Cricket

The 1st XI began the season in confident fashion travelling to Bunbury to win the Marist Cricket Carnival. Unfortunately, a couple of key injuries and a few off days saw us finish third in the 1st XI and third in the aggregate. Iona College won the 1st XI and St Patrick’s College won the aggregate. Our undefeated teams were 3rd XI, 10C, 7C, 6B, 6C, 5B plus 8B won their division with only one loss.

Volleyball

The 1st VI worked very hard in the offseason, competing at both the state and national titles. They were on the wrong side of three very tight five-set matches that saw them finish in fourth place with us finishing in fourth in the aggregate as well. Iona College won the 1st VI and the aggregate shield.

Swimming

We put up a brave challenge to the St Peters machine but we were again in second place, with third a long way back. There were a number of very strong performances across the age groups and the boys can be proud of their efforts. 

AFL

The 1st XVIII were able to secure their second premiership in a row, tying with St Laurence’s College and Padua College. A brave effort from the boys and well-coached by the staff. The aggregate went to St Laurence’s, we finished fourth.

Term 2

Rugby

The 1st XV played some scintillating rugby throughout but were outmuscled against Padua, eventual premiers, and Iona in rounds 2 and 3. A win against Lauries in round 6, their first AIC loss since 2019, meant we finished in second place. We won the aggregate shield. The following teams finished undefeated: 4th XV, 5th XV; 10C; 10D; 9B; 9C; 8C; 7B; 7C; 7D; 5A; 5B.

Cross Country

We expected Iona to continue to improve as they have been in recent years, pipping us last year. The boys were magnificent on the day winning both the primary and secondary titles. We won Year 6, 13 years and 15 years and never finished lower than second in an age group.

Chess

The 1st IV had high hopes after beating perennial champions St Laurence’s in the trial but a couple of draws and a loss to premiers St Peters saw us finish in third, where we also finished in the aggregate. The Senior A team were undefeated premiers.

Football

We did the football double, winning the 1st XI outright and sharing the aggregate with St Laurence’s. This was the culmination of two and a half years of work with this group to prepare them for this. The following teams finished undefeated:  2nd XI; 7th XI;10A; 9A; 9B; 8B; 7C; 7D; 5B; 5D Black; 5D Gold; 5 White.

Term 3

Basketball

Our 1st V started strongly pushing 5-time premier to within 2 points before going down and looked good for a top 2 finish before a couple of losses mid-season saw them finish equal third with three other teams. Villanova finished first again, undefeated. In the aggregate, we finished in fourth place with Iona taking it out. Our undefeated teams were 4ths, 11B, 7B, 7C, 7D. The 1st V finished runners-up in Div 2 at CBSQ (state championships) and have been promoted to the championship division. That is 2 promotions in a row.   

Tennis

We finished second again to St Peters Lutheran College in both the 1sts and the aggregate. In the 1sts St Peters were on 14, Marist 12 and Villanova (third) were on 8. Tennis is in a good place, but we need to find a way to overcome SPLC.  Undefeated tennis teams were 9B and 7B.

Rugby League

A fine season by all in rugby league. The 1st XIII won the Bob Lindner Shield again for the second year in a row, which placed them ninth overall for the carnival. The 1sts finished in second place overall in the AIC behind Iona who were the standout team. Marist finished first in the aggregate just half a point ahead of Iona. Our undefeated teams were 2nds, 10A and 9A.   

Hockey

We had another great season in hockey. We entered two teams into the Brisbane Schoolboys Hockey Cup for the first time. Our senior team again made the final, again playing St Edmunds and again unfortunately we lost, finishing second. 

Term 4

Track and Field

Our track and field preparation has been excellent again this year with some excellent performances in the lead-up and our squad competing well at multiple lead-up meets in Term 3 and the holidays. Our training camp was an excellent final preparation event. We won both the primary and secondary championships, winning the Year 5, Year 6, 13 Years, 14 Years, 15 Years, 16 Years and Opens age groups.

Touch / Esports / Water Polo

We participated in the AIC gala days for Touch, Esports and Water Polo early in Term 4. Our primary boys enjoyed the touch competition and were thrilled to be coached by some of our Year 11 school leaders, competing well on the day. The senior teams were filled by boarders who competed hard against some very competitive touch schools in a high-level competition. Our two Esports teams prepared well for the championship with our A team reaching the semi-finals before losing to Padua. Villanova won the final. In Water Polo our open team defended their title with a dominant performance across the day, defeating Iona 11-4 in the final. Our Year 7 and 8/9 teams competed well and will be much better for the experience, their first water polo competition for many.

Cricket Apparel Update

We have launched a new floppy white Marist cricket hat, available from the Uniform Shop. This is not a compulsory item for cricket, boys can continue to wear the baseball-style cap, however, if players wish to wear a floppy-style hat it must be the Marist one. 

Cricket

Andrew Catton - Sports Co-ordinator - Cricket and Football

Cricket sessions in Week 5 continued to increase in attendance. It has been fantastic to see the “buy-in” from the boys from across the high majority of the program in relation to the standards and expectations set around uniforms and communication.  

Training will continue for Week 6 and Week 7 before concluding for the term. 

Expectations

This week all boys at training have been aware of some expectations that will be within place in the cricket program this season. 

• PUNCTUALITY 

Boys are expected to be at training on time and be dressed and ready to start at 3:30pm. 

• COMMUNICATION 

Boys are expected to communicate to myself or their relevant coordinator (not their coach) if they have any issues in relation to attendance at training or games. 

• UNIFORM

All cricketers will be expected to wear the correct uniform to training. This includes Marist Training shirt, Training Shorts and blue or white Marist socks. Boys who are not wearing the correct uniform will not be permitted to participate. 

• RESPECT

All boys are expected to demonstrate high levels of respect for their coaches and their peers at all times. 

Sign On

2025 Cricket Season Sign-On is now available in Parent Lounge or Student Cafe. 

All students interested in playing Cricket in 2025 are encouraged to Sign On ASAP.

Thank you to those who have already done so. There were some boys are sessions this week who had not yet signed on and will need to do so prior to the next session.

Coaching Positions

We are currently in a very healthy position in relation to Coaching appointments for 2025 and expect them to be announced in the next week. We do have some vacancies available for anyone interested in coaching. To receive more information, please click the link below and complete the form. 

https://forms.office.com/r/114dmuXh0k

Specialist Sessions

Our Spin and Fast Bowling Specialist Sessions got underway last week. It was fantastic to see so many boys in attendance, all with an open mind and eager to learn. 

Term 4 Training Schedule

Term 1 Cricket Schedule

The Term 1 Training Schedule has now been finalised. We will be adding on some additional specialist sessions.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Queensland Athletics All-Schools

A squad of 30 Marist College athletes competed at the QLD All Schools Track and Field Championships run by QLD Athletics over the weekend which was the qualifier meet for the National All Schools which are to be held in Brisbane in December 2024. Marist athletes have continued to train beyond the AIC season with good success at these championships with 8 medals and 4 individual qualifiers going through to represent QLD in December. At least 1 of our teams (Juniors) will also progress to the National Schools Challenge with the Intermediate team awaiting on a possible wildcard position.

While we had some good success on the podium, we also had excellent depth with Marist athletes making 24 additional finals on top of the 8 medals. It was an excellent return from the athletes after committing beyond the track and field season. There were also many personal bests which was great to see across the squad.

12 Years Athletes - I would like to congratulate those athletes new to this level of competition and especially the many 12-year-old athletes who turned up to compete at this level even though against athletes at least 1 year older to test themselves in readiness for the QLD Athletics season in 2025. While 12 years olds can compete the meet and competition are targeted by 13-17 years athletes to make National All Schools, but 12 years are very welcome to get the opportunity in preparation for the 2025 season. Finn Beaver, Fred Little, Will Minahan, Nathan Wright, Hugh Sutton, Aidan Field, Nick Bray to name a few should be proud of their efforts to turn up and compete at this level and they will be better athletes for the season(s) ahead.

A major thanks to all the coaches who supported the athletes across the 4 days including Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Des Davis, Mr Lee Martin, Mr Bill Prole and Mr Rob Martin. When you see the efforts of the athletes it certainly makes the long days at the warm-up track worthwhile.

Gold Medals

1 Isaiah W Burgess Men Shot Put (Under 18) 5.0kg 16.23m (National All Schools qualifier)

1 Zac Milligan Men 3000m (Under 17) 8:47.41 (National All Schools qualifier)

Silver Medals

2 Harry Prole Boys 1500m (Under 16) 4:08.28 (National All Schools Qualifier)

2 Connor Campbell Boys 200m Hurdles (Under 16) @76.2cm 26.45 (National All Schools Qualifier)

Bronze Medals

3 Hayden Lockhart Boys Triple Jump (Under 15) 12.63m (New School Record)

3 Asher Parkin Men 2000m Steeple (Under 18) @83.8cm 6:16.05

3 Lyndon Maynard Men High Jump (Under 17) 1.88m

3 Zac Milligan Men 1500m (Under 17) 4:01.22

- Congratulations to Isaiah, Zac, Connor and Harry who all automatically qualify for Nationals in 2024. Note all the medallists also auto-qualify for the National Junior Championships in Perth in April 2025.

New School Record 1 – well done to Hayden Lockhart on a new school record of 12.63m beating the previous record of 12.56m (D. Meggitt, 2018). Well done to both Hayden and former record holder Dan Meggitt on these performances.

New School Record 2 – well done to Zac Milligan who has beaten his own 1500m school record lowering it from 4m01.85 to 4m.01.22s in coming 3rd in the event. Well done to Zac.

Other performances from the squad:

Place Name Event Performance

12 Aidan Field Boys Long Jump (Under 14) 4.10m

5 Aiden O'Reilly Boys Javelin Throw (Under 16) 700g 43.57m (Finalist)

12 Ben Flanagan Boys 800m (Under 15) – (Finalist) 2:10.14q

5 Connor Campbell Boys 100m Hurdles (Under 16) @83.8cm 14.27 (Finalist)

10 Connor Campbell Boys 400m (Under 16) – Prelims 53.02

6 Darcy Frazier Boys 400m (Under 14) (Finalist) 57.97 (Finalist)

9 Darcy Frazier Boys 800m (Under 14) 2:14.50 (Finalist)

20 Finn Beaver Boys 800m (Under 14) – Prelims 2:23.89

28 Finn Beaver Boys 1500m (Under 14) – Prelims 4:56.50

25 Fredrick Little Boys 800m (Under 14) – Prelims 2:27.95

23 Guy de Putron Boys 100m (Under 15) – Prelims 12.90s

6 Harry Prole Boys 800m (Under 16) 2:02.25 (Finalist)

9 Hayden Lockhart Boys 100m (Under 15) – Prelims 12.02q (Finalist)

8 Hayden Lockhart Boys 100m Hurdles (Under 15) @83.8cm 15.30s (Finalist)

7 Hayden Lockhart Boys 200m (Under 15) – Prelims 24.46q (Finalist)

6 Hayden Lockhart Boys Long Jump (Under 15) 5.50m (Finalist)

22 Hugh Sutton Boys 100m (Under 14) – Prelims 14.89

11 Hugh Sutton Boys 90m Hurdles (Under 14) @76.2cm 16.60

12 Hugh Sutton Boys Triple Jump (Under 14) 8.69m

9 Hugo Russo Boys Javelin Throw (Under 14) 600g 26.97m (Finalist)

11 Isaac Pratt Men 1500m (Under 18) 4:27.33

13 Isaac Ting Men 100m (Under 17) – Prelims 11.38

4 Isaiah W Burgess Men Discus Throw (Under 18) 1.5kg 41.03m (Finalist)

7 Jack Mahuru Men High Jump (Under 17) 1.80m (Finalist)

5 Jonathan Kirk Men Shot Put (Under 17) 5.0kg 12.83m (Finalist)

10 Judson Gay Boys Shot Put (Under 15) 4.0kg 9.92m (Finalist)

4 Lyndon Maynard Men Long Jump (Under 17) 6.28m (Finalist)

14 Nate Griffin Boys 100m (Under 14) – Prelims 13.12

9 Nate Griffin Boys 90m Hurdles (Under 14) @76.2cm 15.74 (Finalist)

6 Nate Griffin Boys 200m (Under 14) 25.53 (Final)

9 Nate Griffin Boys Triple Jump (Under 14) 10.06m (Final)

18 Nathan Wright Boys 100m (Under 14) – Prelims 13.67

10 Nathan Wright Boys Long Jump (Under 14) 4.32m

35 Nick Bray Boys 800m (Under 14) – Prelims 2:39.62

15 Perry Croft Boys 400m (Under 16) – Prelims 55.31

4 Remi Sakzewski Boys Javelin Throw (Under 14) 600g 36.18m (Finalist)

14 Sania Elisala Boys 100m (Under 15) – Prelims 12.31

5 Sania Elisala Boys Long Jump (Under 15) 5.81m (Finalist)

5 Shea Caminiti Boys 90m Hurdles (Under 14) @76.2cm 14.70 (Finalist)

+5pts • 0.8m/s • H2 • Age: 13

5 Theo Calder Boys Triple Jump (Under 15) 11.56m (Finalist)

William Minahan Boys 800m (Under 14) - Prelims

39 William Minahan Boys 1500m (Under 14) – Prelims 5:16.29

14 Xavier Hunter Boys 1500m (Under 15) 4:36.76

4 Xavier Hunter Boys 3000m (Under 15) 9:52.11 (Finalist)

11 Zac Milligan Men 800m (Under 17) – Prelims 2:02.74q (Finalist)

Relays

3 Boys 1000m Swedish Relay (Intermediate) 2:06.61

'A' • H1 • I. Ting, Z. Milligan, H. Prole, C. Campbell

2 Boys 4x200m (Junior) 1:41.38

'A' • H1 • S. Elisala, H. Lockhart, D. Frazier, R. Sakzewski

National Schools Challenge – Track and Field Teams

Our National Schools Challenge teams were also in good form with points accumulated from performances over the 4 days.

In our Junior team they accumulated points over the 4 days and with a 2nd in the 4x200 relay Marist had enough points to make it through for second place in the competition which gives the Junior team an automatic entry into the National Schools Challenge competition in December 2024.

Our Intermediate team while finishing the day with a 3rd in the relay, unfortunately, had 2 injuries in the sprint squad and will wait on the wildcard process to see if they are able to qualify in 2024.

Congratulations to both teams for pushing through to challenge themselves against the best schools in QLD and hopefully will get the chance to challenge the best in Australia.

Junior National Schools Challenge Team: Remi Sakzewski, Hayden Lockhart, Sania Elisala, Judson Gay, Darcy Frazier, Ben Flanagan

Intermediate National Schools Challenge Team: Connor Campbell, Isaac Ting, Riley Hansel, Zac Milligan, Harry Prole, Aiden O’Reilly, Jono Kirk, Lyndon Maynard, Ben Hawley.

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to continue with their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details -

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.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Scrum Ready Program - Years 5-10

It was fantastic to see the foundations of scrum strength and technique being instilled in approximately 20 students from Years 5-10 during Week 3 of our 5-week training block. The focus on developing proper technique and consistently strengthening scrum skills is crucial to ensuring scrum safety and long-term success.

The enthusiasm and dedication shown by all participants are promising signs for our future front-row depth and safety. With two sessions remaining, we encourage any front-row players to join and benefit from the program. The sessions are led by Mr. Doug Perrers and Mr. James Trebbin.

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position. 

WHEN: Wednesday 16/23/30 October, 6/13 November

TIME: 3:30pm-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

DRESS: MCA sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, blue/white / or Marist rugby socks. OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The five weeks will consist of:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises

2. Solo with no opposition – on knees

3. Solo with no opposition – on feet

4. Solo against a machine/tackle bag

5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape. 

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Term 4 – Preseason Training

We’ve reached the final week of our optional five-week preseason rugby union training block for current Years 9-11 students. The players have been consistently pushed by the coaching staff, and I want to congratulate them on their dedication and desire to improve throughout each session.

This Friday morning will be the final session of the block before students shift their focus to upcoming exams. Following a "Bronco" fitness test, the group will join the Marist U12 Armidale squad to deliver a memorable training session, capped off with a BBQ. Connection is a key value of the Marist Rugby Program, and this interaction reflects our commitment to building a strong rugby community.

Special thanks to Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Paddy Conn, and Mr James Trebbin for their excellent on-field coaching and mentorship, and to Mr Adam Earnshaw for overseeing the strength and conditioning. His expertise and dedication have greatly benefited the students' development.

A training program will be made available via the new College app and email for all students wanting to continue with their training. Keep an eye out for the College gym opening times across the remaining school term and the holidays.

NOTE: Training will recommence on Day 1, Term 1 next year for any interested Year 10-12 students. Information will be distributed via the Marist app and email.

Rugby Tour Information 2025

For planning purposes, the following tours/camps are proposed for 2025 –

1st XV Camp (Currimundi) – CONFIRMED

35 players

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9, March

1st XV / 2nd XV Tour (Northern NSW) – PROPOSED

40 players

Friday 4 – Sunday 13, April

U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival – CONFIRMED

20 players (squad has been selected)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April

NOTE: More information will be made available to the relevant groups as we get closer to the time.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024, the College continues to deliver 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 is 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

Welcome to Week 6.

Christmas Break-Up Party – Tournament Style! 

Which Parent and Son combo will take bragging rights this Christmas?

Sunday Nov 24, 2:00pm-6:00pm. MUSIC/BBQ/TOURNAMENT

Holiday Clinics

December and January Clinics are available.

8:00am-10:00am

$150.00 for 3 days or $60.00 per day.