Sport News

As we prepare for our final weekend of AIC sport for the year this weekend, is a reminder to all of the need to finish well. It is important that we maintain our effort, our commitment, and our discipline. Each weekend we are representatives of the college, hundreds of “postcards” out in the community where for many people who see us at sport, it is their only interaction with Marist College Ashgrove and will paint a picture of the college for them. Let's make sure that is a positive one! Good luck to the seniors who play your last game of sport for the College; enjoy the occasion and I hope you take away a strong set of memories and experiences.

Last weekend, we hosted St Laurence's College in the senior teams here at Ashgrove. Our rugby league 1st XIII were unlucky to go down late in a very close and competitive match, our 1st IV tennis team put up a spirited display to go down in another close one, and the 1st V basketball were dominant throughout, in a good team performance, to record a comfortable victory. Results across the board were strong again with many good performances from teams across the sports and year levels.

Our track and field team are heavy into their preparation for the AIC Championships. After a big week of Met North, the AIC lead-up meets continue with a number of impressive performances across the program as we get closer to the AIC championships. Our Track and Field camp is next week on the Gold Coast, which is something the whole squad looks forward to as we fine-tune our preparations, leading into holiday training and mini-meets against other schools during the holiday period. My sincere thanks to all involved in Track and Field for the time and energy you commit to helping our boys achieve their best, none more so than Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin, who dedicates himself so much to the team.

Grit

For those of you who read this section regularly, you will be aware that I am exploring the attributes, characteristics and culture required for sustained success in the sporting domain, most of which are applicable to the wider world. This has the dual benefit of helping us in school and helping the boys in life.

One key area that has come up is the concept of grit and perseverance over raw or natural talent. Angela Duckworth has explored this in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, which finds similar conclusions to Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers, where he proposes the 10,000-hour rule for mastery of anything.

In this book, Duckworth explores the concept of grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance. She argues that talent alone is not enough to achieve success; instead, it's the ability to stick with long-term goals and maintain effort and enthusiasm over time that truly matters.

Duckworth draws on her own research and the experiences of various high achievers, including athletes, students and professionals, to demonstrate the importance of grit in achieving one's goals. She presents the idea that grit can be cultivated and developed, and she offers practical advice on how to nurture grit in individuals, especially in children and students. It is an interesting read.

The takeaway is that "Grit" emphasises the idea that passion and perseverance are key factors in achieving success, and it encourages readers to cultivate grit as a valuable trait in their personal and professional lives. Do what you enjoy; give it your commitment, your passion and your perseverance and you will maximise your chances of success. The book is well worth a read for any parent and student, and certainly, we should be encouraging commitment and perseverance in our students.

Student Achievements

Life Saving - James Leigh

After a successful Australian Pool Rescue Championship on the Gold Coast at the beginning of August, James has been selected to represent Australia as part of the Australian Life Saving Team.

James will travel to Auckland, New Zealand, at the end of September and represent Australia at the 2023 New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships. This is a tour in preparation for the Life Saving World Championships in September 2024.

James belongs to Met Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club, where he does regular surf patrols and competes in surf competitions, which include: ironman, board, and swim events.

We are very proud of his continued success in the pool and the surf.

William Bagnall – Rugby Union

Congratulations to Will Bagnall (Year 9) who will be representing Marist in the Brisbane Grey U15 team competing in the Buildcorp Emerging Reds Cup in mid-September 2023.

Nicholas Osborn and Nathaniel Christison - Swimming

Over the past week, Nicholas Osborn and Nathaniel Christison represented QLD at the Australian School Sports Swimming Championships in Sydney. The boys came away from the meet with the following results:

Nicholas Osborn:

• 7th Boys 13 Years 50 Butterfly
• 7th Boys 13 Years 50 Freestyle
• 4th Boys 13 Years 100 Butterfly
• 2nd Boys 13 Years 100 Freestyle

Nathaniel Christison:

• 14th Boys 12 Years 200 Freestyle

Both boys were also part of Queensland relay teams at the meet. Congratulations, boys, for qualifying and representing Queensland at these Championships.

Rugby League

Mr Ryan App - Rugby League Coordinator

Last Saturday, Marist College were up against our old foes St Lawrence's at St Patrick's Playing Fields. While we had a few wins and a few losses, all in attendance could see the strengthening and development of our MCA teams, especially in the younger and middle Year groups. This is a process, but we are definitely heading in the right direction.

It is always wonderful to see our MCA 'never give up' mentality, which was on show yet again on Saturday. These teams are showing week after week that putting in the hard work pays off on the field.

Next weekend is the last round of the AIC Rugby League season, where MCA will meet St Edmund's, hosted by Padua College. For some of our teams, this is the day to either dig in hard to end the season on a high note or, for some, end with a top-of-the-table finish. Our Year 9s, 10s and 2nds are all in the mix to finish on top, so we wish them well. For all our other teams, it's an opportunity to show yet again our Marist attitude, culture and spirit. Best of luck to all these sides.

I'd like to again thank all of our coaches, trainers, support staff, players and parents for all your support and assistance; it is very much appreciated. Good luck to everyone on Saturday.

Basketball

John Lambourne – Basketball Coordinator

Saturday’s home game was the last for those Year 12 boys in the 1st V. The boys' parents were invited onto the court before warm-up to enable the boys to thank their parents for all their support throughout the Marist Basketball journeys.

1st V

Marist 67 – Laurence’s 57

1st V Coach’s Report

James Lidstone – Coach

Round 6 was the last home game for six of our senior boys, Declan Tunny, Will Ford, Spencer Mahoney, Xavier Evans, Sean Russell-Ahern, Callan McLean and Kurt Roberts.

It was always going to be a tough game with Jack Forrester unavailable. The boys started the game off on fire, some excellent full-court defence and a couple of deep triples from Declan and we had jumped out to a 12–2 lead. We knew SLC would weather the storm and grind away all game. Some sloppy turnovers from us and a few easy buckets for them had the lead quickly cut in half. We went into the quarter-time break with a 17–10 lead.

The sloppiness continued and SLC started to connect from outside, wrestling the lead away from us and at the half-time break led 33–31. We weren't playing with our heads; the effort was there but we had to lock in defensively and execute if we were going to win the game.

The boys locked in and grabbed the momentum from the early stages of the 3rd quarter. SLC made some extremely tough shots to stay close. We went into the last break with a 48–47 lead.

SLC's luck ran out, strong defence from Kurt, Spencer and James Mulcahy helped fuel our offence. Matt Gibson ran the point perfectly, making the right calls on offence, getting the people the ball where they needed it and making some tough shots to keep the scoreboard ticking over. SLC made one last late charge but another trademark Tunny triple and Will Ford’s (28 points) relentless attack on the hoop ensured our Year 10 students finished their last home AIC game as winners, 67–57.

1st V Captain’s Report

Declan Tunny

Round 6 against St Laurence’s College was shaping up to be a memorable game given it was the last home game for the Year 12 students. With Jack Forrester ruled out with injury, James Mulcahy was called into his position in the starting side. We were able to get off to a nice start executing our game plan on defence and mirroring the same intensity on offence. This allowed us to get out to a handy 12-point lead early on.

However, St Laurence’s persistent side didn’t back down without a fight and fought back in the second quarter keeping the scores neck and neck for the remainder of the game. Through ramping back up the intensity and with the help of the home-side supporters, we were able to close out the game with a comfortable 10-point win.

Special mentions must be given to Will Ford for keeping the points rolling when we needed them, finishing with an incredible 28 points. Kurt Roberts and Spencer Mahoney brought the energy getting a mixture of offensive and defensive rebounds. Matt Gibson played his usual crucial role in organising the team and making some great passes and shots. Overall, the whole team played a great game of basketball.

With the last round against St Edmunds at Ipswich, it’s difficult to convince people to come out and watch, however as evident against Laurie’s, your support doesn’t go unnoticed. I along with the other Year 12s look forward to our last ever game in the Marigold jersey and aim to finish the season with a win. Thanks.

Match Reports from Around the Courts

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby Union / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach - Track and Field

AIC Practice Meet #2

Another large turnout for the second of four meets. Over 90 secondary school students attended the AIC Practice Meet at the Queensland State Athletics Centre (QSAC).

Before the bad weather cancelled the meet early, we saw some strong performances on the track from the hurdles and middle-distance runners, whilst also recording some excellent field results in the throws and jumps.

On what was a frustrating night for some of the students who had their events called off before competing, the sportsmanship and behaviour of the Marist students was exceptional.

Met North Selection

Congratulations to the 26 Marist College students selected to represent Met North at the State Athletics Titles.

Declan Blundell, Isaiah Burgess, Theo Calder, Connor Campbell, Charlie Campion, Ben Caughley, Ted Clarke, Perry Croft, George Daly, Joel Drew, Gino Gagliardi, Joe Jackson, Jono Kirk, Hayden Lockhart, Lee Martin, Zac Milligan, Jonah Miles, Asher Parkin, Harry Prole, James Prole, Cody Radman, Isaac Roach, Tadhg Ryan, Xavier Simms, Isaac Ting, Charlie Weaver.

We wish the boys all the best with their continued training, preparation, and performances for the competition in mid-October.

AIC Practice Meet #3

The third AIC Practice Meet is this Thursday at QSAC.

With a series of four AIC practice meets scheduled at QSAC this term, opportunities remain open for students to further develop and excel throughout the season.

As our students continue to train and improve, spots for the AIC Championship will continue to remain open. We encourage all students to participate in the AIC practice meets and contribute to the team's success on a broader stage.

The AIC practice meets are listed in the Key Dates Calendar on the Marist app.

Track and Field Uniform

A reminder that the dress code for all T&F training sessions is as per the 2023 Track and Field Handbook: MCA sports shirts/Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.

For competitive events, including Internal Mini Meets, the dress code is as per the 2023 Track and Field Handbook. Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.

It is important we get this right now as we have a mini meet this Friday afternoon here at the College, and we will be competing in the AIC Championship as a team wearing this uniform.

Track and Field Key Dates Calendar

Could I please ask parents and students to look over the Key Dates Calendar in the Marist app? Important to note some of the AIC practice meets and Met North carnival coming up in August, the by-invitation Track and Field camp at the start of the September holidays, and the September holiday meets.

More information will be posted on the Marist app at a time closer to each event.

Track and Field Handbook

Please see the Marist app for the 2023 Track and Field Handbook.

The Handbook includes the relevant Track and Field information for students and parents/guardians. If you have any further questions, please contact Mr Richard Graham.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

As we come to the last week of AIC Term 3 sports, I would like to commend our boys who have trained tirelessly all season, starting way back in Week 6 of Term 2.

These boys have braved the early morning cold, the afternoon heat, and have not complained as much as usual. We do have a few repeat offenders who like to tell me they are cold when they have no jumper or track pants; this still amuses me.

This week we take on St Edmund's College with the senior teams, Years 9 upwards to Opens, playing at Ipswich on clay courts this week.

Juniors playing at home with Year 7 at Gregory Terrace and Years 8 and Primary playing at Marist. Slight time change for this week and the starting times.

Reminder that the 1st time slot is 7:45am warm-up and 8:00am start. Boys need to be there around 7:30am, please. The second time slot starts at 10:15am warm-up and 10:30am start time. Please be there at 10:00am.

Primary Tennis Tournament Next Week

Reminder: This will be the first time this has been held in over a decade.

Singles will be played on Monday 11 September.

Doubles will be played on Tuesday 12 September.

Both tournaments will start at 3:30pm and finish around 7:00pm–7:30pm. We will provide for the boys each day a cold drink and a sausage sizzle to fight off the hangry. 😊

All entries are to be forwarded to MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au. We have decided to keep entries open until 12:00pm Monday 11 September. Only Year 5 students, Year 6 students, and Year 7 students can play in this tournament and it is open to all who wish to enjoy and have fun and gain valuable match experience. If you do not have a doubles partner, we will find one by pairing you with another player in the same predicament who wants to play. If you have a partner, let us know and we will enter you into this tournament.

Term 4 Coaching

We have started to take bookings for squad coaching for Term 4, which we are doing in groups to hopefully not overload our new booking system. Fingers crossed we have no teething problems.

All students who enrol in squad coaching will automatically be enrolled into Friday afternoon Fixtures, which will be included in the price as well as the two squad sessions and the private lesson each week.

Divisions 2 and 3 will run from 3:30pm–5:30pm and Division 1 will run from 5:30pm–7:30pm each week. Again, this is free for squad-enrolled students to play in.

Our squad structure for this term will be. Member's prices are tabled below.

These squads will start in Week 1 of Term 4 and finish in Week 8 of Term 4.

Also, a reminder that MCA Tennis memberships are up for renewal, and the prices will be the same as last year.

Memberships run from the start of Term 4, 2023 to the end of Term 3, 2024.

Platinum Member *new* will be offered for the first time and will include benefits that standard membership will not.

Round 6 AIC Wrap-Up v St Laurence's College

What a weekend of matches, and I know that those who came to watch our Opens and Years 10 teams compete were entertained with high-quality matches that were great to see across all six courts.

Special shout-out to our teams that won this week, with all but three teams winning for this round.

Starting with our depleted Primary teams, we were still able to win all matches in Years 5 and 6, which is a credit to students who train hard each week and put in their all for the love of the school they play for and the will to win for their teammates. I could not ask for a better bunch of students, as they all want to be part of this team and what it represents.

We will start for senior school with Year 7, and history being achieved with the first time a whole year level finished with two draws. Just one more game; you came so close.

We had great wins in all our teams in Years 8, 9, and 10, with our Year 8B team beating their undefeated opponents to be equal top of the table.

Praise must be given to all these boys as you have put the hard yards into training each week and playing with great passion and pride for your school.

Our Opens teams had some great matches, and our 3rd and 4th IV teams were close but losing out in the end to a very determined Laurie's team who came to play.

Our 2nd IV had a great win against a team who had only lost once all season, and our boys look to finish second outright behind Peters, who have been the benchmark all season and who beat us on games only.

1st IV Report

This was going to be another test for our boys as we knew that we were very evenly matched from looking at results against other teams. We were not disappointed from the outset with the first two doubles going 1–1, with a win to Louis and Eddie and a close loss to Hamish and Henry in the reverse doubles. This took us into the first lot of singles matches where Henry took it to his much-fancied opponent but lost in straight sets. Louis, playing number 2 this week, was also in a fight but also went down in straight sets. You could see he was a little underdone in match practice, but he had his chances at times but failed to get on top of his opponent.

Down 3–1, but not out, a lot of pressure was put onto the shoulders of Eddie and Hamish who were playing in the second lot of singles matches. Both boys won the first sets comfortably, and we were looking good until in both matches the opponent started to play better and won the second set. We were now going to a 10-point tie-break to win the matches.

Eddie was first, getting a jump early and going on to win 10–5, securing the match. 2–3 down and now the marathon match with Hamish in the oppressing heat was taking its toll on both players. The boys slugged it out point for point, with the opposition clawing his way to a 9–7 lead and holding match points against Hamish. This was where we saw the Marist Champion with his back against the wall do the impossible and played one point at a time, reeling off four straight points to win and keep the team alive at 3–3 in matches. Well done, mate; we could all see you hurting, and I think the team respects you more than ever for the courageous effort to get over the line.

Down to the last two doubles where we needed to win both matches to win, as we were behind on sets.

Backing up from that win, Hamish and Henry demolished their opponents 6–1, and now all rested on Eddie and Louis to bring it home. The match was tight, and the opponents got out to a 5–3 lead and probably not the best our boys have played, but I am happy to see this team fight and not give in. 4–4 in matches but losing on sets, we are now firmly entrenched in the top half of schools who are vying for this title. This season has got all our boys excited for next year as they now know what it takes to win this premiership for themselves and the school and the whole AIC program.

Congratulations, boys; you were close but not disgraced, and I know you earned the opponent's respect who will be wary of you the next time we meet. Marist is no longer a pushover school as we continue to grow and become stronger.

AIC Break-Up Party

This will be held on Wednesday 13 September from 3:30pm–5:30pm.

Please email of your intention to attend for catering purposes.

AFLQ Schools Cup Semi-Final

Results

Round6

Basketball

Tennis

Rugby League

Draws

Round 7

Basketball

Tennis

Rugby League

Sports Canteen - Saturday 9 September

Gym Canteen Roster, 7:00am-1:00pm:

Families of Years 7, 8, 9, and 11 Basketball teams

Families of Years 5, 6, and 8 Tennis teams

https://signup.com/go/STebGfT

UQ Water Polo Club