Sport News

We are well over the half-way mark on the season, with three rounds to go for the team sports and our first AIC meet for track and field this week. Even after two and a half years at the college, it continues to impress me how Marist boys get involved, take pride in their college and perform to their best on a regular basis. The commitment and dedication that the boys show week in week out will set them up for life. We are no longer the biggest school in the AIC, St Laurence’s and Iona have more students than us, but we consistently provide the most teams and the greatest depth of participation across the whole AIC.

Our rugby league boys are showing real determination and passion each week, led by Mr Ryan Apps as Co-ordinator, Mr Dallas Williams as head coach and a strong coaching group of staff and external coaches. Over a number of years now there has been steady and clear improvement in our rugby league, highlighted by back to back success at Confro and results so far this season. The whole program will be aiming to finish hard over the next few weeks as we are in contention for both the 1st XIII and the aggregate competitions.

Our track and field team continues to work hard as they prepare for their big day in week 1 of next term. This is a huge operation, one that Marist prides itself on, and is led magnificently by Old Boy and staff member Mr Richard Graham and Old Boy and current parent Mr Robin Martin, supported by a team of dedicated staff and external coaches who work hard to help the boys improve their technical and physical performance. Good luck to the 74 boys competing at Met North trials this week and the first AIC lead up meet this Thursday. 

Our tennis program continues to go from strength to strength with our First IV around the top of the table despite the loss to St Peters. The program overall has had a wonderful start to the season with many comprehensive victories. Well done to Head Coach Mr Andrew Ward for the clear improvement over the last three years.

Basketball continues to grow and develop with our overall results on the improve year on year for the last few years. This is testament to the commitment of our basketball community, led by Mr John Lambourne. The 1st V, coached by Mr James Lidstone. The 1st V have played the best basketball in my short time at the college this season and are in line for a high placing, even first with results going our way. With the commitment of the boys and staff, I am sure they will finish strongly as a reward for their efforts.

Well done to our hockey teams with our senior team continuing our recent successes and our Boarders team performing well above expectations each week as many learn the sport. Thanks to Ms Kathryn Badini for her leadership and passion for Marist Hockey.

Hockey

Ms Kathryn Badini (Hockey Coordinator)

Despite the Ekka holiday, our First Hockey team still had a game on Friday afternoon against St Patrick’s College. With the Finals now in our sights, it was a good opportunity to trial some different game plays and positioning. And it worked. Final result was 6:1. What was even more impressive than the scoreline was the fact that a different boy scored each time: Luke Keir ( Year 7), Cian Cournane (Year 12), Oliver Shinkel (Year 12), Isaac Pratt (Year 12), Matt Alverz (Year 9) and Hugh Irwin (Year 12). A special shoutout needs to go to Hugh who is usually our goalkeeper, but this game was given the opportunity to stretch his legs and capitalised on his newly founded hockey knowledge. A thank you also to Fletcher Cabot (Year 11) who donned the pads on what was possibly the hottest afternoon game we’ve played in a while and made some spectacular saves.

The 1sts play Eddies this Wednesday at 3:30pm in what will be a GF rematch from last year, and preview GF for this year. The Marist vs Eddies Hockey rivalry continues! Our Seconds will also be playing their last game against Brisbane State High on Wednesday at 5:00pm. Both games are at Burringbar Park and definitely worth a watch.

Student Achievements

A reminder to email sports@marash.qld.edu.au if you have any positive news about student achievements in sport. Official notification from Met North and QSSS is only done at specific times throughout the year and we like to recognise our student achievements in a timely manner, close to the event. Please include a photo if you can. This includes club/non-school sport achievements. As this is also recorded in the Blue and Gold, emails should come from parents only please. A few sentences of information is also well received.

Cricket

Congratulations to Will Nickelson (Year 12) and Louis Morris (Year 12) who represented Queensland at the recent Cricket Exchange series against New South Wales in Mackay. Both played leading roles in the Queensland team and performed well throughout.

Futsal

Well done to Nicolas Pola who has been selected in the Met North Under 14 Futsal Team to contest the upcoming state championships. We wish Nicolas well as he prepares for this wonderful experience.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Term 3 T&F Meets

Selection for the Marist AIC Track and Field Championship team has well and truly started. 

For all students wishing to earn a spot on the team, the remaining Track and Field Meets in Term 3 are –

Thursday 22 August – AIC Practice Meet #1 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

Wednesday 28 August – AIC Practice Meet #2 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

Thursday 5 September – AIC Practice Meet #3 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

Wednesday 11 September – AIC Practice Meet #4 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

It would be great to see all students wishing to be a part of the team to attend as many meets as possible. It is an important part of the preparation as the team challenges for a 10th successive AIC Secondary Championship and a 4th successive AIC Primary Championship.

Safety Notice – Hayden Oval

Thank you to everyone for their continued support with this. It has made the training sessions a lot safer and a lot more enjoyable. 

Could I ask everyone to remain focussed on safety when Track and Field training is on Hayden Oval? Discus, shot put and javelin training is Monday and Wednesday afternoons. At any time you are walking across Hayden Oval or wanting to enter the tennis courts area, please adhere to the following safety guidelines: Look for Bunting, Signs, and Witches Hats: These markers are placed to indicate restricted areas.  Safe Route: To move between the bus stop and tennis courts, please use the road up to the new primary building and the stairs closest to the tennis shed. Please do not walk across Hayden Oval. Your cooperation is essential in ensuring everyone's safety during training sessions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Track and Field Camp (Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 September)

We are excited to announce that the annual Track and Field camp will be held from Thursday, September 12 to Saturday, September 14. Due to an international event scheduled at Runaway Bay, this year the camp will take place at the Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler) and the University of Queensland athletics track.

Due to capped numbers, the Track and Field camp will be by invitation only. However, we are pleased to offer additional opportunities for day training sessions and afternoon meets this year.

NOTE - Track Camp spots will be chosen in first 1-2 weeks of AIC Practice Meets. Looking for aspiring athletes to record some quality times and distances to take a strong squad to camp at the end of term 3 in preparation for the AIC Track and Field Championships in Week 1, Term 4.

Track and Field Uniform

A reminder that the DRESS CODE for all T&F training sessions is as per the 2024 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 2024 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 Handbook

Please see the Marist app for the 2024 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.

Marist Track and Field – Sunday Sessions

This year, Marist College with be 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 - 

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

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 – 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

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome back to life post-Ekka! I hope everyone has settled back into the school routine, refreshed and ready to roll.

After a week of recharging, we’re gearing up for the next big event: hosting St Patrick's College this Saturday. It’s our second home game of the season, and the Boys have been fine-tuning their skills all week in preparation for this much-anticipated showdown. As always, it promises to be a friendly match played in the best spirits—think of it as competitive camaraderie at its finest.

Team selections will be out on Thursday, so keep an eye out and best of luck to all our teams this round!

Marist Primary and Senior Doubles Tournaments

We’re still in search of the perfect date for this tournament. Stay tuned—great things come to those who wait!

Marist Open Singles Championships

Dates: Monday 9 September and Tuesday 10 September

Time: from 3:30pm

Details: Tennis, sausage sizzles, and bragging rights—what more could you ask for?

AIC Break-up Party

Date: Wednesday 11 September 

Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm

Details: Calling all AIC players and reserves! Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and fierce competition. Don’t forget to book—those sausages won’t sizzle themselves!

Christmas Break-up Party and Parent/Son Tournament

Date: Sunday 17 November

Time: Starting at 1:00pm until the last ball is hit

Details: Open to any student from our coaching program this year. Show off your skills, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. It’s all about having a ball!

Term 4 Coaching and Friday Fixtures

Get ready to book your spot for Term 4! All squads and group classes will soon be open for registration. Plus, Friday Fixtures are back, giving our Boys the regular competition they need to sharpen their skills and prepare for the battles ahead. Perfect prep for AIC students to take their game to the next level.  

AIC Training Days

A friendly request to all parents: punctuality is key! It’s tough to warm up as a team when students are strolling in 5-10 minutes late. A simple solution—get the Boys out of bed 15 minutes earlier. It’s great character-building for now and the future. We’re striving to create a culture of teamwork and an environment where everyone thrives, but that’s tough when latecomers disrupt training. Let’s all work together to build a winning team, on and off the court!

Welcome to Wilson Sports

Exciting news! Marist tennis is thrilled to announce our partnership with Wilson Sports. Our new Pro Shop and office, located next to the sports office, can order anything Wilson—from racquets to footwear. We’ll also have special deals and clearances on selected gear, plus the full Luxilon string range. It’s going to be awesome!

Coming to and from the courts

Students are reminded to please use the access road up to primary and come down the stairs. Please do not cross the oval if it is coned off for athletics training. Your safety is paramount and I thank everyone for their attention to this so far this term.

Thanking everyone in advance for all you do for Marist tennis.