Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon, Head of Sport
Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon, Head of Sport
Term 3 has reached the halfway mark with the AIC competition taking a mid-term break for the EKKA holiday. This week is a great chance for boys and staff to recharge and re-focus for the return to training next week and a full assault at the last month of competition for team sports in 2023.
Last weekend saw Marist hosting St Peters Lutheran College in basketball and tennis, with our rugby league teams having a bye due to SPLC not participating in rugby league. Over the course of the day it is fair to say that Marist dominated the basketball results, only losing the 1sts, 4ths, 7A and 7B matches in a strong overall performance, while in tennis SPLC dominated, winning all matches except the primary fixtures. Our 1st V were courageous as they took the game to SPLC throwing them off their game early with a full-court press, going ion at the first break tied at 24-all in what was one of the best quarters a Marist team has put on for a while. SPLC exerted their dominance in the second and were able to keep us at arm’s length from there. The 1st IV also challenged their more favoured opponent early and managed to get some wins on the board before the strength of the St Peters program managed to get a grip of the contest and hold on for a 6-2 win.
Damon Johnston – Hockey
Well done to Damon Johnston (7F) who represented Queensland at the National Schools Hockey 12 years Championships last week. Queensland came away with a national title, with Damon playing a key role in the team’s success.
Ms Kathryn Badini - Hockey Coordinator
I’ll start with the great news – the hockey boys have qualified for the Grand Final one week early. We’ll be up against St Edmund’s College on Friday 25 August at the State Hockey Centre, starting at 4:15pm. Any student interested in supporting the team can email Ms Badini to secure their spot on the supporter’s bus. It will be a tough game for us but given the momentum and press of the team in recent weeks, it’s a challenge that we can match.
This week we took on Brisbane State High School and pleasingly, we were able to get some goals in the first half. They came from two short corners from Oliver Shinkel (11) and a beautiful deflection goal from Sebastian Karamihas (12). In amongst this we had some great defensive work and runs from Cooper Lunn (12), Damon Johnston (7) and Fletcher Cabot (10). Into the second half, Isaac Pratt (11) was able to run the ball from the 25 straight into the goal, and Harry Condon (12) assisted Oliver Shinkel (11) to score his third goal – the team’s fifth hat trick for the season. The final result was 5-nil.
It was then a nervous wait to see how the rest of the games went, and thankfully the results went in our favour. The team now has two weeks to prepare for the Grand Final – a great achievement given that we placed fifth last year.
Mr John Lambourne - Basketball Coordinator
Round 4 vs. St Peter’s Lutheran College
1st V: Marist 68 – Iona 86
1st V Coach’s Report
James Lidstone – Coach
Round 4 saw our boys line up AIC heavyweights St. Peter’s who have wiped the floor with everyone by big margins. After a disappointing showing against Iona, the boys were keen to make amends.
The boys came out engaged and switched on and played great Marist basketball, playing strong physical defence and attacking the basket on transition. The bench was up and about, and the boys were in for the fight. After a seesawing first quarter, we went in tied up at 15 apiece.
The energy and effort continued into the second quarter, some timely threes from Declan Tunny and relentless pressure on the hoop from Will Ford and Jack Forrester saw Marist keep pace for the most of the second before a couple of sloppy turnovers and some clutch shooting from the SPLC players saw them skip out to a 10 point lead at the half.
SPLC came out with a point to prove in the 3rd quarter and we started to get fatigued and some careless errors saw them skip out to a 25-point lead. At this point, it would’ve been easy to roll over as a lot of other AIC schools have done but to the boys’ credit, they wanted to fight. We ramped up our full-court defensive pressure and got some easy baskets and by the end of the game, we had cut the deficit to 18. Forrey and Fordy continued their impressive AIC seasons with 19 and 17 points respectively. Our bigs Spencer, Kurt and Mulc battled hard and overall, we played a really good game of team basketball against a very talented SPLC team.
We’ve got 3 massive games ahead as look to finish the season off in winning fashion.
1st V Captain’s Report
Declan Tunny
Round 4 against St Peter’s College was set to be yet another tough game against one of the premiership favourites. With the home-court advantage and countless supporters coming to watch, the atmosphere was incredible to play in. The team got off to the best start this season playing great defence, ultimately shocking the tall St Peter’s side finishing the quarter at 15 points apiece. Despite keeping neck and neck for much of the game, the team slipped away late in the 3rd quarter allowing Peter’s to secure a lead and bring them home safely with the final score of 68-86.
Some notable mentions from the game included Will Ford’s offensive ability to get to the rim, putting up his usual 20+ point game. Jack Forrester supported this with 20 points of his own and an almost career-ending dunk on the Peters forward, getting everyone in the stands on their feet.
Although back-to-back losses are incredibly frustrating, the team is adamant to finish the season on a high with our remaining three games. This week is a bye round due to the EKKA break before we return to St Pat’s at Shorncliffe to get another win on the board.
Mr Mitch Reid – Cross Country Coordinator
State Cross Country Championships
I am delighted to share the remarkable achievements of our talented Cross Country runners at the recently concluded Queensland State Cross Country Championships held at the picturesque Toogoolawah Golf Course on July 29, 2023. Their dedication, hard work, and perseverance have once again shone through, leading to some outstanding results.
Under 15 Boys - 4km:
Under 16 Boys - 4km:
Under 17 Boys - 6km:
Under 18 Boys - 6km:
These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and talent of our students. Their performances reflect not only their collective commitment here at the College, it also reflects their individual dedication when training away from the College.
I would like to extend our congratulations to Harry Prole, Zac Milligan and Asher Parkin for their selection in the Queensland Cross Country team for the National Championships later this month. We wish them all the best!
Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field
Internal Mini Meet #3
It was fantastic to see a huge attendance of students for yesterday’s final Track and Field “Internal Mini Meet”. The turnout for the various jumps, throws, and track events was remarkable, a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students. Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin, has again expressed his admiration for the significant improvements demonstrated by the squad during this first block of training and competition.
As we strive to secure the College's 9th successive AIC Championship, the afternoon of events was both challenging and competitive. The activities included:
Some notable performances included:
Well done and as many athletes head to the first AIC meet and Met North we look forward to the boys showing their best performances as we start to identify athletes for the AIC team. Hoping to see good attendance at these meets over the next 4 weeks.
Thanks again to our fantastic coaching staff who joined in to make it a great start to the season.
Met North Regional Trials and AIC Meets
Congratulations to our students participating in the Met North Track and Field Regional Trials, scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, and Wednesday, August 23. The invitations are a recognition of their strong early-season performances, and we extend our best wishes to each student attending.
It's essential to acknowledge that Met North results represent one aspect of selection. 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.
Priorities (Multi-Sport Athletes)
In response to inquiries from several athletes regarding priorities, we want to assure everyone that Mr Graham and Mr Martin are readily available to collaborate with those engaging in multiple sports. Our aim is to assist students in balancing their diverse sporting aspirations effectively. As we strive for our 9th consecutive AIC title, we encourage each student to play a role, considering the strong competition from other schools in 2023. Your commitment and contribution are vital, and we're here to support you in achieving your individual and team-oriented objectives.
Ekka Break Training Schedule
Training during the Ekka Break will continue as per normal. Please see the Marist app for all relevant information.
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 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 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.
Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Congratulations
Congratulations to Elliot Aldridge and Xavier Howard for their selection in the Brisbane Grey U16 team competing in the Buildcorp Emerging Reds Cup in mid-September 2023. The tournament is the first official step in the Queensland Rugby pathway, with a Queensland U16s team selected following the three days of competition. We wish both boys all the best.
Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis
Singles Championships are in full swing with a moderate turnout of players completing the first stage of the tournament.
All students who entered had some memorable matches playing against players whom they would never play against normally.
My most memorable moment of the first day was seeing Henry Lambley, one of our 1st IV team, rallying and playing against Charlie Kelly, one of our up-and-coming Year 7 players. This was Marist to me as Henry could have blown him away but spent the time in helping to nurture our next generation of players. Charlie won some points and a huge smile to go with it.
Today sees the conclusion of this event with Semi-Finals in the main draw with all of our current 1st IV team advancing with Semi 1: Fletcher Wessling v Eddie Price and Semi 2: Henry Lambley v Hamish Davidson. We also have Quarterfinals in our Div 2 tournament. Good luck to all players today.
AIC Results Rd 4 v Peters
Many weeks ago, I asked for players not to change sports and if they were good tennis players to stick with tennis and be ready to take on powerhouse St Peters. With so many players gone from our program to other sports, it makes me think about what could have been this year after being beaten in all year levels except the Primary teams. Players who I know are not playing other sports who could have played would have been great to help with the current bunch of players who are putting in their all to represent their school.
Although not disgraced this past round we saw plenty of promise and I am sure the boys know what they need to do to beat them next year. We had many matches go down to the wire but nothing to show for our efforts this week, unfortunately. Our focus now is to finish strong and get our teams as high as we can in all as many year levels as possible.
Congratulations to all primary teams who won this weekend as I will be honoring my Grilled burger experience to all team members.
First IV Report
We started this clash with our greeting of the other team and we quickly started into what we were hoping was going to be another day where we defy all expectations and upset the favourites for the title. After the first two doubles and then we were off to the singles matches.
Some entertaining matches with Henry and Eddie both losing to their opposites in close matches which the scoreboard did not portray. Fletcher lost to a very determined opponent losing his first singles match of the season. Hamish got one back with a solid win but we were behind 2-4 at this stage and behind on sets and the day was gone unfortunately.
Our next two doubles were not our best and with only pride to play for our boys did not get up for these matches and were a bit flat which was understandable under the situation.
Our focus now is to win in Round 5 and bring our A game for the clash against Laurie’s in Round 6 which will decide who finishes second in this year’s competition.
It was a match of what could have been, but we walked away with our heads held high and all you boys can be proud of that.
After talking with the St Peter’s head coach, he had nothing but praise and respect for what we have achieved in a short period of time here at Marist Tennis and was happy that some schools are focusing on bringing tennis to the front of students sport selections in Term 3.
Ladies’ Tennis Survey
Thank you to all who took the time to fill out our survey. If you have not done so and would like to help us shape the tennis program here could you please take the time to help us out. Thanking you in advance.
https://forms.office.com/r/9FhDrVvCRS
We will compile the data and look to start 2024 with some new programs for tennis lessons with Ladies and adult tennis coaching and social tennis.
Primary Tennis Tournaments
Singles will be held on Monday 11 September.
Doubles will be held on Tuesday 12 September.
Both days will run from 3:30pm-7:00pm at the latest.
We are currently taking bookings for this tournament now.
AIC Break-Up Party
This will be held on Wednesday 13 September from 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the tennis centre. All players are welcome to help us celebrate the season with food and prizes for all to enjoy.
I would like to wish all a happy and safe break, and we shall see all students back on the courts starting next Monday with the resumption of AIC training.
Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming
Next week, two swimmers will travel to Sydney to compete in the Australian School National swimming championships. This is a great achievement as the Queensland Schools team is a difficult team to be selected for. Best of luck to Nathaniel Christison and Nicholas Osborn. Their results and achievements will be highlighted in the coming weeks.
Over the past weekend (Friday 11/8 - Sunday 13/8) the MCA Swim Club and … members contested the Queensland Short Championships at Chandler Aquatic Centre. This meet is the culmination of the short course season (25m pool) and provided swimmers the opportunity to compete against the best swimmers in the State in a condensed and challenging 3-day program. The club produced some fantastic results, some of which are highlighted below.
Congratulations to the following swimmers on becoming Queensland State Short Course Champions for the following events:
Well done on these fantastic achievements.
Congratulations to the following swimmers who claimed top 10 finishes in their events:
Well done to the following athletes on qualifying and competing at this meet.
Overall MCA Swim Club contested a total of 125 races with swimmers setting personal best times in 97 of these swims. This percentage of 77.6% is a fantastic effort for their hard work over the winter months.
The club and swimming program now switches its focus to the long course season, including the commencement of AIC training in the coming weeks. It is a long year, but swimmers, keep your heads down, enjoy the grind and results will continue to come. Queensland State Championships is only a short 17 weeks away which is the next opportunity for swimmers to test themselves against the best across the strongest swimming state in Australia.
Basketball
Tennis