Sport News

After a very successful term 1 we head into the winter sport season for chess, football, cross country and rugby. It is a busy time with lots on for the boys to keep them active.   

Marist Sport Key Performance Indicators

With the start of the new term it is timely to remind everyone of our key performance indicators for sport. While winning is good, and we do strive to win every game, we are a school and our purpose for playing sport is about so much more than the results. The staff are mindful that sport is vehicle to assist in develop in our young men character, discipline, respect, integrity and teamwork amongst other values.   

1. Every team to be top 3 in their division and the program to be 1st or 2nd in the aggregate. All First teams to be competitive, aiming for a premiership at least every 3 years.
2. Every boy develops a love of the sport through their experience at Marist. That we provide opportunities for boys to develop skills, represent the college and play with their friends.
3. Every boy develops life skills through playing sport. These include being a member of a team (with boys they may not be friends with), setting goals, dealing with adversity (including being dropped, disagreeing with a referee decision), learning how to win with grace and lose with dignity and respect and challenging ourselves to get out of their comfort zone.

Uniform at Sport

It has been great to see that the message of we train in the Marist training shirt has been well received this year. It really has been wonderful to see the blue and gold across our fields in term 1 and it has so far continued well with football, cross country and rugby. There are a number of reasons why we want this. Firstly it builds a sense of belonging and unity and we are all together as one. Secondary to this it also equalizes everyone (which is important when trialling teams) and thirdly, it makes life a lot easier operationally for coaches in organizing opposed training activities. Well done gents, keep it up.

On Saturdays when we play fixtures it is important that we present the college in a positive light as we are representatives of the college wherever we go. Boys are to turn up to matches either in playing kit or school uniform, getting changed to play. All boys must have covered shoes (no slides, thongs or Birkenstocks) and if it is a bit cooler the outer wear must be Marist apparel, either tracksuit jacket, school hoodie or school jumper. No random jumpers or jackets should be seen. 

All spectators, including those boys who have played already need to be in full college uniform. This will include getting changed into school uniform at the completing of your match if you intend to stay and support others. If you are involved in games before the firsts and you are staying to watch, unless you are involved on the bench with the team you must get changed. No longer can boys use the excuse of I played the game before, it only takes five minutes to get changed. Boarders will need to take their change of clothes with you, similar to a day boy would need to do, in case the dorm is closed when you need to get changed.

Representing Marist

It is a wonderful thing to be able to play sport with your mates and represent the college. It builds character and resilience, develops skills and fitness, and should be a fun and enjoyable experience. This is a reminder to all boys, some of whom are playing sport for the first time this year of our expectations and standards around behaviour to make sure we are allowing everyone to enjoy the opportunity of AIC sport. We represent our College with pride, with respect for the officials, our opponents and the game.   

What does that look like? We accept the referees decision, regardless of what we think of it. We respect our opponent at all times, we do not sledge, swear or get into arguments, we keep our hands to ourselves and we do not retaliate regardless of the provocation. 

AIC Code of Behaviour - Players

Fundamental to the AIC, is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as a player you are welcoming to everyone and treat them with the greatest levels of respect, protecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability/disability, sexual orientation, cultural background, or religion.

As a player who will be representing their college and playing under the auspices of AIC, you play an important role in upholding the values of the AIC and the College. Players need to demonstrate the following behaviours regarding their conduct:

• Exhibit a high standard of conduct and sportsmanship on and off the field including appropriate language, social media posts, and interaction with officials and opposition players.
• Respect your opponents by displaying humility in victory and graciousness in defeat.
• Play in the correct age group and commit to and respect the team that you are selected in.
• Play hard and competitively, but always fairly and accept the official's decisions.
• Cooperate with your coach, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators.
• Do not sledge, abuse, or threaten opponents or officials.
• Be punctual to games and have the correct equipment and College attire.
•  Acknowledge the opposition before and after the game with a handshake and thanks.
• Adhere to host school requirements when playing at their venues.
• Take pride in representing your College and the AIC.
• Do not act in a way that may adversely affect or reflect on, or bring you, your team, College or the AIC, into disrepute or discredit.
• Do not use drugs, including pain killers, to improve or maintain performance.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Easter Rugby Camp – What a day!!

What an incredible day of rugby! The Easter Rugby Camp was a huge success with 257 enthusiastic students attending and the college ovals alive with bumblebee jerseys, and plenty of energy and excitement.

The lineup of coaches, including Marist's own talented coaches, former students, and Queensland Reds players, made for a wonderful learning experience for all the participants. 

Special thanks to all the old boy position-specific coaches who shared their expertise and passion for the game. Each of them added a genuine point of difference to the camp. Mr Michael Crank, Mr Andrew Farley, Mr Daniel Heenan, Mr Michael Heenan, Mr Shane Arnold, and Mr Pat Howard. All of these men provided a valuable insight into key positional skills and techniques.

Similarly, Old Boys Mr Peter Anderson (10A), Jude Knapp, Lachie Howse, Gus Rosanowski, Willem Michelmore and Shaun Anderson were all there to support our Easter Rugby Camp and pass on their deep knowledge to the students. Mr Darren Kayrooz (2nd XV) and Mr Glenn Wright (4th XV) were also part of the coaching group and we thank them for their valuable contribution to the Easter Rugby Camp.

A huge shoutout to Queensland Reds players Mac Grealy, Liam Wright, Angus Blyth, and Taj Annon for their exceptional contributions to the camp. It's fantastic to see professional players giving back to the grassroots level and inspiring the next generation of rugby stars. Not only are they fantastic young men, they are also quality people. We will follow their season with an increased interest.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication and support of the college staff who took time from their holidays to make sure the boys had another great rugby learning opportunity and to make the day a success. Thanks to Mrs Sharon Davidson, Ms Ella Graham, Mr John Lambourne, Mr Anthony Graham, Mr Mal Grealy, Mr Doug Perrers, Mr James Trebbin, Mr Damien Nelson, Mr Michael Abbott, Mr Angus Sutherland, Mr Paddy Conn, Mr Bas Pelly, Mr Tom Dangerfield, Mr Matt Dangerfield, Mr Chris Daykin. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

A special thanks to Mrs Bethany Halpin and Ms Antonia Svenson for their outstanding work behind the scenes. Thanks to their dedication and creativity, the marketing of the Easter Rugby Camp was nothing short of superb. The live Instagram updates provided throughout the day were a fantastic way to capture the colours of the day and the wonderful memories for all involved. Their efforts undoubtedly contributed to the success of the camp!

Finally, a big thank you to the grounds staff, led by Mr Callum Clark, for their exceptional dedication and hard work in maintaining the College grounds to such immaculate standards. The countless positive comments from both our own families and visitors are a testament to their extraordinary efforts. Our fields are undoubtedly the best in Queensland!

Marist Rugby Matches – 1st XV and 2nd XV vs Nudgee College

It was a stunning day for running rugby and a large crowd of both supporter groups were present to watch two very good games of rugby. 

A big thank you also goes out to Nudgee College for joining our Easter Rugby Camp for the second successive year. Given the misalignment of the AIC and GPS rugby seasons, the students miss out on some of those memorable rugby experiences of playing different schools and meeting different people. Thanks to the Director of Rugby, Mr Sean Graham, for supporting our camp again, and to Mr Andrew Scotney and his coaching staff for bringing the 1st XV and 2nd XV to play our teams.

Both Marist teams enjoyed physical and testing contests against well-organised teams.

After a slow start, the 2nd XV played 40 minutes of excellent rugby. Their commitment and desperation in defence were matched by their ball movement and work ethic in attack. It was wonderful to see them play the physical attacking rugby they have trained for, and their continued willingness to complete was the foundation for their win. They will take a lot of confidence from their pre-season preparation and strong camaraderie. 

The 1st XV showed some character and resilience under pressure in the first half. Marist spent much of the first half camped in the back 50m after turning over possession and compounding that with a number of penalties. In a game where the 1st XV continued to challenge themselves with quick taps and running rugby, a little holiday rustiness proved costly. At 0-12 down at halftime, there were opportunities to fight back into the contest, however, a number of quick succession tries from Nudgee in the second half closed out the game.

Marist Rugby Trial Matches – St Laurence’s College

With just one week left until the start of the AIC rugby season, this weekend presents another chance for students to showcase their skills and challenge for positions before AIC Round 1 kicks off.

Whilst the trial day is hosted by St Laurence’s, Year 5-7 games plus a few extras will be played at Marist. Please check the draw to make sure your travel plans are correct.

All students are to arrive at least 45 minutes before their games unless instructed otherwise by your coach. Arrive in Marist rugby playing gear (no thongs or Birkenstocks).

Teams for the trials will be announced Friday morning.

Rugby Union Training – Term 2

Please ensure you check the Marist app for the Year level training sessions scheduled in Term 2. These sessions are divided into three blocks due to Anzac Day falling in Week 2.

Additionally, refer to the Rugby Union Key Dates Calendar and AIC Draw in the Marist app for information on all games throughout the season.

Thank you to the GPS Rugby Union club for generously allowing our Year 10 cohort to train on their grounds. This has provided us with more field space, enhancing the overall training experience for our students. We are grateful for our strong connection with Jeeps and appreciate the opportunity to be part of the wider rugby community.

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.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

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 -

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

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 Athletes at the Australian Junior Track and Field 2024 (Adelaide)

A number of Marist athletes are competing in Adelaide at the Australian national Track and Field titles representing QLD at this time during the end of the school holidays. The first 4 athletes have competed with another 6 still to compete in the coming days. A summary to date -

Sania Elisala – Competing for QLD for the first time, Sania lifted to record a Season best time for his 400m in the u15 age group. Sania showed few nerves and finished strongly in a fast heat where 4 athletes made the final (17th overall nationally).

Xavier Simms – Competed in Semi finals in Under 20, 100m and 200m. Competing against the National junior 100m/200m champion Gout Gout and a host of 19 year old athletes, Xavier ended up Top 12 in his 18 Years age group nationally.

Isaac Ting – Competing in 400m hurdles at first inter-state Nationals after winning bronze at the state championships Isaac did well finishing 16th overall in his age group having also been through Firsts Football preparation during the early part of the holidays.

Connor Campbell – Bettering his QLD State Titles time, Connor paced his race very well to finish 14th overall in his age group in the u16 400m. With several more events this meet and then returning to Adelaide for the Little Athletics Nationals a week later, Connor has been running into good form.

With a host of hurdles, shot put, middle distance and jumps athletes competing from Tuesday through to Friday we wish all Marist athletes well as they compete for their state.

Congratulations for making it to this level and they will all be far better for the upcoming school season for the experience.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

As we embark upon Term 2, it is imperative to disseminate crucial information regarding the revised commencement date for coaching activities. Regrettably, inclement weather conditions have impeded the progress of our court transformation endeavours over the past three weeks. Consequently, the commencement of coaching activities has been rescheduled to ensure the unimpeded progress of our tradesmen, thereby facilitating the timely completion of our courts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all for their patience during this period of adjustment.

Furthermore, we wish to highlight the diligent efforts of Jade, who is diligently working to ensure that all individuals are appropriately booked for their respective lessons. Kindly direct any inquiries or concerns to Jade via email at MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au.

Additionally, we eagerly anticipate the commencement of Brisbane & Super League teams this Saturday, with eight teams slated to compete at home. Should there be any shortfall in court availability, rest assured that we are actively exploring alternative scheduling options to accommodate all teams. Further details regarding this matter will be communicated promptly.

Moreover, we are pleased to announce the resumption of our Fixtures program on Friday, 26th April, heralding the return of competitive engagements within our community.

Lastly, group lessons are scheduled to commence on Monday and Thursday afternoons, commencing Week 2 of Term 2. We encourage all interested individuals to seize this opportunity to refine their skills and deepen their engagement with our tennis program.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate these logistical adjustments. Together, let us look forward to a successful and fulfilling Term 2.

Trial Round Draws

Football

Rugby Union