Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

This will be my final newsletter article as I finish my employment at the College over the upcoming holidays. As I take a moment to reflect on my time at Marist College Ashgrove, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, pride and humility. It has been a privilege to be part of a community that places such a strong emphasis on the holistic development of young men, and in particular, the role that sport plays in shaping character, connection and commitment.

At the heart of our sporting program is an exceptional group of staff whose dedication to the boys and to the College is second to none. I have been fortunate to work alongside people who not only bring expertise and professionalism, but who genuinely care about the young men in their charge.

Matt Millward has been a constant source of energy and positivity. His dedication and passion are evident in everything he does, and he consistently goes above and beyond for both staff and students. His willingness to give his time and his unwavering commitment set a standard for us all.

Blair Whitlock has always been driven by a clear purpose- to provide the very best experience for the boys. His focus on quality and care ensures that every student has the opportunity to grow and feel part of something meaningful.

Camryn Mabey brings a level of professionalism and work ethic that is deeply respected. His high standards challenge those around him to be better, and his consistency is a strength of our program.

Richard Graham’s contribution to Rugby and Track & Field has been immense. His dedication, leadership and integrity have not only strengthened these programs but have also provided countless boys with opportunities to develop both as athletes and as young men.

In our Primary space, John Lambourne’s passion for the College is unmistakable. His knowledge, care and commitment to the younger boys ensure that their introduction to Marist sport is both positive and formative.

The swimming program has been expertly led by James Boyce, whose leadership and depth of knowledge have built a culture of excellence and accountability. His dedication to the craft is reflected in the performances and attitudes of the boys he coaches.

A special mention must also go to Adam Earnshaw for his revitalisation and ongoing improvement of our strength and conditioning program; his outstanding work ethic, deep commitment, calm demeanour and strong rapport with the students have had a significant and lasting impact across the College.

It is also important to acknowledge those who have contributed significantly in previous years. Corey Robinson brought great knowledge and was always willing to support others; Mitch Reid approached his work with integrity and a strong commitment to doing the job well; and Corey Lucas combined experience and relationship-building to leave a lasting impact on the boys he worked with.

Beyond these individuals, there is a broader group of dedicated and hardworking staff who give their time week in, week out to coach, manage and support teams. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, but it is essential to the strength of the Marist sporting program. Their commitment to the boys and to each other is something I have always admired.

I would also like to sincerely thank the College Leadership Team over my years, Michael Newman, Phill Holding, Charles Brauer and Bruce McPhee, for their ongoing support of sport within the College. Their trust, guidance and belief in the value of what we do have been instrumental.

Our facilities are a source of pride, and that is due in no small part to the incredible work of the grounds team, led by Callum Clark. Their attention to detail and commitment to providing outstanding playing environments do not go unnoticed. Similarly, the marketing team, led by Bethany Halpin, has played a vital role in telling our story, capturing and sharing the moments that make Marist sport so special.

To our parents, the P&F and the Old Boys Association, thank you for your unwavering support. Your encouragement, presence and belief in the program help create a strong sense of community that extends well beyond the sidelines.

Finally, and most importantly, to the boys- thank you. Thank you for the way you represent the College each week with passion, commitment and good spirit. Whether in victory or defeat, you have embraced the values of Marist sport and have contributed to something much bigger than yourselves.

As I move on from Marist College Ashgrove, I do so with great appreciation for the people, the experiences and the memories that have shaped my time here. It has been an honour to serve this community, and I leave knowing that the future of Marist sport is in very good hands.

Student Achievements

Joshua Pope - Golf

Congratulations to Josh who has qualified as the only junior for the National Handiskins Championships on the Gold Coast in May. Good luck Josh.

Football

Football Coordinator – Mr Blair Whitlock

Football season is well underway with over 550 players having completed their trials and played in their first game. Thank you to the whole Football community for your effort and enthusiasm over the last few weeks. It’s been great see the excitement growing throughout term one ahead of what promises to be an enjoyable AIC Football season.

Pre-Season Trial Matches

During week nine the year 7-10 A/B teams all competed against Padua College in trial matches down on the Flats. All teams had a quality hit out against strong opposition as we continue to gel and connect as a group. The 8 matches resulted in 4 wins, 2 draws & 2 losses with plenty of lessons learned along the way.

On Friday 27th & Saturday 28th March all teams played either internal matches or against teams from Ambrose Treacy College. This was the first game of the season for the majority of players and the fields were a Hive of activity throughout both days. From the Year 5’s lacing up for their first game in the Blue & Gold to the Year 12s starting their final season at Marist it what wonderful to see everyone back on the field.

The 1st XI Football team have continued their preparation for the AIC season with trial matches against Brisbane Boys College, Brisbane Grammar School, Churchie, Ambrose Treacy College & St James College. Best of luck to the 1st XI team as they look to defend the AIC trophy after consecutive premierships in 2024 & 2025.

Team Selections

Team selections will continue to be monitored ahead of the AIC season and there is every chance players will be moved up and down leading into Round One on Saturday 2nd May. If you aren’t in the team you would like to be in - consistent commitment, work ethic and performance will result in opportunities for players that excel in all three of these departments.

Holiday Activities

The term one holidays are a busy time for Marist Football with several activities taking place. The Marist Football Camp on the 9th & 10th April will be a great two days of connection and development for over 100 year 5-8 Footballers. This is the first Football camp that has been run in the last 5 years and we look forward to building upon it with future camp opportunities.

We are entering U14, U16 and the 1st XI teams into the Gold Coast Football Tournament during the second week of the school holidays. All three teams will play six competitive matches against opposition from across Australia & New Zealand which will be a tough test leading into the new season.

On Saturday 18th April the Football program will be taking on St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace in a full trial round with all teams having a match on the day. The draw for this will be posted on the Orbit app in the coming days and these games will kickstart Term 2 Football.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the following students Cooper Donaghy, William Hutchinson, Oliver Leigh, Ross Murie, Joseph Niere, Daniel Sadimenko, Ronan Sadimenko, and Finn Sheehan who proudly represented Met North at the recent Queensland School State Swimming Carnival. This is an outstanding achievement, and we commend them on their efforts and commitment.

I would also like to make special mention of several swimmers who delivered excellent individual performances at the championships:

Nathan Cullen

6th – 13 Years 50m Freestyle
4th – 13 Years 50m Backstroke
4th – 13 Years 200m Freestyle
6th – 13 Years 400m Freestyle
7th – 13–14 Years 200m Backstroke
6th – 13–14 Years 100m Backstroke
4th – 13–14 Years 100m Freestyle

Isaac Gervais

10th – 15 Years 200m Breaststroke

Daniel Sadimenko

Queensland Champion – 13 Years 200m Butterfly
9th – 13 Years 50m Butterfly
5th – 13 Years 200m Backstroke
5th – 13–14 Years 100m Backstroke

Thomas Lindner

Queensland Champion – 10 Years 100m Breaststroke
3rd – 10 Years 50m Butterfly
6th – 10 Years 200m Individual Medley
8th – 10 Years 50m Breaststroke
4th – 10 Years 100m Butterfly

Congratulations to all swimmers on their performances.

Over the holiday period, competition continues with several of our senior swimmers competing at the Australian National Age Championships. These championships will be streamed on Nine Now, and we encourage our community to support the boys as they compete on the national stage.

We wish the very best of luck to: Thomas Bedggood, Nathan Cullen, Morgan Elphinston, Tomas Fitzpatrick, William Hutchinson, Oliver Leigh, Sam Mapledoram, Bas Martinuzzi, Archer Mellifont, Ryan Mullin, Joseph Niere, Cooper Donaghy, and Lincoln Ryan.

This week marks the final week of the school-based training squads for the term. These sessions have been a valuable initiative, providing strong development opportunities for our swimmers. The program will recommence in Term 4.

Training will continue throughout Terms 2 and 3 in our heated pool, and I strongly encourage all swimmers to maintain consistency over the winter months. This is a critical period for development, and those who commit to training often see significant improvement, positioning themselves well for selection in next year’s AIC Swimming Team.

For any enquiries regarding winter training or bookings, please contact Jade at swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Thank you to all swimmers and families for a wonderful season. We wish everyone the very best for their Term 2 sports.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Trial Matches and Rosalie Round

It was wonderful to see the College fields on Saturday full of bumblebee jerseys, referees, parents and supporters, caring medics, and rugby coordinators and coaches. To drive along Des Connor Fields and see so many people and so much colour is a joy to see. Rugby union is back!

Thanks to the all the students for their participation on Saturday. It is a complex day navigating approximately 65-140 students per year level who all want to deliver their best performances. The standard of all the games was incredibly high and the next few weeks of training and trials will ensure everyone has the opportunity to continue improving.

We express our thanks to St Peter’s College for their participation in the 1st XV and ‘A’ trials and providing important preparation for our teams. Congratulations to our 1st XV for their consistency throughout both halves, displaying exceptional discipline, effort and energy. Their performance was of a high standard and sets a good benchmark for future games.

It was also great to have Ambrose Treacy College’s 1st XV play our 3rd XV. They presented a number of different challenges to our 3rd XV and it was nice to see the team respond in a really positive manner. Well done to the 3rd XV for a dominant performance and good win.

My gratitude to the College coaching staff and coordinators for their commitment amid a demanding academic schedule. Week 9 and 10 are full of exams, marking, reporting and teaching. It is extremely busy time before adding in the rugby program on top. All the staff want the students to have a safe and enjoyable experience, and they work hard to deliver this.

Finally, the reunion of the Marist Rosalie Old Boys and the coming together with the current 1st XV was a heart-warming testament to the enduring Marist spirit. The Old Boys performed a Rosalie war cry to the students whilst the 1st XV sang Sub Tuum in response. You can never underestimate how much it means to the Rosalie Old Boys to feel connected to the Marist traditions and spirit. To speak with the large contingent of the Old Boy group pre-game, they are still recounting schoolboy stories from 60 years ago.

Term 1 | Wrap Up

Marist Rugby Union Rugby Referee Program – well done to the Marist College, Mt St Michael’s and Padua College students, along with one parent for completing the course.

All of them will now start their journey as a referee with some beginning this past weekend in the internal trials.

Rugby Ready Program – a special thank you to the fantastic group of coaches who delivered the Rugby Ready Program across Term 1. Thanks to Mrs Sharon Davidson, Mr Andy Marshall, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Mal Grealy, Mr David Jackman, Mr Jye Davies, Mr Tom Dangerfield, Mr Pat Brown, Mr Peter Gaiter, Mr Glenn Wright, Mr Jim Midgley, Mr Matt Dangerfield, Mr Doug Perrers, Mr Camryn Mabey, Mr John Lambourne, Mr Damien Nelson, Ms Ella Graham, Mr Anthony Graham, Mr Hugh Freese, Mr Bill Prole, Mr Brad Winchester, , Charlie Gardiner, Henry Gardiner, and Xavier Howard.

Marist Rugby Union Year Level Coordinators – please contact your year level coordinator for all non-selection matters such as lateness, unavailability and timings.

Year Level Coordinator

Opens - Mr Peter Gaiter - gaiterp@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 10 - Mr Michael Abbott - abbottm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 9 - Mrs Liz Walsh - walshe@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 8 - Mrs Sharon Davidson - davidsons@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7 - Mr Damien Nelson - nelsond@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 6 - Mr John Lambourne - lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 5 - Ms Ella Graham - grahame@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Groundsmen – thanks to the groundsmen for their fantastic work in getting the field ready during the Rugby Ready Program and immediately following Term 1 sports ending. It is a huge job and the staff did a superb job under challenging circumstances.

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Thank you to the 600+ students who have already signed on to play rugby at the College in 2026.

Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. You are able to sign your son up for a chosen sport once the portal opens.

Students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.

Marist Rugby Union | Correct Uniform

As parents begin to purchase clothing in preparation for each term’s sporting commitments, I would like to clarify the College’s expectations regarding the rugby union uniform.

Last season, we had a small number of students cut the bottom off their rugby union socks and insert a white sock. The rugby union uniform is very clear and consists of the bumblebee jersey, Marist sports shorts, and Marist rugby union socks.

There are to be no alterations made to any part of the rugby union uniform. I ask that students and parents please address this prior to the season commencing, rather than it needing to be followed up by coaches closer to the season.

Thank you for your continued support.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2025 the College consistently 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.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Students | Australian Junior Athletics Championships

Following an extremely successful State Titles, we wish all our Marist students preparing for the Australian Junior Athletics Championships from April 15-20 all the best.

Dilpreet Sharma, Isaac Ting, Connor Campbell, Harry Prole, Lyndon Maynard, Hayden Lockhart, Max King, Lachlan Thomas, Hugo Lockhart, Ben Flanagan, and Nate Griffin.

These young men have continued to excel in their Track and Field performances and will head to the nationals with a lot of confidence in their preparation.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

Following our success at the 2025 AIC Primary and Secondary Championship and win at the National Schools Challenge (Intermediate Division), the Track and Field program continues to provide excellent opportunities for students to be involved in a high-quality program.

The Track and Field Camp is a vital component of the team’s preparation for the AIC Championship. Over 2½ days, students will receive high-level coaching and mentoring from an exceptional team of specialists including National and Olympic-level coaches across various track and field disciplines.

Attendance at the camp is by invitation only and invitations will be sent to selected students in late August. Selection is based on a range of factors, including performance, attitude, attendance and team composition.

This camp provides an outstanding opportunity for students to refine their skills, build team camaraderie, and gain valuable insights from elite-level coaches as we prepare to defend both our AIC Secondary and AIC Primary Championship trophies.

Camp Information

Dates: Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 September 2026

Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to begin their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The focus at this early stage is Sprints / Hurdles / Throws / Jump plyometrics. Please see below details - WHEN: Sunday afternoonsWHERE: Hayden OvalTIME: 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.