Sport News

With the year winding down, we are getting ready for Term 1 sports. Trials are up and running for all Term 1 sport now. Our firsts cricketers are off to Perth in the holidays for the Marist Schools Australia Cricket Carnival, our firsts AFL have a practice match this week and a camp at the end of the holidays and our firsts volleyball team are on the Gold Coast in December for the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. Good luck to all these sides as they take part in vital preparation for their upcoming AIC seasons. We have also brought back some January training opportunities for boys. This is something we want to increase opportunity for in the future.  

Spectating

One of the great things about school sport is that we are all heavily invested. Unlike club sport where our only engagement with the club is at training and games, in a school we are we live (literally for our boarders) here together five, six or seven days a week. We (the boys, the staff and the community) care about the place and take great pride in how we do in sport. First team schoolboy matches can draw bigger crowds than many premier state competition matches in the same sport. 

The positive to this is that we get tremendous buy-in and apathy is certainly not a concern. There is a real opportunity for sport to teach us many valuable lessons for life. The concern is that passion and enthusiasm can be misdirected at times and cause embarrassment or harm to players, officials and other spectators. Fortunately, in the two years I have been here there have been very, very few issues and by and large as a community we get spectating. That does not mean we do not discuss what that should look like. It is much easier to keep highlighting the expectations and our values while we are doing the right things already than try and correct a negative culture. 

I would hate to see managing behaviour at school sport ever be an issue. At the end of the day, for 99% of us playing sport is going to be about being healthy, learning skills and enjoying playing with their mates.

For the Boys

Make sure your dress code meets the school expectations- college uniform worn correctly. If you play earlier in the day, get changed out of your playing kit. If we all dress the same we look like a tribe, together, unified and strong. No thongs, slides, Birkenstocks at any time please. Whether it be at sporting events, on the bus or the shopping centre, every boy is a post card out there in the community. For many people the only interaction they have with Marist College Ashgrove will be seeing you and they will judge all of us on how you look, how you speak, how you behave. Sport is even more obvious because you are in large groups. 

Direct your passion positively to help the team. Clap and cheer good play, ignore our mistakes. You would be surprised but if one of our players makes a mistake on the field or court and a few of us say something negative or remonstrate they see that and it affects their performance. 

In an ideal world as Christian gentlemen, we would congratulate our opponent for positive play with a clap and ignore their mistakes. I would love to see that happen. We can support our team and still be respectful of our opponent. At a minimum I expect that we ignore the opposition players totally: no comments, no banter or signals when they make a mistake, no anger or frustrated gestures when they do something well or score; polite, respectful and gracious at all times.

Know the war cries, get involved in making a positive difference for our players. Nothing lifts a team more than a couple of hundred boys sending out a stirring rendition of one of our anthems.

For Spectators

As spectators, it’s a sports parent’s job to do what spectators do best, just cheer. This can sometimes be hard to do, especially if you feel like you could do a better job than your child’s actual coach. Coaching from the sideline undermines the authority of the coach and could upset the dynamic of the team.

It’s important that sports spectators remember the old adage, “If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.” You never know who you are sitting next to in the stands, or who can overhear your conversations, so just avoid trash-talking in general. Remember, sports parents set the example for the boys.

Not every game is going to be your child’s best. It’s important that parents stay positive no matter how things may be going for your youth athlete or their team. Players beat themselves up enough for the mistakes they make on the field, so try to cheer them up and help them focus on what went right, as opposed to fixating on what went wrong.

You never want to be that sports parent or spectator. We all know the one — the one that yells, criticizes, picks arguments on the sideline. Try to remember that this is schoolboy sport, it’s about the boys and having fun. 

It is not your job to question the official’s ruling. If anyone needs to talk with the referee or umpire let the coach handle it. Again, it’s all about acting the way we would want the kids to behave. Most of our officials are school students or young people themselves. They make mistakes, we all do. 

Sport - Basic Expectations for All Players

The expectations of the players are broken into two categories- training and match day. All players should be aware of these expectations and ensure they are meeting or exceeding them.

Training

Upon selection in an AIC team players required to train at least twice per week, In-season activities always take precedence over pre-season or development training.

MOTTO FOR TRAINING: “ON TIME, DRESSED CORRECTLY, READY TO GO”

Match Day

Sport Registration

All players must be registered to play sport. Instructions for how to do this are available. The registration for term 1 sports for existing students is the last day of the term before. This is a hard deadline. We must have an accurate number of participants so we can organise the right number of teams, source all coaches required, enter team numbers to the AIC and provide the best quality experience we can for all boys.

Student Process

Parent Process

Student Achievements

Parker Lovering (Year 12) - Baseball

We just became aware that earlier in the year Parker was selected to the U18 Australia Baseball World Cup Squad. Whilst injury prevented him from going to the World Cup he was still honoured to be selected amongst the best players in Australia.

This is a wonderful recognition of Parker’s commitment and skill.

Joshua Pope (Year 8) - Cricket 

Joshua has been selected by Brisbane North in the QJC Under 14 State Championships team, for the upcoming State Champs which take place at The Southport School between December 11-15.

Across the month of October, Joshua was the vice-captain for BNJCA U14 Tigers in The Anstey La Franz Shield, where the Tigers went unbeaten through their three 100-over games to claim the ALF Shield.

Cricket

Mr Ben Lee (Cricket Coordinator)

We welcome Mr Ben Lee to the College as our cricket coordinator for 2024. Ben is settling in well and is working hard to organise our cricket program for the new season. Boys will get to meet Mr Lee at the upcoming trials as he will be a leading presence in each of these sessions. 

Ben is the primary contact for cricket matters, please contact him at cricket@marash.qld.edu.au. 

Trials

All information about the trials is available on the College App. All players must be registered to play through the portal.

Students are to trial in the year level they will be in 2024 (example – current Year 7 students will sign on/trial for Year 8 teams).

Students are to bring the following to the trials:

• Personal cricket equipment
• Marist College sport uniform
• Hat and water bottle

Cricket Bag Storage:

A reminder to all students to please store bags in the second storage shed around the corner from the student wellbeing centre.

Staff

Year                 Coordinator                            A Coach

Firsts                Mr Ben Lee                             Mr Michael Abbott and Mr Tom Gibson

Seconds          Mr Ben Lee                             Mr Troy Mee

Year 10            Mr Marcus Schrader            Mr Charlie Taylor and Mr Joe Whitten

Year 9              Mr Corey Lucas                       Mr Corey Lucas

Year 8              Mr Derek Lennon                   Mr Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh & Mr Henry Gardiner

Year 7              Mr Ben Lee                              Mr Chris Sim

Year 6              Mr Mitch Reid                         Mr Mitch Reid

Year 5              Mr John Lambourne              Mr John Lambourne

Coaches Required

The Marist cricket program is one of the biggest schoolboy programs in Queensland. We are proud that every boy who wants to play cricket gets to do so. This creates some challenges for us in that, like all of our sports, it is getting harder and harder to find coaches. If there are any older siblings, parents, relatives or family friends you know that would be willing to coach a team please send an email to cricket@marash.qld.edu.au  with their contact details.

Calendar

The cricket calendar for 2024 is available on the College app.

In January we will be having a new initiative in a training day for each year level on the week before school comes back, as well as matches and a trial day against Iona on January 19. Keep an eye on the College app for details.  

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

This year the College has delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the small bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it has been 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 Rugby Supporters

Thanks to a number of people who have supported the rugby union program throughout the year.

Firstly, thanks to Mr Damien Zoomers for his work with the Rugby Union Handbook. It is a quality booklet and is a valuable source of information for players, parents, and the rugby community alike. We are grateful for your contribution to the rugby union program!

Thanks to Mr Callum Clarke and the ground staff for producing and maintaining the exceptional quality of fields. There is an enormous load on the playing fields with so many sports and squads training, and the ovals are always in fantastic condition. Your efforts are appreciated!

Thanks to Old Boy and former Wallaby, Nick Frisby for his work with the halfbacks. Nick is a tremendous young coach and has delivered some wonderful guidance to a group of halfbacks here at the College. We look forward to having him back again before the year ends.

Scrum Ready Program | Year 5-12 (LAST SESSION)

This week is the last session for Term 4.

Years 5-11 rugby union front row forwards. Any students who play in the front row are invited to the Scrum Ready Program.

WHEN: Wednesday 8 November

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

DRESS: MCA sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, blue / white / or Marist rugby socks.

OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.

The five weeks will consist of:

1.     Core and body strengthening exercises

2.     Solo with no opposition – on knees

3.     Solo with no opposition – on feet

4.     Solo against a machine/tackle bag

5.     1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape.

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

A program for the students to continue with throughout the holidays will be delivered via the Marist app.

Thanks to Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Doug Perrers and Mr James Trebbin for running a hugely important and well-organised program. The safety of our students is paramount, and this area is one that needs constant attention. It has been an outstanding 5-week program!

Term 4 Training

This week students from Year 9-11 are invited to participate in a 5-week training block (this is the last week before we break for exams). All information is available on the Marist app.

A holiday training program will be delivered to all students who wish to continue their development via the Marist app.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist at QLD All Schools Track and Field Championships

Marist College Ashgrove Track and Field athletes completed the 4 days at the recent QLD All Schools Championships as the 3rd placed Boys school overall. This was a close placing behind GPS champion schools Ipswich Grammar and Nudgee despite only sending a team less than 70% the size of these schools with many Marist athletes having already moved into Summer season sports.

Marist also won the U18 Boys trophy showing the strength and commitment of our senior athletes, many of whom are completing Final exams.

Marist Leading the Way

An update from Head Coach – Mr Rob Martin 

I would like to thank all athletes who turned up and performed at this state-level meet, realising that this was a pathway to Nationals selection. 

Some keynotes -

• The team of 26 athletes won 12 medals across the team. Fantastic effort!
• Marist had 7 automatic qualifiers for the QLD Team in Perth in December, 2023 (Joel Drew, Connor Campbell, Isaiah Burgess, James Prole, Zac Milligan, Hayden Lockhart, Lee Martin).
• 8 automatic qualifiers based on Top 3 positions for the QLD team at National Junior Championships in Adelaide, April 2024 (7 above + Charlie Campion).
• 3 additional Time qualifiers for Nationals in Adelaide (2024) with Sania Elisala (400m, 55.52s), Joe Jackson (110m Hurdles,15.43s), Connor Campbell (400m 53.31s) having recorded national qualifying times to represent QLD even though outside Top 3.
• Near Misses - What impressed more were the near misses with many close 4th placings including a fantastic effort from Sania Elisala who really committed to training the last few weeks. His 400m was a gutsy run just falling 0.03s on medalling against seasoned athletes.
• Zac Milligan – 1 second off the school open 3000m record in 8m52.25 and then backing up for a 1500m final in the afternoon. Very Gutsy effort!!
• • Marist were up against schools with 60-70 event nominations against our 45. 
• Our athletes performed with distinction against scholarship schools and exceeded expectations as 3rd Boys school overall.

Final Thank You - In closing thanks to all all track athletes in 2023. Some will continue into the Junior track season, while some will move on to summer or winter pre-season sports for 2024. Please look after yourself as you are all part of the core of athletes we want back when we target a record 10th AIC title in 2024.

Sunday Sessions - As always I'm open to supporting any Marist athlete wanting to learn how to run faster with Sunday sessions run on Hayden 3:15pm-4:45pm throughout the year. Just email or contact me if you would like to come and try.

Medals and Performances - QLD All Schools Track and Field

Gold

Zac Milligan – u16 3000m 8m52.25

Connor Campbell – u15 200m hurdles 26.96

Hayden Lockhart – u14 Triple Jump 11.88m (1 cm off school record)

Lee Martin – u18 Shot Put 15.16m

Silver

Isaiah Burgess – u17 shot put 14.36

Joel Drew – u17 110m hurdles 14.28s

James Prole – u18 800m 1m57.13

Hayden Lockhart – u14 Long Jump 5.41m

Connor Campbell – u15 100m Hurdles 14.53

4x100m All Age Relay – Connor Campbell, Isaac Ting, Joe Jackson, Joel Drew

Bronze

Charlie Campion – u14 90m Hurdles 14.05

James Prole – u18 1500m 4m14.18

Other Team performances

Sania Elisala – U14 400m (4th), Long Jump (4th) – * National Qualifier (400m)

Jonathan Kirk – U16 Shot put (5th)

Hayden Lockhart – U14 100m (7th), 90m Hurdles (4th)

Jai Jarro – U17 Shot Put (4th)

Lindsay Dixon – U15 100m (12th), 200m (13th) 

Theo Calder – U14 Triple Jump (6th)

Harry Cootes – U15 100m (30th) 

Perry Croft – U15 200m (18th), 400m (7th)

Isaac Ting – U16 Hurdles (6th)

Joe Jackson – U17 Hurdles (5th) – * National Qualifier

Charlie Campion – U14 400m (12th), High Jump (9th)

Connor Campbell – 400m (5th) – * National Qualifier

Harry Prole – 800m (7th), 1500m(5th)

Zac Milligan – 1500m (4th)

Asher Parkin – 3000m (finalist)

Elliot Aldridge – U17 discus (6th)

Isaiah Burgess – U17 Discus (10th)

Lyndon Maynard – U16 High Jump (4th), Long Jump (15th)

Declan Blundell – U14 Javelin (9th)

Owen Hair – U16 Javelin (6th), Shot Put (6th)

Ben Caughley – U18 Long Jump (5th)

Marist Track and Field – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has showcased incredible moments in Track and Field this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages. 

Stay updated with Marist Track and Field on Instagram @marist_ashgrove_sports

Tennis

Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Over the past month, I have dedicated significant efforts to promoting the Marist College Tennis Centre with the aim of integrating our club into the Brisbane Tennis competition. I'm thrilled to share that we have received official approval to participate in the Brisbane Super League, which is fantastic news. This milestone provides us with an excellent platform and pathway to offer our students and the broader tennis community the opportunity to compete using our exceptional Centre as their home court.

For each season of the Super League, we will have the capacity to accommodate up to 12 teams, with matches scheduled for Saturday afternoons. Teams will consist of just two players per week, which means we will soon be inviting teams of three or more to participate. This flexible team structure will enable students to play even if they are unable to commit every week.

Moreover, this presents a wonderful chance for tennis-playing parents who wish to join their sons or daughters in a team and compete at our Marist venue. We will be initiating team nominations shortly for groups of three or more, and this will span across all divisions, starting in early 2024.

So, to all the moms and dads out there, dust off those tennis racquets and let's get started on this exciting journey. To support any adults looking to join, we are offering two, half-hour private lessons free of charge to help you sharpen your skills. Join us as we embark on this tennis adventure together!

Holiday Clinics

Here is our updated holiday clinic schedule for the holiday period.

All clinics run from 8 am – 11 am daily. Students can be picked up from the pool from 11-11.30am as we will be finishing with a swim at the completion of each day.

What to bring

• Tennis racquet
• Water bottle (we will supply cold water each day for all attending)
• Hat (We will provide sunscreen for all)
• Small snack to eat at breaks if needed
• Towel and swimmers

New Students for 2024

 Over the past four consecutive Friday mornings, we have had the distinct pleasure of offering coaching sessions and providing students with a window into the world of tennis. As the Director of Tennis, it has been an absolute delight to witness the remarkable enthusiasm and boundless energy displayed by the participants during these sessions. Indeed, it's these very qualities that compelled me to embark on my coaching journey 36 years ago.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in delivering these invaluable lessons to over 60 young boys each week. Your passion for the sport and your dedication to nurturing the next generation of tennis enthusiasts are truly commendable.

Furthermore, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the members of our current First team, who have played an instrumental role in ensuring that the experience for our new Year 5 students, slated to join us in 2024, is both enjoyable and memorable. Your contributions have not only imparted essential tennis skills but have also sowed the seeds for a lifelong love of the game. Thank you for your outstanding work, and let's continue to inspire and foster the next generation of tennis champions.