Sport News

If you have been able to attend any of our first teams sports dinners over the last couple of years you would know that I am fascinated by trying to work out why some teams win and others don’t. I have interviewed Socceroo Matt MacKay, NBA and Boomer Aron Baynes and Old Boy Olympian Andrew Grant. I have asked each one of them about the keys to success, why did their teams win, what is the magic ingredient. A few key ideas have come through. Firstly, hard work. There is no substitute for working hard, and successful teams work harder than their opponents. Another concept I have been investigating is belonging. How much does how I feel about the team affect how we perform? The more I feel a part of the team the more confident I will be on court/field/etc, the more trust I have in my team mates the better dynamics will be in tough situations, and the more I understand why we are who we are the more I can feel connected to my teammates.     

Owen Eastwood, a New Zealand lawyer originally, has spent a lifetime working with teams and sporting groups on performance. In his book, Belonging, he shares his thoughts on how to unlock potential by using togetherness principles. I have read the book a couple of times, or listen to him talk about his concepts in a number of podcasts and you tube videos. He presents an interesting concept that human beings succeed because we are not just a pack animal but a team animal, and we have an inane need to belong to groups and teams- family, sporting teams, city, country, etc cetera. He worked heavily with the All Blacks, who do this “us” approach better than most teams. Essentially, he argues, for sporting teams to succeed there needs to be a number of principles: we need to understand our history, who are we, what has come before us, successes and failures, key moments; that to perform we need to feel safe and included- trust needs to be developed; extrinsic motivation (money, individual fame or status) weakens a team; and there needs to be a visual, shared vision that we all collectively can buy into.

I can recommend this book to anyone who leads a team but I specifically share this with you because it underpins my work as a coach. You may have started to notice handbooks starting to appear for our sports. In those handbooks are our history, our successes and our prominent Old Boys. Along with the values and philosophy statements these tell our story: who we are, and what it is each us belong to in that particular Marist tribe. Our sports staff work hard to build a sense of team and develop trust within those teams, a challenging concept at times with young men, and they do not always get it right (though as a school these make great teaching moments for us). We are also developing a set of resources for our coaches to work on player driven shared vision and ownership of the team standards within each team across our sports- this will see an increased sense of belonging as the players themselves take ownership of their identity and what they stand for as a group. These concepts will be developed in the boys and should be most obvious with our premiership teams as they come towards the end of their journey with us.

This is an interesting space and something we as a department are working towards, alongside the work we are doing in providing organised sporting experiences. Ultimately, while we want to win as a school, the winning is how we get the boys to buy in and then we have those wonderful teaching moments as we assist our boys growing from boys into men. The calendars and handbooks and selection policy documents are important but developing our programs to develop talented young sportsmen who are good citizens is where the real benefit of sport lies in a school. 

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 Training

This week students from Year 9-11 are invited to participate in a 5-week training block (this is the fourth of five weeks). All information is available on the Marist app.

Marist Rugby Connections – Year 5, 10 and 11

On Monday morning, the Year 5A and 5B team members were invited to train with the Year 10 and 11 students at preseason training.

A cornerstone of the rugby culture at the College is the integration of younger students with seniors, emphasising the strength in unity. 

The rugby program at the College is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive sporting environment. We strive to provide quality programs, fostering a culture of improvement and enjoyment for all participants. The College's rugby curriculum is to build an integrated approach that aligns across all year groups. Through these initiatives, we not only nurture athletic skills but also instil values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance.

Thanks to all the boys for contributing in a truly positive manner and we look forward to seeing you all again for next year’s rugby season.

Thanks also to the Primary Head of Sport, Mr John Lambourne and Year 5 staff member and 5B coach, Mr James Trebbin for being a part of the experience.

Scrum Ready Program | Year 5-12 (PROGRAM EXTENSION)

Due to the high attendance numbers, we are extending the program for another week.

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

WHEN: Wednesday 1 and 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 three 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.

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.

The journey to play in the 1st XV has been told in photos and stories. From training in Term 4 2022, through to the challenges at the Currimundi Camp, and the games wearing the gold jersey in 2023. 

A special note of thanks to Mrs Bethany Halpin and the Marist marketing team for their support, and for going above and beyond in delivering a new standard of experience. 

Ms Antonia Svenson has been the driving force behind the socials. Her enthusiasm and dedication to consistently see the students recognised has seen the rise of engaging and meaningful content. Her passion ensures students are consistently acknowledged, enhancing the College's online presence and student community.

Also, to old boy and current staff member, Denver Jensen for his incredible photography. The social pages are so much better because of his skill and expertise behind the lens.

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

Records Tumbling

Congratulations to both Asher Parkin (Year 11) and Zac Milligan (Year 10) for breaking their own 1500m records at the recent 1500 Metre Classic at the UQ Sport Athletic Centre.

Asher ran 4:03:44 breaking his old record of 4:10:04, whilst Zac ran 4:03:42 breaking his previous record of 4:07:82.

With the State Titles coming up, both boys will be looking to reduce their times even further.

It is also important to note that James Prole (Year 12) ran at the same event. In what was virtually a dead heat amongst the Marist students, James ran 4:03:82.

Well done to the three boys.

Marist Students at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships 

All our best to the following students in as they compete in the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships. The meet held this week between November 2-5 is a selection trial for the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships held in Perth in December this year.

Hayden Lockart, Harry Cootes, Lindsay Dixon, Charlie Campion, Connor Campbell, Isaac Ting, Joe Jackson, Perry Croft, Joel Drew, Sania Elisala, James Prole, Harry Prole, Zac Milligan, Asher Parkin, Isaiah Burgess, Elliot Aldridge, Ben Caughley, Lyndon Maynard, Declan Blundell, Owen Hair, Jai Jarro, Jonothan Kirk, Theo Calder and Lee Martin.

The students have worked incredibly hard throughout the year and we look forward to seeing their results.

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.

The journey to our 9th successive AIC Track and Field Championship was well documented, from the spirited Term 2 House Carnival to the triumphant moment of securing our 9th consecutive AIC title.

Mrs Sophie Tuffley, with her passion and dedication, has driven our social media initiatives, ensuring students are consistently celebrated and recognised. Through our platforms, she has told a story of exceptional performances and has engaged the College community.

We're also grateful for Denver Jensen, whose exceptional photography enhances our social pages.

Stay updated with Marist Track and Field on Instagram @marist_ashgrove_sports.