Sport News

Last weekend marked the conclusion of our official AIC sporting events for 2026, with the Esports and Water Polo Gala Days bringing another successful year of competition to a close. Unfortunately, the Touch Football Gala Day was cancelled due to wet weather.

Marist was well represented across both events, with our students proudly wearing the Blue and Gold. The weekend was a wonderful reflection of what makes the AIC competition so special, providing boys with the opportunity to represent their College, participate in a sport they enjoy and share the experience with their mates. Beyond the competition itself, it was particularly pleasing to see so many boys enjoying themselves, showcasing their skills and embracing the opportunity to be involved. The enthusiasm, sportsmanship and smiles on display were a fitting reminder that College sport is about much more than results; it is about participation, friendships, personal growth and creating positive experiences that students will remember long after their time at Marist.

On Saturday morning our Esports teams enjoyed competing at Rocket League and capture the flag in Minecraft. Thank you to Mr Andrew Gibbs for coordinating and coaching our esports teams. Thank you to Villanova College for organizing such an impressive event. Our teams were highly competitive with much practice having gone in to prepare.

On Sunday, Marist College Ashgrove proudly hosted the AIC Water Polo Gala Day, with teams competing across three divisions: Year 7, Years 8/9 and Opens. Our Year 7 and Years 8/9 teams embraced the opportunity to represent the College, demonstrating enthusiasm, teamwork and determination throughout their matches. Both teams produced some excellent performances, with our Year 7 team finishing in first place and our Years 8/9 team securing an impressive second-place finish. These results were a fantastic achievement and reflected the effort and commitment of the boys throughout the day.

A sincere thank you to our Water Polo Coordinator, Mr Ryan Apps, along with Mr Phill Holding and Ms Grace Ryan, for their time, dedication and support in coaching and preparing our teams. Their efforts ensured the boys enjoyed a positive and rewarding experience representing the Blue and Gold.

School Representative Sport 

The College would like to get a group photo of students who participated in the following 2026 school representative sport teams this year: West District, Met North, QLD and National. 

Students are required to bring their representative shirt or jersey for the photo. 

The photo will be taken after the Week 5 Wednesday assembly at the Tower. 

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Archer Tallon and Joshua Pope who have been selected in the 2027 MN 15-19 Boys Cricket team.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Week 3 is done, and once again I’ve been really impressed with the effort and attitude shown by so many of our boys.

Last week, our Year 7–12 squads lifted the intensity as we start preparing to race fast. From here, the sessions will only get tougher and that’s exactly what we need. Progress comes from showing up, pushing through, and committing. Consistency is what separates good teams from great ones.

We have some incredible individual swimmers at Marist College Ashgrove, but our real strength lies in how we perform together. We can’t rely on a handful of boys to carry the load across multiple races. To reach our full potential, every swimmer needs to step up, contribute, and fight for every point.

To those who’ve been training hard and turning up consistently well done. You’re setting the standard for what it means to be part of this team. For anyone who’s yet to get back into regular training, now’s the time. When you stand behind the blocks, you want to know you’ve done the work that you’re ready, confident, and determined not to let your teammates down.

Let’s keep building. Every session count, every effort matters, and together we’ll be ready when it’s time to race.

We will continue to offer three sessions per week for Years 7–12, with a strong focus on technique development and building a solid training base. This foundation will set us up for quality work at the end of term and through the holiday period.

Please see this week’s swimming schedule attached. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Marist Swimming | Sign On

For full details, please visit Parent Orbit. Students must sign up via the Student Café, with parents or caregivers confirming registration through Parent Lounge and updating all medical details.

This process allows the College to plan for the appropriate number of coaches and resources.

Important: Students who are not registered for AIC Unallocated will not receive emails regarding swimming program, including schedules and updates.

For any enquiries, please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au

Week 4 Training Schedule

Monday 26 October 26 – Friday 30 October 26

Year 5 (2027) Training Squad

Year 6 (2027) Training Squad

Year 7 – 12 (2027) Training Squad

Volleyball

Mr Blair Whitlock - Volleyball Coordinator

Trials Schedule

It’s been great to have Volleyball trials back underway this week with the Champagnat Centre a hive of activity. See the week four schedule below:

If you are interested in playing AIC Volleyball for Marist, it’s imperative that you are registered for the sport on Parent Orbit so you can receive all key updates. If you are unable to make one of your respective trial please email the Volleyball coordinator, Mr Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au), to let him know.

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock - Football Coordinator

Futsal Success

Congratulations to Joshua Pola (Year 9), Nicolas Pola (Year 11) & Patrick Minihan (Year 11) on representing the Met North 15/16 Futsal Team at the recent State Championships in Cairns. The boys had an outstanding tournament on the court finishing the tournament as runners up. A special congratulations to Patrick Minihan who’s performances earned him selection to the Queensland team – well done Pat!

In Futsal coaching news our very own Renan Telhado who coached the 10A Marist Football team this season has recently been in Paraguay as an assistant coach for the Australian U15 team at the AMF Futsal World Cup. Congratulations Renan!

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin and Mr Thomas Prole – Co-Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Track and Field | Sunday Sessions

Mr Martin will continue to run his Sunday sessions for any students preparing for the Nationals in December or interested in continuing to improve their Track and Field capabilities.

Please note, this Sunday will be running and throwing only. There will be NO jump events.

WHEN: Sundays

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm

WHERE: Hayden Oval

DRESS: Marist sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks

Marist Track and Field | Pathways

As families look beyond October, there are plenty of options to stay involved in Track and Field for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Over the past few seasons, we have had students follow a range of different pathways to remain involved in Track and Field competitions.

Some students will continue training for upcoming State and National events, while others will focus on training and preparation for the following season. Below, Mr Martin and Mr Prole have outlined some pathway options to help families better understand the opportunities available.

OPTION 1 - QLD ATHLETICS ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPS (Qualifier for All Schools Nationals)

As a pathway to further develop your athletics, a number of students may wish to compete at the Queensland All Schools Championships (October 1–4), with the opportunity to qualify for Nationals in Perth in December if you finish in the Top 2. There is no pre-qualifying time or distance required for the Queensland All Schools Championships; simply register, pay the entry fee and compete in your Marist T&F uniform.

All keen athletes between 12–17 years can compete if you register as per the instructions below. Note that for this meet, 12-year-olds will compete in the 13 Years age group.

Steps to register as follows –

STEP 1: Get a Membership -

Register as a Base Member ($0 member fee, No Club) OR register with a Club (e.g. Ashgrove Rangers – different membership level and club fees apply).

Cost - $32 per event at States for non-members, or $10–$22 per event with Platinum/Gold membership.

Link to Register: Queensland Athletics Membership

If you wish to compete in Perth in 2026 if you qualify, you should register with a club such as Ashgrove Rangers (member details below).

STEP 2: Register for the Queensland All Schools Titles

Link to Register: Queensland All Schools Titles Registration

NOTE - Entries closed 9am Tuesday 22 September. There are no extensions to this deadline.

Competition Dates: Thu 1 - Sun 4 October

OPTION 2 - 2026 JUNIOR CLUB PATHWAY

For those wishing to enter the club season and potentially qualify for Nationals in April 2027, you can similarly register for membership with a club and compete at a range of pre-meets before the Queensland State Club Championships in March 2027. These meets will begin in late October 2026. Registering as a member in STEP 1 above will start the process.

Boys can qualify through entry standards. This can be a great incentive as it provides athletes with a clear time or distance to work towards. The main thing to note is that these championships begin at U14 level (or U13 in our school age-group system).

Australian Athletics Entry Standards

STEP 1: Get a Membership - Register as a Base Member (No Club) OR register with a Club (e.g. Ashgrove Rangers – base member fee + club fee).

Note that different levels of membership have different fees and options.

Link to Register: Queensland Athletics Membership

OPTION 3 - LITTLE ATHLETICS PATHWAY

For junior athletes in Years 5 and 6 in particular, Little Athletics can be a great introduction to competition and provides an opportunity to learn the basic movements and techniques before progressing with more specialised coaching in your preferred events. Arana Hills Little Athletics and The Gap Little Athletics are two nearby options for Marist athletes.

Arana Hills Little Athletics     The Gap Little Athletics

OPTION 4 - Sunday Sessions

Most Sundays, Mr Martin and members of the coaching team will continue to offer off-season running, fitness, sprints and selected field events, depending on those attending. Except for some State Championship weekends and major meets, these sessions will continue throughout the year. They provide an opportunity to support your other sports while developing speed, fitness and athletic ability.

Students can also discuss training options for their preferred events with Mr Martin and Mr Prole, with guidance available on finding external coaches if required to progress further.

GENERAL QUERY - WHAT MEMBERSHIP DO I NEED?

If you have any questions about the above pathways, please contact Mr Martin at robin.martin@bigpond.com or Mr Thomas Prole at prolet@marash.qld.edu.au. They can step you through the process and assist with any questions from parents.

QLD Athletics All Schools Pathway | National All Schools Qualifier

For those pursuing representative pathways, the Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships will provide a qualification opportunity for the National All Schools Championships in Perth in December 2026.

The Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships will be held on the last weekend of the school holidays. All athletes aged 12–17 years are eligible to register and compete.

Those interested in pursuing this pathway are encouraged to register and participate. More information will follow, but please register early and speak with a Mr Martin or Mr Prole if you have any questions or concerns.

Please note: This pathway is separate from the Met North pathway to the Queensland Secondary Schools Championships in mid-October.

QLD All Schools Pathway: Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships

Marist Track and Field – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College will continue 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

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Term 4 Optional Preseason Training

Thanks to all those who have attended the preseason program. It has been a challenging start with the rain continuing to affect the on field sessions, however the staff and students have done an excellent job navigating this with gym, off feet conditioning and Marist catch pass sessions. It has been pleasing to see the students adapt well, and continue to work hard and connect with each other.

Preseason rugby union training for current Year 9-11. This is an optional five-week training block that runs from Week 2-6, Term 4. Anyone interested is welcome. This is a fantastic opportunity for any interested students to learn how to train both on the field and in the gym. 

Mr Richard Graham, Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Ieti Fetalaiga and Mr Charlie Taylor will lead the field sessions, whilst the athletic development will be under the guidance of our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw and assisted by Mr Drew Smith.

For all updates and information, please follow the notices on the Parent Orbit. 

For those students attending training, see below some healthy and convenient food and smoothie options for post training. These will aid recovery following training and also prepare the students for school.

5 HEARTY BREAKFAST OPTIONS POST TRAINING 

1. Egg and cheese breakfast roll

Scrambled or fried eggs, cheese and a slice of ham or bacon in a wholemeal roll or English muffin. Wrap it in foil or cling wrap. It's high in protein and keeps well for a few hours.

2. Overnight oats jar

Rolled oats, milk and a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, topped with banana or berries and a drizzle of honey. Made the night before and eaten cold from the jar. It gives slow-release energy for the morning's classes.

3. Peanut butter and banana wrap

A wholemeal wrap with peanut butter, sliced banana and a sprinkle of oats or chia seeds. It takes two minutes to make and is easy to eat on the go. (Swap in sunflower seed butter if your school is nut-free.)

4. Greek yoghurt power pot

A tub of Greek yoghurt layered with muesli or granola and fruit, plus a boiled egg or cheese stick on the side. Pack it in a container with a spoon.

5. Chicken and salad toastie or sandwich

Leftover roast or shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomato on wholegrain bread. Pair it with a piece of fruit. It's a bit more filling than a standard sandwich, which suits boys who've just trained hard.

3 SMOOTHIES TO MAKE AND BRING

1. Banana oat smoothie

Banana, rolled oats, milk and a spoonful of honey or peanut butter. Blend until smooth. It's thick, filling and good for sustained energy.

2. Berry protein smoothie

Frozen mixed berries, Greek yoghurt, milk and a handful of spinach (you can't taste it). Blend well. It's high in protein and also gives them some fruit and veg.

3. Chocolate recovery smoothie

Milk, a banana, a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a spoonful of yoghurt or oats. Chocolate milk is a well-known recovery drink after training, and this is a more nutritious version that boys tend to like.

Tips for Students

• Prep the night before. Keep it simple enough that it doesn't become a morning battle.
• Use an insulated bag with an ice brick for anything containing egg, meat or dairy, as it will sit in a school bag for a while.
• Bring water as well. Smoothies don't replace hydration after an early morning session.
• Aim for carbs plus protein. The carbs refuel energy and the protein helps recovery, and together they keep them alert for the first lesson.

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Club

Unfortunately, the Week 3 Scrum Club program was cancelled due to the significant rainfall during the week.

Mr Doug Perrers will continue to lead the Thursday afternoon program. The program is targeting any forwards interested in improving their understanding, scrummaging ability, core strength and safety.

A key part of rugby safety at the College is educating and supporting students' development. The Scrum Ready Conditioning Program will continue to take students through the journey of developing and conditioning individual body strength, control and shape.

It is fantastic to see boys willing to improve this aspect of their game. The scrum is an integral and unique part of Rugby Union, and the contest between two well-coached and well-conditioned packs is both compelling and exciting.

Effective scrummaging requires teamwork. Each individual must understand their role, how to be an effective scrummager, and how to achieve this as a member of a forward unit.

The aims of all the Marist Scrum Ready Program is to -

1. Educate students on key strengthening exercises
2. Educate students on the correct technique
3. Develop the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position
4. Reduce injury risk by improving the above

The Scrum Club program will consist of one on field session and one gym session per week.

WHERE: Des Connor Field, Flat 5

WHEN: Thursday, Week 2-5

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sports shorts, Marist sports shirt or bumblebee jersey, Marist rugby socks, blue or white socks

Marist Rugby Union | U12 TASRC Training and Trials

Unfortunately, this was another program of ours that was cancelled due to the rainfall last week.

The forecast for this week looks favourable for the students to get back on the field training and trialling to select a squad of 20.

The College has attended Australia’s largest junior rugby union carnival the past two years and it has been a wonderful touring experience. Both the off field camaraderie and the on field performances make the carnival a memorable event.

The carnival experience runs from Friday 9 – Sunday 11, April, 2027.

The training is as follows –

WHEN: Thursday mornings, Week 2-5

TIME: 6:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

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

OTHER: Mouthguard and headgear if you wear it

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2026 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.