Sport News

It has been a terrific year for sport at Marist College Ashgrove. As I reflect on the year I am amazed at the depth of the program, the breadth of offerings in sport and the commitment of so many staff, coaches, parents and boys to represent the college. It is nice to win, and we have a strong history of success but we also play sport for the opportunities it provides boys to grow. It forms a significant part of a boy’s education, and for many it is the area where they shine and gain confidence in themselves.

We have started the process to improve our sports programs. The intention of these is simply to offer a better product for the boys and our Marist community. The key pillars of the initiatives are better communication, more consistency within sports and across sports, higher expectations of everyone, players, coaches, staff and supporters, more training, better training and integrated training so boys can successfully compete across multiple sports and get the balance with other co-curricular and academic demands and ensuring we find meaningful competition for as many boys as we can across the entire College.

Term 1 provided a number of highlights including our very successful swim team who were pipped by St Peter’s Lutheran College but again produced an extremely high level of performance across the entire program, and our AFL 1st XVIII retained their premiership trophy. 

Term 2 saw our successful cross-country team regain the AIC trophy winning both the primary and secondary championships. Both football and rugby had made progress from last year, with both winning the aggregate and the 1st XI football winning the premiership.

Term 3 and 4 saw us defend our Track and Field Championship in impressive style with a for our tenth title in a row, and rugby league won the aggregate shield for the first time. Hockey provided an opportunity again for boys on Friday nights losing a thrilling grand final to St Edmunds College. At the rugby league Confraternity Shield competition our team brought home the Bob Lindner shield for the second year in a row. Another highlight for the year was our water polo team who retained their AIC championship.

It has been another huge year and there are many people to thank for their contribution. 

Firstly our co-ordinators

• AFL - Mr Corey Robinson
• Cricket - Mr Derek Lennon
• Volleyball - Mr Patrick Denkes
• Swimming - Ms Jade Ritchie and Mr James Boyce
• Football - Mr Derek Lennon
• Rugby - Mr Richard Graham
• Cross Country - Mr Mitch Reid
• Chess - Mr Tim Humphry and Mr Aaron Manson
• Tennis - Mr Andrew Ward
• Rugby League - Mr Ryan Apps
• Basketball - Mr John Lambourne
• Hockey - Ms Kathryn Badini
• E-Sports - Mr Greg Egan
• Track and Field - Mr Richard Graham
• Water Polo - Mr Ryan Apps

I want to also thank all the coaches and staff who are involved in these programs for who without the boys would not have the opportunity to participate. Head Groundskeeper Mr Callum Clark and the services team for preparing the facilities and putting forward one of the very best playing surfaces in Queensland each week. Thank you to the volunteers who man the canteens, led by Head Chef Mr Nathan Eyre, and the Marketing and Events team, led by Mrs Bethany Halpin for the hard work. The Sports Office do all the organising behind the scenes to make sure the equipment, draws, information and organisation are taken care of, so thank you to Mr Mitch Reid and Mr Corey Lucas, who both left us this year, and Mr Matt Millward and Mr Corey Robinson who seamlessly stepped in,  for your dedication to the sport program, and for going over and above so regularly to make sure everything happens smoothly. Thanks to Mr John Lambourne, the best Primary Head of Sport in the business. Thank you to our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw, for working hard to prepare our boys physically for competition. Thank you finally to all the boys, parents and supporters who make Marist the school it is.

Uniform - Training

A reminder that the College has a policy that all players must training in the blue Marist training shirt and blue shorts. All players will be required to wear these from day one next year.

Pre-Christmas Cricket Camp

Football

Mr Andrew Catton

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Football Season at Marist College Ashgrove.

Sign On

Players are asked to sign on ASAP to allow us to be as prepared as possible heading into Term 1 Pre-Season. Sign on can be completed on Parent Lounge/Student Café.

Term 1 Schedule 

The Term 1 Training/Trial schedule has been finalised. More details will be announced shortly. 

Tennis 

Mrs Jade Ritchie - Tennis Coordinator

Welcome to Week 8

• Term 1, 2025 will be available to book this Friday 22 November.
• If you’re due a private lesson make-up, please email mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au and I’ll organise it for Week 9 for you.

Christmas Break-Up Party – Tournament Style! 

Which Parent and Son combo will take bragging rights this Christmas?

(It doesn’t have to be a parent, it can be a friend or any family member)

Sunday 24 Nov, 2:00pm-6:00pm - MUSIC/BBQ/TOURNAMENT

Holiday Clinics

December and January Clinics available.

8:00am-10:00am

$150 for 3 days or $60 per day.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

As we go towards the end of Term 4, I have been happy with the attendance of boys at training.

A fortnight ago, we had our first meet of the AIC Swimming Season. It was fantastic to have so many boys come down and post times for the first time. The reason for running the meet at this stage of the prep is for boys to see where they are at with their training. 

I think this is an important time for boys not to get caught up with the times and to keep working hard all the way up till the Christmas break as we want to see improvement come term 1 and that doesn’t happen without commitment and discipline over the holidays. 

This season, we’re focusing on individual improvement, which will ultimately enhance our team’s overall performance. Another key aspect is fostering a supportive and motivating team environment. When everyone pushes each other in training, the team benefits. The first meet will help us evaluate our standing as an individual and as a team and highlight areas for improvement as we strive to stay competitive. 

Regular training will continue until the end of Term 4, after which we’ll transition to a holiday timetable with additional and extended sessions to gear up for Term 1. We encourage all swimmers to stay committed during this period. If there are any scheduling conflicts, please let the coaches know so we can create a plan to support each swimmer’s preparation.

Please see this week’s timetable if you have any questions, please feel free to email swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Queensland Athletics State Relays

Braving the elements in rainy weather at QSAC, well done to the Marist Track and Field athletes who won State level medals at the Qld Athletics state relays event. Winning 15+ medals was an incredible effort but the experience in all events will give our National Schools Challenge squads (Intermediate and Juniors) good momentum leading into the Schools Challenge in December 2024. Plus, also great preparation for those moving into the Queensland Athletics Club season from Dec-April. Thanks to all for their attendance and support. And for parents braving the elements to get the athletes to and from QSAC stadium in the rainy weather. State Medals summary for the following athletes:

• Riley Hansel - Gold - 3x Long Jump (u16), 4th 4x100m(u16)
• Sania Elisala - Gold - 3x Long Jump (u16), 4th 4x100m(u16)
• Jono Kirk - Gold - 3 x shot put (u20), 4th - 3xshot put (u16)
• Connor Campbell - Silver - 4x400m(u16), 4th 4x100m (u16 and Open)
• Perry Croft - Silver - 4x400m(u16),
• Lyndon Maynard - Bronze - 3 x Long Jump (u18), 4th 4x100m
• Harry Prole   - Gold - 4x800m(u16)
• Zac Milligan - Silver - 4 x 800m (u18)
• Harry Prole   - Gold - 4x1500m(u16)
• Zac Milligan Gold- 4 x 1500m (Open)
• Isaiah Burgess Gold - 3 x Shot Put (U20)
• Isaiah Burgess Silver - 3 x Shot Put(Open)
• Nick Bray Bronze - 4x100m(u14)
• Nick Bray Bronze - 4x400m(u14)
• Jack Mahuru - Bronze - 3 x Long Jump (u18)
• Other athletes also competing included 
• Isaac Ting (4th - u18 and Open 4x100m) and 
• Guy De Putron (4th - u16 4x100m)
• Old Boy and current Coach Lee Martin competed with Isaiah Burgess and Jono Kirk to win the u20 shot put relay competition and then Lee and Isaiah teamed up to win silver in Open Shot with an Ashgrove Rangers team mate. 

Well done to all athletes on these efforts.

** State Record: Harry Prole was also part of a strong 4x1500m team with UQ Athletics that took Gold and also the State relay record. Well done!!

THANKS to our wonderful Marist Track and Field families for their support of the boarding community. Over the past few weeks, we have asked many a favour to help transport the boarders involved in Track and Field to QSAC and back. Thank you to the Martin, Hansel, Lockhart, Maynard and Burgess families for making the day just a little easier and a little less stressful for our boarders.

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to continue with their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details - 

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15pm-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

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Off Season Program 

Following our challenging Term 4 preseason block, a training program has been sent via email to all students interested in training over the Christmas holidays. Mr Adam Earnshaw (Strength and Conditioning Coordinator) has created programs appropriate for all ages. 

Mr Eanshaw will also send an email to interested students wishing to incorporate a running program into their training across the holidays.

If you have any questions, contact Mr Earnshaw – earnshawa@marash.qld.edu.au

NOTE: Training will recommence on Day 1 of Term 1 next year for any interested Year 10-12 students. Further information will be shared through the Marist app and email.

Scrum Ready Program - Years 5-10

Thank you to the consistent group of twenty plus students who attended the Scrum Ready Program. The aim of the program was to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position.

We would expect the students to finish the 6 week block with a strong understanding and appreciation for the exercises and how they can be applied. Congratulations to the students who committed themselves to learning and improving! This work now will set the students up well leading into the holidays and Term 1 Rugby Ready Program.

Our thanks to Mr Doug Perrers, Mr James Trebbin and Mr John Milne who have led the students through a structured and sensible progression. 

Well done!

Rugby Tour Information 2025

For planning purposes, the following tours / camps are proposed for 2025 –

1st XV Camp (Currimundi) – CONFIRMED 

35 players

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9, March

1st XV / 2nd XV Tour (Northern NSW) – PROPOSED 

40 players

Friday 4 – Sunday 13, April

U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival – CONFIRMED 

20 players (squad has been selected)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April

NOTE: More information will be made available to the relevant groups as we get closer to the time.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024, the College continues to deliver 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 is 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