Sport News

Another term of Marist sport has come to an end, and for some, it was their last chance to represent the College. We travelled to Ipswich to take on St Edmund’s College in basketball and tennis, and rugby league at Banyo.

Our basketball season at 1sts level was one of frustration as injury and some close losses that could have gone either way impacted our results. The team finished fourth and can be proud of their efforts, with determination, spirit, and passion shining through each week. Overall, the program finished fourth as well. Basketball is one of the AIC sports that has really grown in competitiveness and performance over the last few years, and we have some work to do to bridge the gap at the moment. Congratulations to Villanova, who have won their third premiership in a row. Well done to 11B, undefeated Premiers, and 11C, undefeated, and 8C on finishing first in their competitions. Thank you to Mr John Lambourne (Coordinator), Mr Corey Robinson (Junior Coordinator), Mr James Lidstone (1st V Coach), and all the coaches and support staff who have worked tirelessly this season to support the boys.

Thank you to Mr Andrew Ward (Director of Tennis) and all the staff who were involved in the tennis program. It was a hugely successful year all round in tennis, and something everyone should be very proud of, with room to grow further in 2024. The 1st IV finished third in a tight contest with St Laurence’s College, where we lost on sets in Round 6, and as a program, we finished second in the aggregate, which shows our depth and positive signs for the future. Well done to 8B who finished first in their competition. Congratulations to St Peters Lutheran College on their premiership.

Rugby league had the short trip to Banyo last weekend as we took on St Edmund’s in the gala day concept where all competing schools play at the one venue. The 1st XIII were strong throughout the match, registering a comfortable 24-0 victory, with the zero points against no doubt pleasing the coaches as much as the 24 points for. The 1sts finished third overall and in the aggregate we finished second. Congratulations to Villanova and Padua, who shared the premiership. Thank you to Mr Ryan Apps (Coordinator and Runner), 1st XIII coaches Mr Dallas Williams and Mr Patrick Conn, and all the staff and coaches who give up their time to mentor our boys each week. Our rugby league program continues to develop year on year, in no small part down to the commitment of the staff and the community involved. Well done to the 2nd XIII, 10A, and 9A teams who all finished first in their division.

With the changeover of sports seasons happening now, for some sports we need to ensure that sports still competing have priority. At this point in time, that is our track and field team, which is working hard in pursuit of nine in a row. We need every boy in the track and field team focused on their event and their preparation. Where a clash occurs with a summer sport, track and field must take priority. Track and field boys should not be attending pre-season training until after the AIC championships in Week 1 of Term 4. Coaches and Coordinators are aware and will not adversely affect boys' selection opportunities due to track and field commitments. Please contact me at lennond@marash.qld.edu.au if you have any concerns or questions.

Rugby League

Mr Ryan Apps - Rugby League Coordinator

What a fantastic 2023 AIC Rugby League season we had.

MCA finished with three teams either outright or equal top of the ladder this season, so congratulations to our Years 9, 10 and 2nd XIII. Well done to all involved, from the coaches, support staff, and parental assistance.

This year we expanded to have several very experienced external coaches on board, and they brought a strong air of professionalism and quality coaching, which definitely reflected in the development of many of our players and teams.

I would like to take the time to thank all of the coaches, assistants, support staff, and you, our players, supporters, and families. Without all of us working together for a common goal, school sport can be very difficult to manage, but it was wonderful to see the overwhelming majority on the same page and the results speak for themselves.

A big shout out to Brett Head for organising, and all the parents who assisted with boarder transport to and from games and for serving as touch judges. This is so very much appreciated; it takes a huge workload off the College having to facilitate the boys' transport as they all play at different times, not to mention it gives the boys the whole MCA family experience.

Basketball

Mr John Lambourne - Coordinator of Basketball

1st V

Marist 49 – St Edmund’s 65

1st V Coach’s Report

James Lidstone – Coach

The last game of the AIC season was always going to be a big game for the 1st V. We travelled out to Ipswich to try and end our season with a 4-3 record and put an exclamation mark on a fantastic 2023 basketball year. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

SEC jumped us and got out to a quick double-figure lead. We were sloppy offensively and not tough enough defensively. SEC continued to play very physically and by halftime enjoyed a 15-point lead. As has been the case with this group, we weren’t going to go down without a fight. We started to match their physicality and play our brand of basketball, tough defence and relentless attack on the rim and we cut the margin to 9.

Playing catch up all game caught up to us and we didn’t have the legs to run the game out, eventually going down by 15. It was a tough way to end a really productive season. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents of all the boys for getting them to training, games, and for your ongoing support of Marist basketball. I also want to thank all the boys in the squad, in particular our senior boys for all their efforts and I hope they made a few memories they can look back on fondly in the future. 

1st V Captain’s Report

Declan Tunny

Marist and St Edmund’s have always had a massive rivalry, especially in basketball. Coming into Round 7, the final round, against a team we narrowly beat during the trial rounds was set to decide where we finished on the ladder for the season. With the season ending so quickly, as we knew it would, the boys were determined to finish the season on a high and send the Year 12s off with a final win. 

However, in all sports sometimes it's cruel and the boys came up short in our final game in the Marigold jersey. We put ourselves on the back foot early, forcing us into catch-up basketball for the remainder of the game. There were bits and pieces showcasing our true potential of what we had been working on during the season but there were also parts that allowed the opposing team to score too easily through our defence, ultimately ending in a loss.

Typically, this is the part where I give mentions to players who performed well, however, due to this being the final game I would like to congratulate our senior players who played their final game on Saturday: Will Ford, Spencer Mahoney, Cal McLean, Kurt Roberts, Xavier Evans and Sean Russell-Ahern. All of these boys showed leadership to the younger boys throughout the season, and all played a pivotal role in the team.

I would like to finish by saying thank you for the opportunity to captain the 1st V basketball team this year. Despite this being my last game in the Marigold jersey, I look forward to returning next year to coach. Finally, this season would not be possible without basketball coordinator, John Lambourne and coaches, James Lidstone and Matt Richards. On behalf of the rest of the team, I say thank you.

Match Reports

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

AIC Practice Meet #3

Thanks to all the students who turned out for the third AIC Practice Meet at QSAC. The performances over the past three weeks have been consistently good and the competition for places is as strong as it has ever been. 

It is important to mention the senior students who have been fantastic role models, mentors and supporters of the primary boys. Watching them work together last week in preparation for the events was a credit to both sets of students, and highlights the strong culture we have in the Track and Field program.

Thank you

As the term comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge all of the coaching staff for their wonderful work thus far. Whilst we still have a number of practice meets and the three-day camp before the AIC Championship, the coaches have provided a strong foundation in Term 3.

Mr Rob Martin, Head Coach – Track and Field, has worked tirelessly to deliver an exceptional program where every student can reach their potential. His genuine care and knowledge of the sport are just a few of the reasons we have been so strong for so long.

To all the staff who coach and mentor the Track and Field squad; Mr John Lambourne, Mr Will Burkett, Mr David Meehan, Mr Paul Knight, Ms Ellie Kenny, Ms Maddie Spann, Mr Laurie Boustead and Mr Andrew Fogarty. 

The external coaches who have been exceptional with their knowledge of their events, and also the time and care they show our students; Mr Paul Kearney, Mr Bill Prole, Mr Des Davis, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Cameron Pfeffer, Mr Dan Drew, Mr Carl Martin, Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Jeremy Davis, Mr Connor Duggan, Mr Thomas Prole and Mr Zack Newsham.

AIC Practice Meet #4

The final AIC Practice Meet is tomorrow at QSAC. 

With a series of four AIC practice meets scheduled at QSAC this term, opportunities remain open for students to further develop and excel throughout the season. 

As our students continue to train and improve, spots for the AIC Championship will continue to remain open. We encourage all students to participate in the AIC practice meets and contribute to the team's success on a broader stage.

The AIC practice meets are listed in the Key Dates Calendar on the Marist app.

Track and Field Uniform

A reminder that the DRESS CODE for all T&F training sessions is as per the 2023 Track and Field Handbook. MCA sports shirts / Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.For competitive events including Internal Mini Meets, the DRESS CODE is as per the 2023 Track and Field Handbook. Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks. It is important we get this right now as we have a mini meet this Friday afternoon here at the College, and we will be competing in the AIC Championship AS A TEAM wearing this uniform.

Track and Field Key Dates Calendar

Could I please ask parents and students to look over the Key Dates Calendar in the Marist app? Important to note some of the AIC practice meets and Met North carnival coming up in August, the by invitation Track and Field camp at the start of the September holidays, and the September holiday meets.

More information will be posted on the Marist app at a time closer to each event.

Track and Field Handbook

Please see the Marist app for the 2023 Track and Field Handbook.

The Handbook includes the relevant Track and Field information for students and parents/guardians. If you have any further questions, please contact Mr Richard Graham.