Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Last weekend saw Marist take on St Laurence’s College across our range of summer sports Lauries are our traditional rival, and the weekend proved no different. SLC were too good in the AFL and volleyball with Marist dominating the cricket.

Last Friday also saw our age championships in swimming. The heavily contested meet, the last chance to impress for AIC selection, was a good indicator of the strength and depth of our program. Well done to all the boys who swam on the night and good luck to the team for the upcoming AIC championships at Chandler next Tuesday. Thank you to Mr James Boyce for your leadership and organisation of the event and the program overall.

This weekend sees our senior teams away against St Edmund’s College and a host of other teams. Please check the draw carefully.

Weather

At this stage, there have been no changes to the scheduled training and match schedules for this weekend. Based on weather forecasting, this is likely to change. Please keep a close check on the app (parents) and emails (students and coaches) for any changes as they occur. Our desire is to train and play but student, staff and spectator safety is our priority.

Reminder for Spectators

Remember that the boys participate in sport for their enjoyment not yours.

Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give their time and resources to provide a game for young participants.

This is a GAME!

The referees are human (and often volunteers).

Remember that young people learn best by example.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.

Communication

TASS Orbit

We are using TASS Orbit app for communication. Parents will receive notifications of posts for sport letting you know a notice has been posted. Boys will still receive the emails as notifications work differently for them.

We release the draw on Tuesday afternoons and the team lists on Fridays. If your son is registered to play a sport and you do not receive these notifications please contact computerservice@marash.qld.edu.au and IT will investigate the problem for you. Please note you will not see historic notifications, only posts from when the registration was processed.

Communication

If you have questions about sport or the app please contact the relevant people:

TASS Orbit app: computerservice@marash.qld.edu.au

AFL: Corey Robinson robinsonco@marash.qld.edu.au

Volleyball: Patrick Denkes denkesp@marash.qld.edu.au

Cricket: Derek Lennon lennond@marash.qld.edu.au

Opens Derek Lennon lennond@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 10: Troy Mee troyamee72@gmail.com

Year 9: Matt Millward millwardm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 8: Gareth Kolkenbeck-Ruh kolkenbeckruhg@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7: Matt Millward millwardm@marash.qld.edu.au

Primary: John Lambourne lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Friday’s College Age Championships was a fantastic event, with an incredible turnout of swimmers giving their best in the pool. This meet was the final opportunity for swimmers to post qualifying times for the 2025 AIC Swimming Team, and it was great to see so many boys achieve personal bests. Age Champions will be officially announced at the AIC Swimming Presentation Night—a night to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our swimmers.

Yesterday, we proudly announced the 2025 AIC Swimming Team. While it was an exciting moment for many, we also acknowledge those who narrowly missed out. To those swimmers, thank you for your commitment and effort. Your hard work strengthens this program and remember—many of this year’s team members are making the squad for the first time. Keep training, stay determined, and your opportunity will come.

For those selected, congratulations! But the job isn’t done yet. Now, the focus shifts to delivering your best performance on AIC Day. Stick to your weekly training schedule, prioritise rest and recovery, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with the right nutrition.

Training Squads

Training squads will continue as usual this week. Next week’s schedule will be adjusted as we prepare for the AIC Swimming Championships, and the updated schedule will be posted on Friday afternoon. Any changes to the training squad schedule will be communicated via email.

Rugby – Message from Mr Richard Graham

AIC Championship swimmers are not required to attend Rugby Ready until after the AIC swim meet on March 11. Extra sessions will be available to ensure all players complete their four required sessions before the trials.

Contact Information

For any questions, please contact Jade, Damian, or me at swim@marash.qld.edu.au

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign on. All students who wish to play Term 2 sports are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the rugby union program, including schedules and relevant information.

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

The Rugby Ready Program had an excellent kick-off. Thanks to all the students who attended Week 1 of the program. I cannot speak more highly of the manner in which each year level embraced the sessions, moved through the content, and connected with their peers.

Please NOTE, that if a student does miss a session, please attend another session that week either a year level up or down eg. Year 8 can attend Year 7 or Year 9. This ensures that a student remains on the same progression each week as his year level and can rejoin his group the following week with a full understanding of the language and techniques required.

You will see the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however, they only need attend one.

Thanks to the coaches for volunteering their time and expertise to the program. Marist is fortunate to have many staff, old boys and current students contributing to the rugby program. We appreciate all that they do in creating a safe and challenging rugby environment.

Wet Weather – Training will very rarely be canceled due to wet weather. However, in the event of rain, I ask that all students be dropped off at Des Connor Field, Flat 5. To protect computers and formal hats, please ensure all gear is placed under cover around the canteen or in the shed upon arrival.

Note – Any student competing for a position on the AIC Marist swim team, you will start your Rugby Ready Program in Week 7 following the AIC Swimming Championship on Tuesday 11th.

ALL swimmers intending to play rugby will be required to complete one session in Week 7 following the Championship. They will then be required to do two sessions in Week 8 and Mr Graham will put on a session for all swimmers on Monday 24 (Week 9) at 6:45am to ensure they can complete the program.

Rugby Union Trials

Please make sure you see the Rugby Union Key Dates Calendar in the Parent Orbit for all games throughout the season.

Following the conclusion of the Rugby Ready Program at the end of Week 8, the boys will start to prepare in their Year levels for the full school internal trial on Saturday 29 March (end of Week 9). This day also serves as the Rosalie Tribute Round.

For those interested in watching the early season 1st XV and 2nd XV trials, the games are as follows –

WHAT: Internal 1st XV trial

WHEN: Sunday 16 March

TIME: 10:00am-12:00pm

WHERE: Everton Park Roosters Rugby Union Club (Hurdcotte Street).

WHAT: 1st XV vs Downlands / 2nd XV vs Downlands

WHEN: Sunday 23 March

TIME: 10:30am – 2nd XV kick off / 11:30am 1st XV kick off

WHERE: Downlands College, Toowoomba

Marist Rugby Union | Rugby Referee Program

The Marist College Ashgrove Rugby Referee Program is offered to anyone in Year 8 and above who is interested in becoming a referee.

This program is extended to anyone in the Marist community who would like to become a referee including Old Boys, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters of Marist students. Through participating in the program, you will become accredited to officiate junior rugby and have the best seat in the house.

Thanks to the 8 Marist students, the two Mt St Michael’s students and the three parents who attended the referee information afternoon last Friday. It was wonderful to see our next crop of officials beginning their journey.

For those who weren’t able to attend Friday afternoon, this Friday is another opportunity to join the program as the group formally start the coaching course.

The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 28 February. The content is delivered from 3:30-5:00pm here at the College in Room 108.

Students who complete the course and become a referee are able to earn $25-$40 dollars per game. For those students who are still playing, we will look to find games where possible around your own fixtures.

Anyone interested should contact Mr Richard Graham, Director of Rugby / Track and Field grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au.

Marist Rugby Preseason | Year 10, 11 and 12

Please see information for Week 6-7, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit.

The Blue Squad (Year 11-12) was announced at the end of Week 3 and will continue to prepare for the upcoming camp and trials.

Training will continue for all students who missed selection. Along with the Rugby Ready Program, both the Gold Squad (Year 11-12) and the Year 10 cohort will be provided further opportunities to train in preparation for the season.The dress code for ALL sessions is Blue MCA shirt, Marist blue sports shorts, and white / blue / Marist rugby socks (see @marist_ashgrove_rugby on Instagram).

All sessions will take place on Des Connor Park, Field 5.

Note: if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.

Marist Rugby Union | Camps and Tours

After a hiatus since COVID, the Marist Rugby Union program is excited to reintroduce a range of camps and tours in 2025, providing students with valuable experiences in regional rugby environments. These opportunities are designed to enhance player development, strengthen team culture, build independence, and prepare squads for the upcoming season.

The following initiatives are locked in for 2025 -

Currimundi Camp

Blue Squad – 35 students (those competing for a spot in the 1st XV)

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9, March

Northern New South Wales Tour

1st XV and 2nd XV squad (approximately 36 students)

Games in Lennox Head and Armidale

Friday 4 – Wednesday 9, April

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

U12 team (for logistical reasons, the squad and reserves were selected in Term 4, 2024)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April.

Looking ahead, we aim to further expand these opportunities to include more students within our rugby union program, ensuring a broad and inclusive pathway for all aspiring players.

Marist Old Boys | Honoured in Queensland Rugby Union Hall of Fame

Marist College Ashgrove proudly celebrates the achievements of two Old Boys, Brendan Moon (Class of 1976) and John Connolly (Class of 1969), who have been inducted into the Queensland Rugby Union Hall of Fame.

Brendan Moon, one of Australia’s greatest wingers, earned 35 Test caps for the Wallabies and was a key figure in Queensland Rugby throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. His graceful yet powerful running game left a lasting impact on Australian rugby, and his contributions have now been fittingly recognised.

John Connolly has been a well-regarded coach in Australian rugby, guiding the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies during his long and notable coaching career. His induction honours his influence on the game and his dedication to developing rugby talent.

The Marist community congratulates both Brendan and John on this well-deserved recognition.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024 the College 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.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Sunday Sessions

For all students wanting to begin their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The focus at this early stage is Sprints / Hurdles / Throws / Jump plyometrics. 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 | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign on. All students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources.

Note: If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the Track and Field program, including schedules and relevant information.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

The Track and Field Camp is a vital component of the team’s preparation for the AIC Championship. Over 2½ days, students will receive high-level coaching and mentoring from an exceptional team of specialists including National and Olympic-level coaches across various track and field disciplines.

Attendance at the camp is by invitation only and invitations will be sent to selected students in late August. Selection is based on a range of factors, including performance, attitude, attendance and team composition.

This camp provides an outstanding opportunity for students to refine their skills, build team camaraderie, and gain valuable insights from elite-level coaches as we prepare to defend both our AIC Secondary and AIC Primary Championship trophies.

Camp Information

Dates: Thursday 18– Saturday 20 September 2025

Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)

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.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Marist Tennis Newsletter! As we head further into the season, the courts are buzzing with energy, and our players are continuing to showcase their passion and skill. Whether it's thrilling wins, nail-biting finishes, or inspiring performances, there's plenty to celebrate in our tennis community. Let's look at the highlights and achievements for this weekend.

Sad news – I have an injury to my ankle and have been ordered to work from home, so unfortunately, I will not be able to take any of my lessons for two weeks until I get the all clear. In the meantime, my great team will cover the workload on court during my absence while I recover. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

AIC First and Second Team Trials – Be Part of the Squad

Trials for the First and Second AIC Train-On Squad will take place in Week 8 of this term, open to all students who believe they have the potential to make the team.

Training Schedule:

Mondays and Wednesdays
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Marist Tennis Courts

From these sessions, 8 to 10 players from Years 7-12 will be selected to train in Term 2 as part of the 1st IV selection process for 2025. Training for this squad is free in Term 2. Any student aiming to secure a place in this year’s teams must train throughout Term 2 in preparation for the upcoming AIC season.

AIC Trials for all year levels will commence in Week 6 of Term 2 (days and times to be confirmed).

Super League and Brisbane League Update

Our teams had an outstanding weekend, with most securing impressive wins against their opponents.

A special shoutout to the Div 7 team for their thrilling comeback, with Jack Lambley and Darcy White pulling off a 3-2 win. Well done, lads, you made it look easy—almost too easy!

Our Div 3 team also had a solid win and a close loss to the Super Reserve grade. Oscar White was on fire, playing aggressively to win in straight sets, but the nail-biter 2-3 loss left us all holding our breath. So close, yet so far.

And let’s not forget the Brisbane League Div 3 team, who bagged a much-needed win to keep themselves firmly in the top 4. Keep climbing, guys.

Overall, it was a fantastic day. Well done to all the teams for bringing your A-game!

Coaching News

A special shout-out to some of our standout players who are really turning heads on the courts!

First up, Mav Tucker—his improvement has been nothing short of remarkable. If you haven’t seen him play recently, you’re in for a treat. Arthur Grinham is looking sharp, and with trials coming up, we’re expecting big things from him this year. Leo Scuderi is also making waves, and his growing ability to control his emotions is paying off—he’s turning those nail-biting, close matches into victories.

Isaac McDonnell’s game has taken a serious leap forward, especially with his improved footwork. Keep an eye out, first players, because he’s coming for you!

Looking further down the line, we have some future stars in the making: Charlie Headrick, Daniel Revis, and Harvey Forest. These guys are ones to watch, and we’re excited to see them take off when they hit Year 5.

Over the years, we’ve noticed that the boys who take private lessons before joining Marist often end up becoming the top players for their year level. So, keep up the great work—it's always a pleasure to coach such dedicated players! We can’t wait to see where your hard work takes you.

For any bookings for coaching please email Jade Mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Week 8 – AIC First and Second Train-On Squad Trials (Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:00 PM)

Easter Holiday Camp

Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 April, 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Term 2

Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 April – AIC First and Second Train-On Squad Training begins
Week 6 – AIC Trials for all year levels (dates to be confirmed)
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June – Marist Doubles Championships (3:30 – 7:30 PM)
- Both Open and Primary Doubles will be held simultaneously, with a sausage sizzle provided for players.

Mid-Year Holiday Camp

Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 July, 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Term 3

Monday 14 July – AIC training begins (pupil-free day)

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 August – Marist Singles Championships (3:30 – 7:30 PM)

Open and Primary Singles will run concurrently, with a sausage sizzle provided.
Tuesday 16 September – AIC Break-Up Party (3:30 – 6:00 PM)

September Holiday Camp

Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 September, 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Term 4

Tuesday 7 October – Coaching resumes (pupil-free day)
Sunday 23 November – Parent-Son Tournament and Christmas Break-Up (2:00 – 6:00 PM, BBQ at 5:00 PM)

Xmas and New Year Holiday Camps

Monday 15th – Wednesday 17th December 8 -11am
Monday 22nd – Wednesday 24th December 8 -11am
Monday 12th – Wednesday 14th January 8 – 11am
Monday 19th – Wednesday 21st January

2026 Term 1 coaching will begin Monday 2nd February.

Member Gate Code Access

Please be aware that our gate system can occasionally be temperamental, and there may be instances where it does not immediately recognise your pin code.

While we transition to a new provider, Wilson Security Systems, we appreciate your patience and apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock – Football Coordinator

6A, 9A and 2nd XI Trials Postponed | 10A Trial Cancelled

The 6A, 9A and 2nd XI trials will be postponed to the same times next week. The third 10A trial is cancelled and the A squad will be announced on Friday afternoon.

7A and 8A Squad Announcements

The 7A and 8A squads will be announced on Friday afternoon.

General Football Trials

All remaining Football trials will take place in Week 9 and 10 once Term 1 sport has concluded. Every year group (Year 5 to Opens) will have three trials before announcing all Football squads in Week 10.

Marist Football | Sign On

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the Football program, including schedules and relevant information.