Sport News

Last weekend saw Marist compete against St Peters Lutheran College and a host of other schools to complete the draw. It was a particularly strong day for Marist across the board with cricket winning 28 matches and losing three, volleyball winning 12 and losing eight, and AFL winning 11 and losing seven. The AFL and cricket first teams had confidence-boosting wins as well to cap off a good weekend in sport.

Marist hosted St Edmund’s College in the pool on Friday night for a preparation meet for the AIC championships, which are three weeks away. Our thanks are extended to Mr James Boyce, Director of Swimming, and the swimming program staff for your commitment and dedication to the boys as they prepare for this important AIC event.

My thanks are extended to the cricket community, in particular the 1st XI parents, who supported the Pink Stumps round last weekend against St Peters. A sea of pink was on display around the grounds and money was raised to support the McGrath Foundation.

Results and Recognition

We sent out a weekly summary to all boys with our results from the previous weekend’s AIC sport fixtures. The objective in doing this is to increase boys talking about sport, games played, friends doing well and how Marist is doing overall. This list is also being shared with interested staff and we hope that it may spark a new communication, a pastoral group conversation or acknowledgement for boys from their peers and staff if they are doing well.

The wider community is able to keep a track of our sports performance week to week in this section of the College Newsletter where we keep season summaries, updated every week for all of our AIC teams and also through the AIC website at https://aicsport.com.au/. This is updated at the end of each round of fixtures and includes tables to track how our teams are going overall.

To recognise the success and achievements of all teams, we award pennants to all members of undefeated teams, with some caveats around number and type of opponents played. Again, our aim here is to build a culture of wanting to succeed and receiving praise for a job well done. My experience at Marist has been that our boys are humble and do not seek the spotlight. These are certainly very admirable qualities for young men, and fitting with the Marist traditions, but where an achievement has been reached, such as making a first team or being a part of an undefeated team, it is right that recognition and praise are given.

Sporting Uniforms

I have been pushing hard on the message of all must be in correct uniforms for sport, both for fixtures and for training. It has been wonderful to see the boys raise their standards and present a much more consistent and unified approach over the last few rounds. It looks great and it has been noticed already.

Swimming Carnival

This Thursday is our Inter-House Swimming Carnival. This is a normal school day, with boys participating in normal lessons around the two periods they have for the championship. The primary objective is for participation with all divisions worth equal points so the more boys swim for their house the more points they can earn.

Boys are reminded to bring swimmers, sunscreen, rashies, a towel and plenty of water. There will be no canteen at the pool but normal break operations at the tuckshop will occur.

We are looking forward to a great day.

Cricket

Derek Lennon - Cricket Coordinator

Last weekend was a great weekend in the cricket program as we hosted St Peters Lutheran College. Not only was it a success on the field with 28 wins from 31 matches, we supported the McGrath Foundation with Pink Stumps Day and enjoyed the refurbished Cyprian Pavilion for the first time in sport.

Thank you to Mr Gary Munday from St Peters for his efforts in putting together the Pink Stumps Day initiative, which was so generously supported by both Marist and Peters communities. Thank you to Mr Tim Kotzur (Principal- St Peters) and Mr Michael Newman (Head of College- Marist) for opening the Pink Stumps Day with a ceremony and pink cap presentation to the players on McMahon Oval before play commenced.

This weekend we play against St Patrick’s College, with the senior teams away from home. St Pats won the cricket aggregate last year so this will prove a good challenge for our teams. Once again, please check the draw carefully for match details.  

Marist 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.

Marist Rugby Connection | Year 5

This is an open invitation to ALL Year 5 students.

The Marist Rugby Union program is committed to a strong and genuine connection from the 1st XV down to our newest bumblebees in Year 5. 

On Friday 21 February, the Year 5 students are invited to train with the Open Blue and Open Gold squads on Hayden Oval. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect the students in a safe and friendly environment and to align some of our key rugby language and philosophies.

DATE: Friday 21 February

TIME: 6:45-7:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

DRESS: Blue Marist training gear and Marist white or blue socks.

Rugby Ready Program | Years 5-12

Starting in Week 5 (Monday 24 February), Marist College is delivering a mandatory 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws and management of safety issues such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call.   Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury.  Please see documents on the Parent Orbit for the schedule. 

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

DRESS CODE: Marist rugby jersey or Marist blue sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, Marist rugby union socks / white or blue sports socks, rugby boots and mouth guard.

AIC Championship swimmers are not required to attend Rugby Ready until the completion of the AIC swim meet on 7 March. Extra sessions will be made available to assist so everyone completes their four sessions prior to the trials.

NOTE - The program involves four stages (1 session per week) and all players will be required to complete in order to play rugby this season. 

Rugby Referee Program | Invitation

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.

In 2024, we had 11 students and one parent complete the course. At time of writing, we have six confirmed for the 2025 course, including one parent and one sister of a student.

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.

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

Marist Rugby Union | Injury Review

Following the 2024 AIC rugby union season, an independent injury and concussion analysis was conducted by the AIC.

The findings reinforced the well-planned and robust approach delivered by our coaching staff and highlighted the commitment of our students to preparation and safety. The AIC specifically acknowledged the Rugby Ready Program for its significant role in ensuring players are prepared in a safe, purposeful and progressive manner—proving once again that prevention is always better than cure.

Marist College Ashgrove recorded the lowest injury and concussion rate per total rugby teams playing in Term 2, 2024—an achievement we are proud to have sustained for two consecutive seasons.

This recognition is a testament to the culture of safety, preparation and care embedded in the Marist Rugby Program.

Marist Rugby Preseason | Years 10, 11 and 12

Please see information for Week 1-5, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit. Year 10 students will be offered an opportunity to begin preseason training in Week 3.

The Blue Squad (Years 11-12) was announced last week. The squad is a wider group of 44 players that will remain fluid based on attendance, attitude, skill development, improvements and team requirements.

Training will continue for all students who missed selection. Both the Gold Squad (Year 11-12) and the Year 10 cohort will be provided 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 | Coaching

A huge vote of thanks to the Marist College rugby union coaching community who will come together Friday afternoon in preparation for the Rugby Ready Program and the upcoming season. The coaches have worked tirelessly over the past two seasons to create an environment where every student reaches their potential and all students have an enjoyable experience. 

The coaching staff have been working hard in the background to ensure their Smart Rugby and coaching qualifications are up-to-date.

Whilst a number of our coaches have the highest coaching accreditation in the country - Level 4; all coaches are required to hold a Smart Rugby accreditation.

Smart Rugby is Rugby Australia's "Work, Health and Safety" program. 

This year the rugby union program is again delivering an integrated approach that aligns all year groups here at the College. "The Marist Way" includes a number of the following areas -

1. Game style
2. Training guide and support
3. Common language
4. Expectations and standards

The coaching staff look forward to delivering this in the upcoming season.

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 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: 3:15-4:45pm 

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.

Follow us and stay up-to-date with Marist Track and Field on Instagram - @marist_ashgrove_sports.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Super and Brisbane Leagues – Smashing Start!

Our teams crushed it over the weekend, winning 4 out of 5 matches and securing top four spots across the board. Huge efforts all around, but let’s give a few well-earned shoutouts:

Oscar White – Took down a much more experienced opponent with style. Brilliant!

Leo Scuderi – Breezed through his match like it was a casual hit-up. Dominant.

Frankie Hain – From reports a well thought out match and outsmarted and outplayed his opponent

Jack and Jason Lambley (Father-Son Power Duo) – Absolutely on fire! Family bonding time.

Old Boys – It’s Time to Dust Off That Racquet!

The Old Boys are making a comeback, and we love to see it! Want year-round court access at Marist Tennis Club? Easy.

Annual Membership: $94.00 – unlimited court hire for the year

Membership + Lights Access: $188.00 – because night tennis is elite

Membership runs from Term 4 to Term 3 the following year. So, if you’re ready to relive the glory days (without the dodgy warm-up routines), now’s your chance!

Squad and Group Coaching – Term 1 Bookings Closing Soon!

Only a few spots left! If you're keen to level up, now’s the time to lock in your spot.

Squad Players – Don’t Forget! Your private lesson is included in your enrolment. If you haven’t booked it yet, what are you waiting for? Get on it!

First and Second IV Team Trials – Are You Ready?

Think you’ve got what it takes to make the Train-On Squad for Term 2? Time to prove it.

Trials: Weeks 8 and 9 (possibly Week 10)

Training: Two afternoons per week (likely Tuesday and Thursday)

AIC Trials for all other year levels (except Open 1st and 2nd Teams) kick off Week 6, Term 2.

mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au; 0437 449 523 

See you on the courts!

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Congratulations to all the boys who swam on Friday afternoon, and a special shoutout to our primary school swimmers who competed at the North West Districts on Thursday. Marist College Ashgrove took home the overall winners' an incredible achievement, especially given that we compete only in the boys' events. Well, done to: Luca Bryant, Joseph Cairns, Alex Donaghy, Clancy Heenan, Harry Kirkman, Percy McDowell, Ross Murie, James Rennick, Jimmy Ryan, Daniel Sadimenko, Finn Sheehan, and Clayton Thompson.

This week, we are excited to host our first-ever Old Boys Meet, where swimmers will compete for the Legacy Cup. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for our team to test their skills under pressure, making it a valuable lead-up to the AIC Championships. We warmly invite all Old Boys to attend and be part of this special occasion.

AIC Prep Meets and Relay Training

• Prep Meets: Held every Friday night, these meets are compulsory for boys aiming for the final AIC team, which will be announced on Monday 3 March.
• Relay Training: The second AIC Relay Training session is scheduled for Friday morning, 21 February. Attendance is compulsory for the top ten athletes (names highlighted). Breakfast will be provided.

Training Squads

Our training squads cater to both fitness-focused swimmers and those striving for a spot on the AIC Swimming Team. While joining the AIC team is optional, we strongly encourage all boys to participate in the Friday Prep Meets, as these sessions offer an excellent opportunity to track progress and refine race strategies in a supportive, competitive environment.

If you're unsure whether your son should compete, please reach out to Damian or me for guidance before or after squad sessions.

Contact Information

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

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock (Football Coordinator)

Year 7-10 A Team Trials

Year 7-10 A team trials have commenced this week and will continue in Week 5 and 6. To clarify the process around these trials, all players that played in an A or B team in 2024 have been invited to trial. Any players that are new to Marist or played outside the A and B teams in 2024 are welcome to attend, they just need to contact the Football Coordinator (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) for details.

Once the A team squads have been confirmed the trial process will begin for all remaining teams in each year group. This will occur in Week 7, 8 and 9 and further details will be posted in next week’s newsletter.

Year 5, 6 and Opens Trials

• Year 5 – there will be 3 trials during Week 9 of term. Specific dates and timings will be sent in the coming weeks.
• Year 6 – will follow the same process as the Year 7-10 trials with A team trials commencing in Week 5. Invitations will be sent on Wednesday 19 February.
• Opens - 2nd XI trials will commence in Week 5 and invitations will be sent tomorrow. Trials for the remaining Opens teams will commence in Week 7.

If you have any questions regarding Marist Football please reach out to the Football Coordinator – Blair Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au).

Marist Football 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 delivering the necessary resources.