Sport News

Last weekend saw our last official AIC events for 2023 with the Esports, Touch and Water Polo gala days. Marist was well represented across the three events with full representation in each activity. The weekend was a true representation of the best things about the AIC competition where boys got to to represent their college in their chosen sport, participate with their mates, and have a positive, enjoyable time doing so. Across the weekend there were lots of happy boys showing off their talents and doing so with a smile on their faces. 

On Saturday morning our Esports team was unable to defend last years title but were right in contention throughout as one of the stronger schools. Thank you to Ms Justine Natoli for coordinating and coaching our esports teams. Thank you to Villanova College for organizing such an impressive event, which is sure to grow over the coming years. The teams played capture the flag in Minecraft with round-robin matches in the morning moving into finals after lunch. Our teams were highly competitive with much practice having gone in to prepare.

Also on Saturday morning, we had a multitude of teams taking part in the AIC Touch Invitational at St Laurence’s College fields at Runcorn. With four primary, one Year 7, 2 Year 8/9 and 2 open teams competing, Marist was the strongest representation there. Our primary teams had a great experience learning about the requirements of being a competitive touch team. Our boarding team in the Year 8/9 division performed strongly throughout highlighted by a four try come back in their last match culminating in Darius Creek going over after the hooter to win the match 5-4. The standout performance came from our open team who, despite having a team made up mainly of Year 9 boys, won their pool and reached the final of the open division. Thank you to all of our staff who gave their time to support the boys by coaching on the day - Mr Lambourne, Mr Jones, Mr Trebbin, Mr Bartlett Mr Midgley, Ms Badini, Mr Denkes, Mr Whitlock, Mr Devoy and Mr Kelly. Our appreciation also goes to parent Mrs Peregrina, who lent her significant experience in the sport to help guide our teams throughout the day. 

On Sunday Marist hosted the AIC Water Polo competition. There were three divisions, Year 7, 8/9 and opens. Our Year 7s enjoyed their first water polo experience for the College early in the morning, with the team competitive without much luck in their three matches. The Year 8/9 team was undefeated in their three matches in a strong display of water polo. Our premier team showed their strength and talent as a team with a comprehensive win in the open division. The team won 10-0 v St Peters, 7-3 against Villanova and 11-4 against Padua to finish as the only undefeated team and claim the title. This will set them up well as the seek to defend their Queensland All-Schools trophy from last year next week. Thank you to our Water Polo coordinator Mr Ryan Apps for running the competition and Mr Apps, Ms Ryan and Old Boy Mr Will Valentine for coaching our teams.

Term 1 Sports

Our first teams have kicked off 2024 with trials and training commencing already in volleyball, cricket and AFL along with our entire swimming program. Our whole program opportunities in each of the team sports have started or will be starting very soon as we look to get some pre-season practice and provisional team selection sorted. 

The College app is the best place for information about our sports programs. Over the coming days and weeks, you will see trials and training information, season calendars, selection policies and handbooks for each of the sports. These documents will provide you with the key information you need to understand the commitment, the expectations and where and when you can get involved and need to be. All of our term 1 sports have new coordinators for 2024.

The contact details for these staff are:

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

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

Cricket                   Mr Ben Lee                        sports@marash.qld.edu.au 

Swimming            Ms Jade Ritchie                swim@marash.qld.edu.au 

Registrations

All players must be registered to play. There will be no exceptions to this rule in 2024, including first-team players. There will now be a consistent registration period for each sport throughout the year. Registrations will open on the first day of the term before the competition season and close on the last day of that term. As an example, for Term 1 2024, cricket, swimming, AFL and volleyball opened on Day 1 Term 4 (4 October) and will close on November 24 (except for new students).

The registration process is the same as in previous years. Instructions are available here.

If anyone is having difficulties registering, please contact Corey Lucas in the Sports Office or lucasco@marash.qld.edu.au.

Term 1 Uniforms

This is a reminder that the old College uniforms were all retired officially at the start of 2023 and should no longer be worn at all. All players need to be in the current uniforms as listed below. Please be careful if purchasing secondhand uniforms that the item is the current uniform. The information below is also available in each sport’s handbook available on the College app soon.

As discussed last week, it is the expectation that all boys will train in the Marist blue training shirt and shorts for all sessions from term 1, unless directed otherwise specifically by their coach.

We try and provide opportunities for boys in all sports but due to the nature of the competition and the sport, this is not always possible, and some boys will miss out in some sports. In term 1 this includes AFL and volleyball. Therefore, please do not purchase items in these two sports until teams have been finalised in those sports and a position on an AIC competition team has been confirmed as there are no refunds available from the uniform shop if the item has been worn. Cricket is unlimited so if a boy registers to play we will have a team for him and find games for him to play. 

AFL

Volleyball

Cricket

1st Teams

It has been the College position for a number of years now not to favour or privilege any one team, sport or activity over another in terms of uniform. Therefore, all players must purchase their playing uniform, including first teams. In 2023 we commenced a policy where if a player qualifies, he is presented with a commemorative item for that sport, such as the jersey or similar depending on the nature of the activity. Players are required to purchase their training shirt (marigold) and shorts and socks once the squad has been finalised. The training shirts are available from the uniform shop once advised by the coach or coordinator of the activity, and the shorts and socks will be invoiced before the end of the competition term. 

This policy is available on the College app and in the sport specific handbooks. The marigold shirt is consistent across all sports and only needs to be purchased once as it will fit with all sports at first team level.

Student Achievements

James Leigh – Lifesaving

Congratulations to James who represented Australia recently in New Zealand at the Pool Rescue Championships in Auckland. James won 7 medals and enjoyed the experience of being part of the team and wearing the green and gold.

Aiden Honke - Rugby

Good luck to Aiden who is participating in the Pacific Youth Rugby Festival this weekend, representing South Africa. 

Cross Country

Mr Mitch Reid - Cross Country Coordinator

The Marist Ashgrove Run Club (MARC) is returning! With sessions starting in Week 4, Term 4.

This is open to all students looking to improve their fitness in a fun and social environment.

All students are required to wear the Marist Sport or PE uniform.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Students at the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships 

All our best to the following students in their preparation for the Queensland All Schools Athletics Championships. This meet held between November 2 and 5 are selection trials for the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships held in Perth in December this year.

Declan Blundell, Isaiah Burgess, Jono Kirk, Owen Hair, Hayden Blaker, Lee Martin, Hayden Lockhart, Hugo Lockhart, Sania Elisala, Isaac Roach, Joel Drew, Asher Parkin, Zac Milligan, James Prole, Harry Prole, Perry Croft, Ash Kani, Joshua Cole, Xavier Simms, Ben Caughley, Ben Player, Elliot Aldridge, Lindsay Dixon, Connor Campbell, Joe Jackson, Shea Caminiti, Charlie Campion, Isaac Ting, Charlie Weaver, George Daly, Aidan Marshall, Ben Flanagan, Nathan Wright, Tadhg Ryan, Jack Mahuru, Harry Ecclestone, Harry Cootes, Lindon Maynard, Jai Jarro and Theo Calder.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 Training

This week students from Year 9-11 are invited to participate in a 5-week training block (this is the third of five weeks). All information is available on the Marist app.

A few key points to note – 

1. This Friday morning is a rest day. There will be NO field session, however, the gym will still be open and we would encourage students to attend.
2. Please note, if a student chooses to attend the AFL preseason block running during the same period, the only rugby union session available will be the Friday morning timeslot. This is to manage their physical load and their studies at this busy time.

Scrum Ready Program | Year 5-12

Year 5-11 rugby union front row forwards. 

Any students who play in the front row are invited to the Scrum Ready Program. 

WHEN: Wednesday 11 / 18 / 25 October / 1 November

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

WHERE: Des Connor Park, Field 5

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

OTHER GEAR: Rugby boots and a drink bottle

The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position. 

The three weeks will consist of:

1. Core and body strengthening exercises

2. Solo with no opposition – on knees

3. Solo with no opposition – on feet

4. Solo against a machine/tackle bag

5. 1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape.

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Marist Rugby Union Coordinators and Coaches…..thank you

A final acknowledgement to the wonderful Marist rugby coordinators and coaching teams who guided the College’s 40 teams through the Rugby Ready Program, the trials, and the AIC season.

Thank you for all of your great work, including creating a competitive, learning culture and ensuring every student could play 50 minutes of rugby each weekend. Your care and commitment for the students produced a fun-filled and enjoyable rugby union season.

Primary Head of Sport / Rugby Coordinator – Mr John Lambourne.

Rugby Coordinators – Mr Peter Gaiter (Opens), Mrs Melissa Deacon (Year 10), Mrs Liz Walsh (Year 9), Mrs Sharon Davidson (Year 8), Mr Damien Nelson (Year 7), Mr John Lambourne (Year 6) and Mr Anthony Graham (Year 5).

College Coaches – Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Peter Gaiter, Mr Phil Holding, Mr Kabel Dawes, Mr David Meehan, Mr Tony Byrne, Mr Mal Grealy, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Paddy Conn, Mr Pierce Hardy, Mr Harrison Gates, Mr James Walton, Mr Chris Sim, Mr Michael Abbott, Mr Doug Perrers, Mr Angus Sutherland, Mr Tom Dangerfield, Mr Damien Nelson, Mr Francis Sevil, Mr Brad Winchester, Mr Richard Coles, Mr James Furminger, Mr Jim Noble, Mr Pat Noble, Mr James Trebbin, Mr Jimmy Clarke.

Current Student Coaches – Bailey Caplick, Cody O’May, Atticus Armstrong, Hamish Wilson and Jack Haddad.

External Coaches – Mr Darren Kayrooz, Mr Glen Wright, Mr Dean Collins, Mr Joseph Burns, Mr Cameron Pfeffer, Mr Tom Cocks and Mr Tim Atkinson.

Old Boy Coaches – Mr Bill Prole, Mr Dan Drew, Mr Pat Howard, Mr Jack McIntosh, Mr Jack Eldridge, Mr Simon O’Hare, Mr Will Andreas, Mr Max Jorquera, Mr Finn Eldridge, Mr William Burkett, Mr Oscar Burg, Mr Will Collins, Mr Jake McCall, Mr Jordy Ryan, Mr James Gurr and Mr Liam Lucey.

 A note of thanks to Mr Mitch Reid in the Sports Administration office for his incredible work throughout the rugby union season. For context, the College provides the biggest rugby program in AIC by 10 teams. In 2023, Mr Reid organised for 17 different schools to play games against our students.

Whilst every coach would often go out of their way to help wherever and whenever they were asked, a special thanks to Mr Bill Prole who often coached the 5th XV and the 7th XV each game day, as well as helping out with the Year 10 group during the term. 

Marist Rugby Union Referees

Thank you to everyone who refereed games throughout the rugby season. Your contribution to the Marist rugby union program is greatly appreciated and is a significant reason why our program across the board is so successful. The contribution from the wider rugby community is a wonderful part of the culture here at the College and we look forward to continuing that into the future.

A special note of congratulations to Zander Knoetze for winning the Andrew Cole Memorial Award Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the Student Sports Official of the Year for the College, who has contributed to College life, as a referee, coach, umpire, or team manager.

Mr Andrew Cole found his love for rugby at high school, here at Marist College Ashgrove. He started refereeing in 1988 and officiated his first Test when Samoa played Tonga nine years later.

Mr Cole has been remembered as the calm, respected figure with the whistle in 31 Tests and 44 Super Rugby matches. After he called time on his own days in the middle, he nurtured the next wave as a coach of referees like current Marist parent and international referee Nick Berry.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome to the halfway mark of this term already and I cannot believe how fast the term has flown by.

As we deliver our coaching to all students this term, I am pleased to offer free for all students enrolled in squads this term.

As we have offered squads on different days, students can now choose to attend extra sessions if a class is not full on top of their sessions that they already do. This is of no cost to any student who wishes to do extra sessions to continue to improve their tennis. If you are interested, please text me on 0419 626 792.

Reminder that to take advantage of the discounted cost for most coaching that students or families must be a financial member of the MCA Tennis Club. All coaching is based on members prices, but we can do a non-members price for those not wanting to join the club. ( will always be cheaper if you are a member)

We are still working on a Callender for tennis in 2024 in which we hope to get out before terms end. This will have all the important dates and events that we are looking to hold during the year.

Holiday Clinics

These Holidays we are looking to increase the number of clinics we do.

Clinic 1 November = Mon 27th, Tue 28th, Wed 29th 

Runs from 8-11 am cost $150 for three days or $60 per single day.

Clinic 2 December = Mon 4th Dec, 5th , 6th

Runs from 8-11 am cost $150 for three days or $60 per single day.

Clinic 3 December = Mon 18th , 19th , 20th

Runs from 8-11 am cost $150 for three days or $60 per single day.

Clinic 4 January = Mon 15th , 16th , 17th

Runs from 8-11 am cost $150 for three days or $60 per single day.

These clinics will be for all standard of players who wish to improve or are just starting out on their journey in this wonderful sport.

For all bookings, please call us or email.

Email = MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Phone = 0437 449 523

Make Up Private Lessons

These can be booked for anyone who has missed a lesson due to rain or the public holiday and we are looking to hold these on any of the weeks we have advertised clinics during the holidays. If there are times you can make these up, please let us know and we can book that in for you now.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

We are pleased to announce the return of our annual AIC Swimming Mango Drive. This popular fundraiser offers you the chance to enjoy fresh Kensington Pride mangoes from North Queensland while supporting the AIC Swimming Program at MCA. For detailed information on pricing, ordering, and collection, please checkout the link below. Thank you for your continued support.