Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon, Head of Sport

What a great week we had last week. We kicked it off by winning the double in the AIC cross country, taking out both the primary and secondary championships at Curlew last Wednesday. This led to the Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch where 950 of our extended Marist community heard from Mr Gary Ablett Junior and Mr Luc Longley giving insight into their professional sporting careers and their own personal journeys as athletes and as men. Then on Friday afternoon, we defeated Lauries in chess in the first leg of an ambitious triple crown of firsts matches against our traditional rivals.

On Saturday the weather was kinder than anticipated and we enjoyed a wonderful day of football and rugby, hosting 50 matches at Ashgrove, plus multiple boarding, Old Boys functions and year level reunions to celebrate Super Saturday. Marist dominated the day winning 24 and losing 8 in rugby and winning 16 and losing 11 in football. The 1st XI secured a great win in front of a big crowd on the hill to see them going into the last round in outright first place and the 1st XV ended Lauries long undefeated run with a gutsy, entertaining performance on McMahon oval to secure the triple crown, winning all three first team matches against St Laurence’s College across the weekend.

Well done to our Cross Country team who won the Primary and the Secondary AIC championships last Wednesday at Curlew Park. The commitment, hard work, and team first mentality of the whole squad proved our strength as Marist were successful in the Year 6, 13 years and 15 years as well as second in Year 5, 12, 14, 16 years and Open. It was an outstanding effort from the entire team who should be very proud of their efforts. The commitment to training and hard work was evident and ultimately rewarded on the day. Thank you to Coordinator and Head Coach Mr Mitch Reid, Assistant Coordinator Mr Marcus Schrader, Head of Sport- Primary Mr John Lambourne, and the entire coaching and support team for your leadership, support, and guidance of the boys.

As we head into the last weekend of the Term 2 sports the College acknowledges and thanks the Year 12 boys for their efforts over the years, many of whom have played year on year since Year 5. We wish you all the very best for your final matches this weekend in the blue and gold. We hope that you engage with the Old Boys and return to cheer on your old school in the future. No doubt the tries will get bigger and the goals more spectacular as the years go by, but hopefully the memories never fade.

This weekend sees us take on St Edmund’s College for the final round of the season.

With our term 2 sports coming to an end this weekend our attention moves to our term 3 sports with basketball, rugby league, tennis, hockey and track and field starting very soon. Please make sure you have registered to play. Trial details will become available on the College App over the coming days.

Football

Mr Derek Lennon (Football Coordinator)

It was great to see an improvement in our round six results against St Laurence’s over our trial round results. This suggests our boys along with our coaches are doing a good job at developing and improving their individual ability, their team play and their ability to work for a result.

The 1st XI were brave, skilful and united in seeing off Lauries 2-1 on Cameron Oval in the last home game for our year 12 boys. It was everything good about schoolboy football, it was competitive, willing, skilful and entertaining throughout the match, and the biggest crowd on the hill in years were treated to a great game of football that keeps the premiership dream alive for the blue and gold. Marist played well in the first half and led 1-nil at the break, but never was it truer than on Saturday that you need to take your chances, as a second goal (that our play warranted) would have killed the game as a contest but, right after half-time Lauries equalised with their only meaningful shot on goal up to that stage and it was game on again. The boys had to dig deep and find a way, which they did with a second goal, and after some nervy final moments, held on for our fifth win of the season. A draw between St Edmunds and St Pats sees Marist in outright first for the first time with one game to go against an Eddies side who also have everything to play for.

Overall, we enjoyed a great day of competition against the benchmark program in the competition and the Marist teams across the age groups and the divisions stood up and gave their all. Marist won the day overall with 16 wins, 4 draws and 11 losses. The gap to Lauries has certainly closed, and while they should win the aggregate, we will be a gallant second and if we can make the most out of this Saturday in the A and B matches, who knows, we can still do it with a big day in Ipswich.

This Saturday is our final matches of the season against St Edmund’s College. There are many supp matches so check the draw carefully.

Cross Country

Mr Mitch Reid Coordinator

AIC Cross Country Championship

Firstly, congratulations to all students on a fantastic AIC Cross Country season. The hard work, commitment, and strong team culture that Marist cross country is known for was again on display on Wednesday at Curlew Park.

Congratulations to our primary school squad for winning the AIC Primary Aggregate! The Year 5 team started the day off on a strong note, finishing 2nd. The Year 6 team then made sure of the aggregate with a dominant display, having 7 boys in the Top 16.

Congratulations to Finn Beaver for winning the Year 6 race. Thank you to Primary Head of Sport – Mr John Lambourne for his support of cross country throughout the year.

Our secondary school squad continued the strong running with all students and age groups having fantastic performances. The squad was never challenged in the overall senior aggregate with all age groups finishing 1st or 2nd. The consistent performances across all age groups and great depth within the squad were the reasons we were able to bring back the shield to Ashgrove. All members of the squad should be extremely proud of their performance and contribution to the program.

Please see below the final age level and Marist Cross Country Age Champions results (awarded to the students who finished first across the line in each age level) - Well done boys!

Primary Results

Primary Aggregate – 1st

Year 5 – 2nd
Year 6 – 1st

Secondary Results

Secondary Aggregate – 1st

12 Years – 2nd
13 Years – 1st
14 Years – 2nd
15 Years – 1st
16 Years – 2nd
Opens – 2nd

Age Champion

12 Years – Abe Patricks

13 Years – Jesse Walter

14 Years – Xavier Hunter

15 Years – Harry Prole

16 Years – Zac Milligan

Opens – Asher Parkin

To the Year 12 students who competed in their last AIC Championship, well done and thank you for your contribution to the program over many years. You have been great role models to younger students within the program and you all should be extremely proud of your performances on Wednesday.

Finally, a special thank you must go to all of those who were involved in the Cross Country program this year. Without the tireless early mornings, behind-the-scenes work of our fantastic group of Assistant Coordinator Mr Marcus Schrader and Squad Supervisors (Mr Fergal Apps, Mr Brendan Jansons, Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Thomas Prole, Mr Matt Pimm, Mr Sasha Sofronoff and Mr Ben Adams) alongside the parents, carers and families who have supported the boys through the season, the program couldn’t have the success it does.

I would also like to thank the Marist Sports department - Mr Derek Lennon, Mr Corey Robinson and Mr Matt Millward for their support over the season.

Student Achievements

Hunter Harvey – AFL

Congratulations to Hunter Harvey who has been selected to officiate at the AFL School Sport Australia National Carnival on the Gold Coast later in the year. This is a wonderful recognition for Hunter’s dedication to umpiring.

Elliot Aldridge – Rugby Union

Last week, Thursday May23rd- Sunday May 26th, Elliot represented Met North & Marist in Toowoomba for the 18 Years Queensland School Sport Rugby State Championships. Met North finished a respectable fifth in a very strong competition played in challenging conditions. Elliot was named man of the match for his performance in the finals. Well done Elliot.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Super Saturday……… was Super!

Without a doubt, this was the biggest crowd at Marist for years! We enjoyed an amazing day of schoolboy rugby union with a car raffle, entertainment, celebrations, prizes, giveaways, and a supporters' bar - all supported by parents, grandparents, Old Boys’ reunions, 1st XV reunions, and boarding families gathering together.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the day. You were all a part of creating a very special event at the College.

We also extend our appreciation to everyone involved in the planning and delivery of this fantastic day. Thanks to Bethany Halpin, Ellen Kassulke, Anna Nasr, Jenna Harding, Antonia Svenson, Damien Zoomers and Denver Jensen for putting on such a range of high-quality events. Thanks also to Matt Tarlington, Dane Rowe and the team for delivering the high standard of facilities, functions and fields. Both teams of people have worked overtime to deliver two exceptional events – Champagnat Trust Sports Luncheon on Friday followed up with a very super Super Saturday. Your planning, execution and delivery made it a special and truly memorable day!

Thanks to Gower Production for capturing the day in full colour. The site of the scoreboard with live action, instant replays, music and advertisements demonstrates how fortunate we are with the facilities, resources and expert people we have.

Finally, thanks to Josie Loucas and her team of wonderful people in the canteen and coffee van. Thanks also to the volunteers who gave their time to help in the canteen. The amount of food and drink sold took good leadership and an army of volunteers to service the crowds throughout the day.

See you all here at the College for another Super Saturday in 2025!

Round 6 vs St Laurence’s College

Super Saturday delivered some super performances! Well done to all the coordinators, coaches and students for making it a wonderful day of Marist running rugby.

Under cloudy skies, our 1st XV to 6th XV teams all secured victories against traditional rivals, St Laurence's College. Congratulations to all the teams for a fantastic spectacle of Marist physical attacking rugby on McMahon Oval. All games were played in great spirit, showcasing some exceptional skills, great teamwork and a genuine camaraderie. Thanks to The Southport School for sending two teams earlier in the day to play against our 7th XV and 8th XV. Rugby schedules are often limited to the AIC competition so any opportunity for the students to play against someone different is an enriching experience.

One of the most beautiful and memorable moments of the day would have to be the 1st XV walking onto McMahon Oval hand in hand with a Year 5 student. This occasion highlights everything positive about the Marist rugby program, showcasing the strong connection from Year 5 through to Year 12. It's a unique experience that both the senior players and the young students will remember for a very long time. This special moment epitomises the spirit and the unity of our Marist rugby community, and it fosters lifelong memories and a deep sense of camaraderie across the College. Well done!

The Year 10s had another dominant day with some outstanding team performances across all five games. Games against St Laurence’s College, The Southport School and Iona College couldn’t slow the consistency of the Year 10 teams nor the quality of their rugby. Well done to everyone involved in the Year 10 rugby program. Over the past two weeks the teams have been challenged with injuries, however they have continued to find a way to raise the bar. The 10A – 10C teams were all successful against SLC whilst the 10Ds beat a committed TSS. The 10Es won an abbreviated version playing 7s against Iona College and in the spirit of great sportsmanship some Marist students played for Iona to make sure everyone played 50 minutes of rugby. Well done to you all!

On Des Connor Park, 9As went down for a second successive week whilst the 9Bs continued a strong run of consistency to see off the SLC 9Bs. The 9Cs bounced back after a few tough weeks with an improved performance and a positive result on the scoreboard. Thank you and well done to all involved with the 9A-9C teams. The 9Ds played against The Southport School 14Cs who proved too strong in the end. In a highly competitive and physical game, both teams played some fantastic rugby. Finally, I want to thank the 9Es who played a combined match with the Marist 8Es. The students approached the match in positive frame of mind and the outcome was a fantastic game of rugby. The Marist catch pass, strong tackling and excellent breakdown skills were all evident.

The 8As went down to the SLC 8As in a close encounter. Trailling 17-0 at halftime, the team clawed their way back in the contest at 17-14, however a late penalty goal sealed a 20-14 win for the Lauries team. The 8B-8D teams all played very well for their wins. The 8Bs bounced back from a defeat in the preseason trial for a strong win. All the teams continue to improve the way they are playing and it is wonderful to see from the sideline some of the Marist catch pass skills and the contact skills becoming more consistent each week. Congratulations to the coordinator, coaches and students for the work you are doing. As mentioned above, the 8Es played in a combined match with the Marist 9Es. Whilst the students gave away height and size, they never shied away from their commitment and courage to be part of the contest. Some of the tackling and also attacking line breaks were exceptional. Well done 8Es!

The Year 7 teams had an early start to Super Saturday kicking off games at 7:30am with a 3-way match between the Marist 7D and 7E teams, and SLC 7Ds. In a fantastic game of rugby the Marist 7Ds proved too strong for the opposition, whilst the 7Es battled gallantly against both D teams. In almost a repeat of the previous week, the 7Bs were courageous against the SLC 7Bs holding on to win 14-5. After a heavy loss in the trial against SLC, the 7Cs bounced back with a great win. Congratulations to the team and to coach, Mr Damien Nelson for the fantastic work they are doing each week. The 7As suffered a loss to a bigger and more physical Lauries 7A team. Whilst the team continues to improve each week and were absolutely committed for the full 50 minutes, the team struggled to get into this encounter. The Year 7s have been challenged with a lot of injuries recently, however well done to the coordinator, coaches and students for their progress and continued commitment.

The Year 6 cohort faced some logistical challenges, however they were navigated through calmly. Originally the 6B and 6C teams were scheduled for a 3-way encounter at Runcorn with the SLC 6Bs. Unfortunately, there was a scheduling mishap with the SLC 6Bs which meant another Marist vs Marist encounter. Well done and thank you to both teams! When the SLC 6Bs did turn up, the Marist 6Bs proved too strong in a very competitive and close match. The 6As suffered a close loss and again learned some valuable lessons along the way.

A wonderful day to be in Year 5. With games against St Laurence’s College, Super Super, an opportunity to walk down the stairs with the 1st XV, ball boys, and even a couch to sit on………it doesn’t get much better!! On the field, it was just as good. The 5A and 5B teams secured undefeated premierships with strong performances at Runcorn. Well done to Mr Anthony Graham (5A), and Mr James Trebbin and Ms Ella Graham (5B) for guiding the students through their first season here at the College. The 5Cs also played exceptionally well to make it a clean sweep for the Year 5 cohort against SLC. The mighty 5D team travelled in isolation to Padua. This is not an ideal situation given it was the last round of AIC rugby for the primary, however thanks to everyone at Padua who supported to students.

With St Edmund’s College not yet having a primary school, we are working to find games for all teams so they can finish the rugby season with one more game. Please continue to follow the draw for further information.

Congratulations and thank you to all the students for their impressive displays over the weekend! The feedback from referees and parents continues to be very positive. We commend the outstanding manner in which you approached your games on the weekend.

Thanks to our terrific coordinators and committed coaching staff for once again preparing the boys so well. The Lauries’ round is always a highlight, eagerly marked on the calendar early in the season. It appears we had a wonderful day with numerous wins, very few injuries, and lots of fun. Your time and genuine care for the students are greatly appreciated!

Reminder For Spectators

With only one game remaining, I would like to remind all spectators of their responsibilities and behaviour when watching games here at the College or at our opposition’s venues. Young people learn best by example so I would ask that you -

Remember that the students participate in rugby union for their enjoyment, not yours.
Remember our coaches and referees are volunteers. They give their time and resources to ensure players can play the game.
This is a GAME!
The referees are human (and often volunteers).

Marist College has a zero-tolerance policy for any verbal and/or physical abuse by spectators. Should a spectator’s behaviour be deemed inappropriate, they will be removed from the grounds.

Livestream

Follow all the 1st XV action on the livestream through the Rugby Xplorer App. Games can also be accessed via https://aictv.com.au or https://www.rugby.com.au/videos

Marist Rugby vs St Edmund’s College (Round 7)

Marist College is travelling to St Edmund’s College (Tivoli Sporting Complex, Church Street) for AIC Round 7 this Saturday.

For this weekend’s schedule and updates, please check the Marist app to get the latest details on all games. We will have teams travelling to Toowoomba as well as other parts of Brisbane this weekend.

St Edmund’s College do not have a primary school yet and we are making every effort to ensure that every student has a chance to play each weekend. Please continue to check the draw.

Please note that all students are to arrive at least 45 minutes before their games unless instructed otherwise by your coach. Arrive in Marist rugby playing gear (no thongs or Birkenstocks).

Teams for this weekend will be announced Friday morning.

Rugby Union Training – Term 2

Please ensure you check the Marist app for the Year level training sessions scheduled in Term 2. Additionally, refer to the Rugby Union Key Dates Calendar and AIC Draw in the Marist app for information on all games throughout the season.

We extend our sincere thanks to the GPS Rugby Union club for generously allowing our Year 10 cohort to train on their grounds. This has provided us with additional field space, greatly enhancing the overall training experience for our Year 10 teams. We are grateful for our strong connection with Jeeps and appreciate the opportunity to be part of the wider rugby community.

Student Dress

As we travel to various schools each weekend, it's important to maintain our standards and represent your team and the College with pride. Please be reminded of the following dress code for all rugby games:

Travel to Games: Students are to wear their Marist College Ashgrove rugby union uniform.

During Games: Students are to wear their full Marist College Ashgrove rugby union uniform, including rugby socks.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

2024 Oceania Area Track and Field Championships

This week we wish the following boys a successful and enjoyable competition as they compete in the 2024 Oceania Area Track and Field Championships -

Asher Parkin (Australia, U18, 2000m Steeplechase)
Isaiah Burgess (PNG, U18, Shot Put)
Jack Mahuru (PNG, U18, High Jump)
Jonathan Kirk (Fiji, U18, Shot Put)

Old Boy and 2023 winning AIC Track and Field captain, Lee Martin is also competing at the event.

We look forward to sharing their successes next week following the championships.

Marist Track and Field – Inter House Carnival

I am excited to announce that this year’s Inter House Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday, June 14. Following last year's highly competitive championship events and a fun-filled round of novelty activities, Gilroy House emerged as the 2023 champions.

As we gear up for another enjoyable and well organised inter house competition, the Heads of House from each of our eight houses are already strategising to claim the 2024 trophy.

Stay tuned for further details on preliminary events and the exciting day on Friday, June 14. We look forward to another day of fantastic sportsmanship and house spirit!

Marist Track and Field – Sign On is open

This year Marist College are looking to win its 10th successive AIC Championship. Students wishing to be part of that unprecedented challenge, please sign on for Track and Field via Students Café.

Marist Track and Field – Sunday Sessions

NOTE – there we be NO session this weekend (Sunday 9 June) due to the coaches attending the Oceania Area Track and Field Championship. Sunday sessions either side of this will continue as per normal.

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

As we all know the French Open is in full swing and one of the big four Grand Slam Tournaments of the year. Our last remaining Aussie in the draw Alex De Minaur with a huge win over night of 5th seed Daniil Medvedev is a huge step not only in his career, but a boost for all aspiring tennis players in Australia. I know all of Australia will be behind him when he next plays in the quarter finals of this majestic tournament. The first Australian to reach this far in this tournament since Lleyton Hewitt many years ago.

Trial Sessions for AIC for the Remainder of Term (Weeks 8 - 9)

Open Sessions:

Monday: 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 3:30 - 5:00 PM

Year-Level Specific Sessions:

Year 8: Tuesday, 6:45 - 7:45 AM

Year 6: Tuesday, 7:15 - 8:15 AM

Year 5: Thursday, 7:15 - 8:15 AM

Year 7: Thursday, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

Years 9 & 10: Friday, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

For additional information, please contact Jade or me. We are available via email at MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au or by phone on 0437 449 523.

Junior Marist Singles Championships

The championships will take place on Friday, June 14th, with finals on Monday, June 17th, from 3:30 PM to approximately 6:30-7:00 PM. A sausage sizzle will be provided on these days to help players recharge for their matches.

This tournament is only for Primary Year 5 & 6 students.

To register please email to MCA Tennis your name and year level.

Coaching for Term 3

We will continue to hold squad sessions in Term 3, focusing on the Preparation Squad and Junior Development Squads.

A reminder for students selected to represent their year level in AIC: private coaching lessons are available at a discounted rate. The term fee is $275 for a half-hour lesson and $550 for an hour lesson. Lessons will continue until the final round of Term 3. We are taking bookings for this now and as always, first in will get the pick of the times for their private lessons.

Members Bookings

Jade has now set up booking calendar for all members via the Think Smart App. Please book your court using this, thanks. For any assistance, please contact Jade at: MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Super League News

Thank you once again to all the parents for updating us on their sons' team performances. Any photos of students playing are always welcome and appreciated.

This week’s matches saw the rain hamper us a little but to everyone's delight we were able to get a lot of matches completed and get some much-needed match practice in.

I want to thank all students and parents for making Marist tennis first ever season in Super League a memorable one. I believe we saw the making of some of our younger players who took on opponents twice their size at times and proved to themselves that they are better than they think with belief in their own abilities. Without naming everyone who played I think the students I am talking about know who they are.

I am extremely happy with students playing ability and how they are progressing as players.

We have three teams playing in the semi finals this week so we wish them luck and also all other teams will play for position this week the last week. Draw for this will hopefully be out today for weekend matches.

Thank you all again for everything you do for tennis.

Team nominations for Brisbane and Super League

Nominations for the second Brisbane and Super League competition for 2024 are open.

Those interested should be mindful of the demanding schedule, balancing AIC matches in the morning and fixtures in the afternoon. We recommend having at least three players per team to distribute the workload.

For all team entries please email MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Friday Fixtures Competition

Our point competition for the first two terms is nearing its conclusion. The absence of the top three players has led to a tightly contested leaderboard, with seven students vying for the grand prize—a set of Head racquets, bag, balls, and grips valued at over $500. The winner will be announced after the final match on Friday, June 7th.

Holiday Clinics

We are offering holiday clinics for students who are not travelling and wish to engage in fun activities with games and prizes. These clinics are open to students from Marist and surrounding schools. Invite your friends for some enjoyable tennis sessions.

Clinics will run Monday to Wednesday from 8:00 - 11:00 AM on the following dates:

Clinic 1: June 24th - 26th

Clinic 2: July 1st - 3rd

The cost is $150 for three days or $60 per day.

AIC Clinics

We will also hold AIC clinics for boys selected to represent their year level. These will take place on the same dates as the general clinics but from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. The cost is $20 per day, and participation is capped at the first 24 students who register.

To book, please reference:

AIC Clinic 1: June 24th - 26th

AIC Clinic 2: July 1st - 3rd

For any inquiries, please contact us at 0437 449 523 or via email at MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au.

As always if you need any clarification on anything tennis you can always contact me directly on: 0437449523

See you on the courts and happy hitting.