Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon

Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon
Last weekend we hosted St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe across the range of summer sports. In AFL on Friday night, we had a comfortable victory 8.8 to 2.6. The team showed the benefit of all the hard work they have put in this season, playing a complete game, which will stand them in good stead against powerhouses St Laurence’s this week. In Volleyball the 1sts had the first set won at least twice but unfortunately dropped it in a heartbreaker 26-24. Another close second set loss was followed by a runaway third for Pats in a frustrating loss for our boys, who continue to play good volleyball throughout stages of matches but are unable to hold it together at the clutch ends of sets. In cricket we lost the toss, Pats batted first as we bowled beautifully, knocking the visitors over for 124. A solid opening partnership of 76 meant the chase was never in jeopardy. Well done to Salem Tamer, top scoring with 75 off 97 balls. Our swim team continues to work hard towards the AIC championships in two weeks. A district trial and an internal meet, racing against the Old Boys team were part of a busy week in the pool.
Closing this week:
Touch 16-18 Years- Thursday 26/2 3:00pm
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/uP1Q41fCnN
Development Pathways and Long-Term Athlete Development at Marist College Ashgrove
At Marist College Ashgrove, sport is about far more than premierships. It’s about forming young men. Through challenge, commitment, teamwork and perseverance, our program is designed to shape character as much as performance. From Year 5 through to Year 12, there is a clear and intentional pathway that supports long-term athlete development while remaining inclusive, values-based and relational at its core.
Building the Foundations (Years 5–6)
In the primary years, the priority is participation, enjoyment and developing core skills. Boys are exposed to a wide range of sports so they can build fundamental movement skills: running, jumping, throwing, catching and balance, which provide the base for all future athletic development. At this age, it’s not about specialising early. The evidence is clear that broad exposure supports better long-term outcomes, reduces burnout and builds genuine physical literacy.
Just as importantly, this is where boys begin to learn what it means to belong to a team. They learn how to be coached, how to train with purpose and how to respond positively to feedback. They begin to understand that wearing the Marist jersey carries responsibility: to compete hard, to play fair and to represent the College with humility.
Skill Development and Competitive Growth (Years 7–9)
As boys move into secondary school, the program becomes more structured and increasingly competitive. Training becomes more deliberate. Coaches introduce greater tactical understanding, more refined skill development and age-appropriate physical preparation aligned to each student’s stage of growth and maturation.
This phase is critical. Adolescence brings significant physical and emotional change, and our responsibility is to manage that well. Coaches work closely with strength and conditioning staff to ensure training loads are appropriate and technique is prioritised. The goal is steady, sustainable development, building resilient, well-rounded athletes rather than chasing short-term results.
It is also during these years that representative opportunities begin to emerge. Boys may trial for district, metropolitan or state teams. As a College, our role is to support those ambitions while ensuring balance remains with academic commitments and overall wellbeing.
Performance, Leadership and Legacy (Years 10–12)
In the senior years, sport becomes a powerful vehicle for leadership and character formation. Those who have come through the program can now set the standard. Senior players and captains model what it means to lead: not just in games, but in everyday behaviours: preparation, punctuality, effort and accountability.
Training environments become more high-performance in nature, with increased focus on strategy, recovery, strength development and mental skills. Yet the philosophy does not change. We develop the person first and the athlete second.
Across every year level, our approach reflects long-term athlete development principles: appropriate progression, individualised support and a commitment to holistic growth. Not every boy will play Firsts. Not every boy will pursue elite sport. But every boy will be given the opportunity to improve, to contribute and to grow.
From the excitement of a first Year 5 game to the pride of a Year 12 farewell match, sport at Marist College Ashgrove is a journey. It is a journey where effort matters more than ego, team comes before self and growth is valued over outcome. In that journey, young men are formed, not only as athletes, but as people.
Surf Lifesaving


Abe Patricks (9F) has been named Male Junior Lifesaver of the Year for the Far North Coast Branch. The prestigious award recognises Abe’s dedication, leadership and commitment to surf lifesaving within his club and the wider community.
As part of the honour, Abe will attend the NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year Program in April at Collaroy, Sydney. He will join 22 other young surf lifesavers representing 11 branches from across the state for a development camp and awards presentation.
Yamba Surf Life Saving Club said it is extremely proud of Abe’s achievement and the way he represents the values of the club both on and off the beach.
Mr Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator
AIC Round 3 saw us take on St Patrick’s College – the history of great matchups between our two schools continued with awesome matches taking place from the primary school all the way through to the 1st XI. A strong showing from Ashgrove saw us win 23, tie 1 and lose 8 matches across the day – exceptional work all round! Drawing closer to the midpoint of the season, many of our teams are leading the hunt or well in the chase for premierships – keep focused, keep enjoying your cricket and we will earn the spoils come the end of the season. A big thank you must be passed on to our incredible grounds staff – preparing our wickets each week is no small task and they do a great job of it!
Expectations
Please be aware of the following expectations that are in place within the program here at Marist. All boys must always embody these values and expectations throughout the season!
PUNCTUALITY
Boys are expected to be at trials/training on time and be dressed and ready to start at 6:45am (morning) and 3:30pm (afternoon).
COMMUNICATION
Boys are expected to communicate to Mr Millward or their relevant Year Coordinator (not their coach) if they have any issues in relation to attendance at trials/training or games.
UNIFORM
All cricketers must wear the correct uniform to training. This includes Marist training shirt, training shorts and blue or white Marist socks. Boys who are not wearing the correct uniform will not be permitted to participate.
RESPECT
All boys are expected to demonstrate high levels of respect for their coaches and their peers at all times.
Equipment Storage:
Please note the storage location for secondary school cricket kits has now changed. ALL secondary school kit bags are to be stored in the visitors' changing room of the John Eales Grandstand – McMahon Oval. Primary cricket kits are to be stored under the primary school in the sports gear storage shelves.
AIC Round 4 – Saturday 28 February
The schedule for this weekend – AIC Round 4, will be released on Tuesday 24 February, with team lists to follow on Friday 27 February, please keep an eye out on Parent Orbit and emails for these to come out!
Term 1 Training Schedule – Week 4
Please see Parent Orbit for this week’s training schedule – all boys are required to be at training, please let your Year Level Coordinator or Mr Millward know if you are going to be absent.


Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator
Round 3 vs St Patrick's College
The third round of AIC Volleyball saw our boys face off against St Patrick's College with the junior teams playing away in Shorncliffe and the senior teams returning to home court. Saturday's games presented a great opportunity for our teams to put their hard work from training into practice with many teams putting in their best team displays of the season to date. It was a positive day on the results front and great to see consistent effort start to show itself on the scoreboard from Year 7 right through to the opens teams. Well done boys and keep working hard in the lead up to Round 4 against St Laurence's College.
1st VI Volleyball Match Report
Heading into Round 3, the boys had another tough matchup against St Pat’s College at home. With the support of a home crowd, we were hoping to take our first win for the season, however Pats wasn’t going to make accomplishing that easy. After a tough three sets, we came away with an unfortunate loss, with each set being lost by only two points. Despite this, the coaches and players alike agreed that it was by far our best game defensively, with there being very few defensive errors compared to previous weeks. However, our coach did note that not enough of our points came from our own kills, rather just forced errors on the other side of the court. This is something we intend to work on at training by becoming more consistent in being able to convert balls into kills. If we can become more reliable in this field, I believe we would be able to give stronger teams such as Lorries or Iona a run for their top spot. Overall, although a loss, the game was a huge success in learning more about our playing style, strengths and weaknesses. For Round 4, we will be going up against Lorries, a tough opponent, but if we take on board what we’ve learnt from Round 3, it could be a very highly contested game.
Training Schedule
The training schedule will remain as follows for the rest of the season and any changes will be communicated to the specific teams involved.


Internal Volleyball
Internal Volleyball will commence on Friday 27 February and run for a four-week block until the end of the AIC Volleyball season. The internal volleyball sessions are open to all Years 7-9 students and present a great opportunity for boys playing other AIC sports during Term 1 to experience some volleyball training/games in a fun environment. An email with a sign-up form will be sent out on Tuesday so please keep an eye out for this if you’d like to get involved.
Team of the Week
After every round of matches there will be a Team of the Week selected from the best performers throughout our 21 teams. The TOTW will be posted on the Marist College Ashgrove Sport Instagram page so make sure you are following along to see who made the Round 3 team!
Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming
Swimming Update
Last Friday, we welcomed the Marist Old Boys for the annual Legacy Cup. The Old Boys returned to defend their title against a strong and determined Open team. Featuring past standouts including James Leigh, Ryan O’Toole, Josh Mason and Thomas Gibson, the Old Boys once again proved formidable, successfully defending the cup for the second consecutive year. Congratulations to the Old Boys on their achievement and to our current swimmers for their spirited performances.
The Old Boys meet continues to be a highlight of the season. It provides our swimmers with the opportunity to connect with past Marist athletes and experience the proud history of the program, while also offering valuable race-pressure experience—particularly in relay events.
During the week, 35 swimmers represented the College at the West District Trials in Lawnton. The boys performed exceptionally well, with all 35 qualifying for the Met North Trials. This is an outstanding result and a testament to their preparation and commitment. We wish them the very best for the Met North Trials on Monday, 2 March.
This Friday’s College Age Championships will be the final opportunity for swimmers to post times for selection in the AIC Swimming Championships team. The meet is always highly competitive, with many swimmers producing their fastest performances of the season as they prepare for the AIC Swimming Championships on Tuesday, 10 March.
The final team will be announced on Monday, 2 March. Team selection is always a challenging aspect of the role, as some dedicated swimmers will narrowly miss selection. At the same time, it is a rewarding moment to see athletes earn their place whether for the first time or as a result of sustained effort and commitment over the past year.
Rugby Ready and Swimming
The Rugby Ready program, led by Mr Graham, has commence. While swimmers will miss the initial sessions due to relay training commitments, Mr Graham and I are working together to provide additional opportunities following the conclusion of the AIC Swimming Championships on 10 March.
If you have any questions, please email swim@marash.qld.edu.au.
Mr Cam Mabey - AFL Coordinator




Grade Of the Round - Round 2 (Saturday 14 February)
Congratulations to Year 8s who were the grade of the round in round 2 of the AIC. Made up of the 8As and 8Bs, who both had convincing wins over their opponents. It was Harry Stevens who led the way in the 8As 68 – 1 win over Ambrose Treacy College. Followed by a well-rounded performance from Finn Tuohy in the 8Bs to defeat SPLC 31 – 9.
Thanks to coaches Brad Bissett, Hayden Bissett, Isaac Roach and Oli Spence for the constant work they put in to coach our Year 8s.


Grade Of the Round - Round 3 (Saturday 21st February)
Congratulations to our Year 10s for their efforts in Round 3. The Year 10 grade is made up solely of the 10As coached by Father/Son Charles and Bill Tibbetts. Entering the match with no more than 18 players, a gritty performance was on the cards. The 10As got stuck into their work and defeated Ambrose Treacy’s 10As 58 – 23. Special mention to Lucas James who picked up Best On Ground.


Football Coordinator – Mr Blair Whitlock
The Football season is on the horizon and we will be commencing the trial process in Week 5. The trial process is different across age groups and outlined in detail below:
Primary Football Trials (Years 5-6)
Years 5-6 trials are run separately during Weeks 8-9 before an internal game day on Saturday 28 March. In order to run effective trials with smaller numbers the Year 5-6 trials are split into two sessions per week according to students' surnames eg Session 1 – A to K surnames and Session 2 – L to Z surnames. A schedule with exact dates and times for these trials will be released during Week 7.
Years 7-10 Football Trials
The Years 7-10 Football trials are split into two phases with an A/B team trial process running from Weeks 5-7 before further trials in Weeks 8-9 to grade the remaining teams.
The A/B trials are by invite only with all players from the previous seasons' A/B teams invited. Any students who are new to Marist or played outside the A/B teams in 2025 must email the Football Coordinator (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) for permission to attend the A/B trials. All students who are willing to work hard, push themselves and strive to make a higher team are absolutely encouraged to do so.
Open Footballs Trials (Years 11-12)
Open Football trials will run in Weeks 6, 7 and 8 with an internal game day on Saturday 28 March. A schedule with exact dates and times for these trials will be released at the end of Week 5.
Football Registration
Football registrations have almost hit the 500 student mark and we aren’t even halfway through Term 1! The AIC Football season is coming onto the horizon and the most important step at the moment is to ensure you are registered to play Football in Term 2 so that you receive all the notifications through the Orbit app. Here are the instructions on how to register for Term 2 sport.
Parents please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on.
For students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.
This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff to deliver the necessary resources and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.
Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Marist Rugby Connection | Connecting Our Bumblebees
A huge thank you to the Year 5 students who attended last Friday’s session and to the Blue Squad for their positive and welcoming approach. The energy and enthusiasm from both groups truly reflected the spirit of our rugby union program.
Connection is a core value of our Marist Rugby Union program, linking the 1st XV to our youngest bumblebees, and everyone in between. It’s fantastic to see our older players embracing this role, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for the next generation.
As part of this ongoing initiative, the Blue Squad will attend the Year 5 and 6 Rugby Ready Program. Marist Rugby – One Program, One Community!












































Marist Rugby Union | Sign On
Thank you to the 550+ students who have already signed on to play rugby at the College in 2026.
Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. You are able to sign your son up for a chosen sport once the portal opens.
Students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup 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, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.
Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12
It has been an excellent start to the Rugby Ready Program. Thanks to all the Year 10 and 7 students who have attended the sessions and contributed in an extremely positive manner. This afternoon is with the Year 8 cohort and we look forward to coaching the remaining year levels across the week.
You will note the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however they only need attend one.
Please continue to read the newsletter and Parent Orbit for all the necessary details including the program content, schedule and dress code.
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.
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.
NOTE – A reminder to any student who is swimming at the AIC Championships, please attend Rugby Ready from Week 7, Wednesday 11 March. That will get you started and allow me to work with you through Week 9 and into the trials.
Similarly, any students involved in a music rehearsal or practice are asked to alternate weeks from Week 5 if their music practice clashes with Rugby Ready. Students in this situation may attend another Rugby Ready session that same week in a year level above or below eg. Year 8 can attend Year 7 or Year 9, in order to complete the four mandatory Rugby Ready sessions.
Thanks to all departments for supporting the Rugby Ready Program.


Marist Rugby Union | Nutrition Guide
To support your recovery following early morning training sessions and to help maintain focus and energy levels throughout the school day, below are some simple breakfast ideas that can be prepared at home and brought to school:
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.
The program begins this Friday afternoon and 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.
The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 27 February. The content is delivered from 3:30-5:00pm here at the College in Room 108.
A rugby union referee earns between $25-$40 per game.
Anyone interested should contact Mr Richard Graham, Director of Rugby / Track and Field grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au.


Marist Rugby Union | Correct Uniform
As parents begin to purchase clothing in preparation for each term’s sporting commitments, I would like to clarify the College’s expectations regarding the rugby union uniform.
Last season, we had a small number of students cut the bottom off their rugby union socks and insert a white sock. The rugby union uniform is very clear and consists of the bumblebee jersey, Marist sports shorts, and Marist rugby union socks.
There are to be no alterations made to any part of the rugby union uniform. I ask that students and parents please address this prior to the season commencing, rather than it needing to be followed up by coaches closer to the season.
Thank you for your continued support.


Marist Rugby Union – Social Media
In 2025 the College consistently 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.
Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field
Marist Track and Field | Head Coach News
As we look ahead to 2026, we enter an important and exciting transitioning period within our Track and Field program.
Our Track and Field Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin, is widely regarded as one of the leading Track and Field mentors in Australia. During his time at Marist College Ashgrove, he has led the program to five AIC Track and Field Championships, guided Marist to two National Schools Challenge Intermediate Division (U15–17) titles, and supported countless students to reach their potential as school-based athletes. His impact on the program, and more importantly on the young people within it, has been profound.
Following 12 consecutive years of outstanding service and commitment, Mr Martin has expressed a desire to begin bringing the next generation of leadership through the program. This reflects his selfless nature and deep care for the long-term strength of Marist Track and Field. He cares deeply about every student who walks through the program and is committed to ensuring it continues to thrive well into the future.
In 2026, Mr Martin will be joined in a co-Head Coach model by Mr Thomas Prole. Mr Prole joined the College as a CLE staff member in 2025 and led the Cross Country program to the College’s largest winning margin, claiming five of the eight age groups. He has been a key member of our Middle Distance coaching staff for several years, continues to hold two College records, and was captain of the highly successful 2022 AIC Track and Field team.
This co-Head Coach model allows Mr Martin to continue as a significant part of the leadership and coaching of the program, while also mentoring and supporting Mr Prole as he steps into a senior leadership role. It ensures continuity, stability and the ongoing pursuit of excellence that has become synonymous with Marist Track and Field.
We look forward to the next chapter of our program under this shared leadership model.
Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)
Following our success at the 2025 AIC Primary and Secondary Championship and win at the National Schools Challenge (Intermediate Division), the Track and Field program continues to provide excellent opportunities for students to be involved in a high-quality program.
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 17– Saturday 19 September 2026
Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)
New Marist Students
For any students who are new to the College and interested in joining the Track and Field program, and who may have questions about involvement, please see Mr Richard Graham in the Sports Office (under Room 108).
Marist Track and Field | Sign On
Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup 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, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.
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 – 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
Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis
Standards, Spirit and Strong Results
As we move deeper into the season, it is pleasing to see the continued growth of our players—not only in their tennis, but in how they represent our school.
At Marist, we are guided by the values of presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and in the way of Mary as outlined by Marist Schools Australia. These are not just words on a poster; they shape how we train, compete and conduct ourselves each day.
Expectations of Our Students
Being part of the Marist Tennis Program carries responsibility. Our expectations are clear:
Adherence to the Code of Conduct – As members of a Marist community, students are expected to uphold the behavioural standards set out by Marist Schools Australia at all times.
We remind all players that talent may open the door, but character keeps it open.
Elite Squad Impact
Our Elite Squad program is beginning to show tangible results across the board. The standard and intensity of training have lifted, and that improvement is flowing into all teams.
Last Saturday in Super League competition, five of our six teams recorded wins, with the sixth finishing in a hard-fought draw. What is most encouraging is not just the number of wins, but how we are winning. Close matches that earlier in the season may have slipped away are now being converted into close victories. The difference? Better decision-making under pressure, improved fitness, and a stronger belief in our preparation.
The margins in tennis are small. A few smarter choices, a little more composure at deuce, one extra ball back in play—these moments are now going our way.
At present all six teams are in the top four for finals which are good early signs. With a long season we have so much more work to do.
Gratitude to Our Coaching Team
My sincere thanks to all members of our coaching team for the professionalism, preparation and care they bring to each session. The progress we are seeing is no accident; it is the result of deliberate planning, consistent messaging, and a unified approach across squads.
Welcoming New Coaches to the Marist Tennis Program
I would also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome two additional coaches to our tennis staff — Mr Hamish Davidson and Mr Lachlan Braithwaite.
Hamish and Lachlan will be giving their all to help promote tennis at Marist and contribute positively to the culture and standards we are building within our program. Both are passionate about the game and are eager to develop their craft as they begin their journeys into the coaching world.
Under my guidance, they will be delivering professional, structured coaching aligned with our program philosophy and the values of Marist Schools Australia. This ensures consistency across all squads and maintains the high expectations we set for our students — both in performance and character.
We are excited to support Hamish and Lachlan as they grow into their roles, and we look forward to the energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspective they will bring to our courts.
Please join me in welcoming them to the Marist Tennis community.
Bookings and Enquiries
For all bookings and enquiries lease contact us via email mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au
Or phone me on 0437 449 523
We look forward to building on this momentum as the season continues. The challenge now is to stay humble, stay hungry and continue to honour the Marist way—on and off the court.
Go Marist.