Sport News

Welcome back to all for what will be another busy term of sport. 

The holidays presented an exciting experience for our rugby league players. With the 2024 Confraternity Carnival hosted in Townsville, the boys had a wonderful touring experience. The Confraternity Carnival is the premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent secondary schools in Queensland, held annually since 1980. Administered by the Queensland Rugby League and run by the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League, the competition is a week-long carnival that this year saw over 1,000 students from up to 54 schools take part this year.

The teams are split into three divisions. Marist are in division one. After a competitive pool stage we finished in third place, qualifying us for the Bob Lindner Trophy. We progressed through to the final against Shalom Catholic College. Wet weather all week made conditions challenging but throughout the week the boys defence was a highlight and we were able to secure an 18-0 victory. As well as winning the trophy for the second year in a row we also therefore finished ninth overall in a fine outcome. Congratulations to the boys involved and thank you to the staff involved, Mr Apps (coordinator), Mr Williams (head coach) and support staff Mr Conn and Mr Grealy.     

Term 3 of AIC sport presents challenges for us at Marist. Each of the competitions on offer, tennis, rugby league and basketball are limited in team numbers. This is an AIC decision not a Marist decision to limit teams and we do find it frustrating as a school, particularly in basketball which has seen significant growth in Australia over the last 10 years. 

Tennis, track and field, basketball, hockey and rugby league training for all teams from Years 5-12 has now commenced. Please check the college app for training details.

Over the coming weeks, coaches and teachers will be personally asking some of our talented student-athletes to join the AIC Track and Field training program. There is no doubt that our College community gives greatly to each of its students. It would be a great shame to see our best athletes, musicians or perhaps academic students not use their gifts to benefit the College and to better themselves as we strive to maintain our position as the premier AIC school in track and field. 

We understand the need for a balanced education and we do not want to over-burden our students, but we want Marist’s best to shine. If there are issues surrounding a student’s workload which impedes him from participating, please contact the Sports Office on sports@marash.qld.edu.au 

Coordinators for Term 3 Sports

• Basketball – Mr John Lambourne lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au 
• Tennis – Mr Andrew Ward MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au
• Rugby League – Mr Ryan Apps appsr@marash.qld.edu.au  
• Track and Field – Mr Richard Graham grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au 
• Hockey – Ms Kathryn Badini badinik@marash.qld.edu.au 

For all enquiries pertaining to these sports please contact the respective coordinator. 

This week and weekend we have a number of sporting trials occurring against other AIC schools. All details can be found on the College app. This will be a further opportunity for coaches to assess players and adjust teams. I would expect some movement of players between teams in readiness for next weekend’s Round 1 fixtures. Coaches are instructed to choose their teams each week based on attendance, player performance and attitude.

Uniform

All players are expected to train in Marist apparel and play in the correct college playing uniform for the chosen sport. Please see the uniform shop if you need any new items. A reminder that in 2024 all uniforms from before the current range have been retired and boys will need to purchase current garments.

Socks is an area that is still a challenge for us. There is a clear plan for socks in sporting contest. Rugby, football, rugby league, AFL and hockey all wear the long “football” style royal blue sock with the gold cuff, basketball and volleyball wear the royal blue MCA crew socks and track and field, cross country and tennis wear the white MCA crew socks. 

Boys are also expected to wear either the Marist blue training or their playing kit to training sessions as directed by their coach or coordinator.

Absences from Training and Matches

When committing to play a sport for a season it is the college expectation that the activity will be given the highest priority. Absences from training and games lets down your coaches, your teammates and your college. From time to time absences are unavoidable with illness and significant family events and we understand these. However, clear communication, with as much notice as possible is required. Boys in Years 8-12 should take responsibility for communicating this themselves by emailing their coach and year co-ordinator explaining why they are absent from training or a game.

Wet Weather

The college manages our fields. This is different to many club sports, where the local council manages the facilities and are conscious of wear and tear with less resources to manage and more teams using the fields for longer periods of time than schools. Our aim is to train wherever possible and we will only cancel training and games if it is dangerous, such as lightning or water pooling on fields, or if it has been consistently raining and the fields are showing significant wear and tear.

Cancellations are communicated using the college app. For morning training if we have posted the notice before 10:00pm the night before we will assume everyone has checked the app. If the notice is posted after 10:00pm coaching staff will still arrive even if training is off and provide supervision for any students who turn up. For afternoon training sessions our preference is to cancel before 12:00pm to assist with transport arrangements after school but sometimes late storms come in that cause very late cancellations.   

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Welcome Back..

Welcome back to Term 3! We are excited to officially launch our 2024 Track and Field program as we aim for our 10th successive AIC Championship. This season promises to be another exciting journey of training, competition, and teamwork.

Led by Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin, a number of our coaching staff have already been working with the students in preparation for the season. They will be joined by a fantastic group of coaches helping each athlete reach their full potential and achieve their personal bests.

The Marist College students have consistently showcased their talent and dedication, and we are confident that they will continue to deliver that again this year. Thank you to those students who were able to attend the holiday training program – this will provide you with an excellent foundation.

Term 3 training sessions began yesterday and will now run consistently through the term. Internal meets and AIC warm-up events will also be held on a regular basis. Please follow the Marist app for all communication regarding the Track and Field program.

Monday and Wednesday (ALL students): 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Tuesday (Primary long jump and hurdles): 6:45am - 8:10am

Wednesday (Secondary hurdles): 7:10am - 8:20am

Friday (Primary high jump): 6:45am - 8:00am

Sunday (ALL students welcome): 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Let’s make Term 3 a time of hard work, growth, enjoyment, and memorable achievements. 

Good luck to all our coaches and students!

Safety Notice – Hayden Oval

Attention all students / parents / visitors.

Track and Field training (discus, shot put and javelin) has commenced on Hayden Oval for Term 3.

At any time you are walking across Hayden Oval or wanting to enter the tennis courts area, please adhere to the following safety guidelines:

Look for Bunting, Signs, and Witches Hats: These markers are placed to indicate restricted areas.

Safe Route: To move between the bus stop and tennis courts, please use the road up to the new primary building and the stairs closest to the tennis shed. Please do not walk across Hayden Oval.

Your cooperation is essential in ensuring everyone's safety during training sessions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sunday 14 July – Season Launch (Team Muster)

To officially begin the 2024 season, ALL Track and Field students wishing to be involved in the Marist College Track and Field program are invited to the ‘Team Muster’ (All squad members Year 7-12) on Sunday 14 July. Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin will introduce the season before the students move to their training programs. Following the training session, all students are invited to a BBQ. 

1. Head Coach, Mr Rob Martin 
2. Mr Eric Brown / Mr Adam Earnshaw
3. Squad Training – all events
4. Team BBQ 

WHEN: Sunday 14 July

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 1:30-4:00pm

DRESS CODE: Marist sport clothing

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. 

Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details. 

This will ensure each students receives all the relevant communication for training sessions, travel and meets.

The above process must be completed before Friday 16 August. 

Marist Track and Field – Sunday Sessions

This year, Marist College with be looking to win its’ 10th successive AIC Track and Field Championship. To be successful, a lot of planning, commitment and effort goes into the program across the calendar year.

For all students wanting to train, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details -

INCLUDED: Running – sprints and jumps / Throws 

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15pm - 4:45pm 

DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

Internal Mini Meet #1

Please see the Marist app for the Track and Field event schedule for the first “Internal Mini Meet”.

WHEN: Friday 19 July

TIME: 3:20pm - 5:00pm

WHERE: John Eales Grandstand (meeting point)

DRESS CODE: Marist Track and Field uniform (Track and Field singlet and Marist sports shorts / MCA white or blue socks)See attached schedule of events for all Year 5-12 students. Note that events may be added closer to the meet and updates made through the Marist app.

NOTE – Met North places are still available.

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

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

GPS Rugby Union Club All Abilities Rugby Program

The GPS All Abilities program focuses on providing positive social interactions for children with differing needs as well as building motor strength, coordination, ball handling and language skills in a supportive team environment. The All Abilities program also allows children and their families to form a connection to the GPS and wider community.

Congratulations to the Marist rugby community for supporting the program and for providing the participants with a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable rugby experience.

Mr Tom Dangerfield has coached the senior team for a number of years. His passion, inclusivity and professionalism are a credit to the manner in which he conducts himself. 

This year Tom also arranged for some Marist students to support training on a Friday night. This group of young men have delivered the program in a kind, positive and respectful approach, and they have left an incredible impact on the GPS players (who all have physical and intellectual disabilities). 

Similarly, the impact on the Marist students has been significant, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of community. 

Thank you and congratulations to the following list of students for their wonderful work in the All Abilities Program –

Toariki Netzler, Theo Knight, Tom Dreghorn, Ronan Finn, Alex Wheeler, Nate Scott-Day, Hamish Adams, Matt L’Enfant, Dom Forbes, Patrick Jewell, Thomas Millard, Adam Burnell.

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.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome Back to the AIC Season

Welcome to this year’s AIC season! We hope everyone is well-rested and ready to embark on this season's AIC campaign.

Uniform Requirements

A reminder to all students selected to represent the school this year about the uniform requirements:

• Training: Sports training uniform is mandatory.
• Matches (Saturdays): White shirt, blue shorts, Marist socks, and Marist hat.

Players will not be allowed to participate in training or matches without the proper uniform. It’s essential that we all look like a team, train like a team, and be part of the team. No exceptions.

Walking to and from the Tennis Courts

For everyone’s safety, please adhere to the following guidelines when arriving at and departing from the tennis courts:

• Arrival and Departure: Walk up the roadway to primary and come down the stairs near the tennis shed. Follow the same route when leaving: up the stairs and down the roadway to the bus stop area.
• Avoid the Oval: Do not cross the oval to access or leave the tennis centre.

Your safety is paramount, and we appreciate the cooperation of students and parents to ensure it.

AIC Training Times

A reminder of the training times for all year levels and Opens teams. Punctuality is crucial for team warm-ups and coach talks:

• Year 5 and 6: Mon and Wed 6:45-8:15 am
• Year 7 and 8: Tue and Thu 6:45-8:15 am
• Year 9 and 10: Mon and Wed 3:30-5:00 pm
• Opens: Tue and Thu 3:30-5:00 pm
• Shadow Team (reserves): Friday 7:15-8:15 am

Private Coaching Deal

For all AIC players, a reminder of the private coaching deal:

• ½ hour: $275 for the season
• 1 hour: $550 for the season

The season concludes on September 6th, with the last match, Round 7, played on September 7th.

Squad Training for Term 3

This term, we will be running the Preparation Squad and Junior Development Squads. All bookings can be made via MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au.

Pricing for squads:

• $600: Includes a half-hour private lesson
• $800: Includes an hour private lesson

Students must be members to take advantage of these prices.

Friday Fixtures

There will be no Friday fixtures this term. Fixtures will resume in Term 4.

Important Dates

Marist Senior and Junior Doubles Championships

• Dates: Mon 12th & Tue 13th of August
• Time: Straight after school both days
• Details: Entries will open soon. We encourage participation for valuable match play and a great competitive experience. A sausage sizzle will be provided both days.

Marist Singles Championships

• Dates: Mon. Sep 9th & Tue. 10th
• Time: From 3:30 pm
• Details: A sausage sizzle will be provided.

Break-up Party

• Date: Wednesday, September 11th
• Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
• Details: This event is for AIC players and reserves and will include food, games, and prizes. Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Christmas Break-up Party and Parent/Son Tournament

• Date: Sunday, November 17th
• Time: Starting at 1:00 pm until the tournament concludes
• Details: This handicapped tournament, open to any student who has been part of our coaching program this year, aims to accommodate varying standards of players.

We look forward to an exciting and successful AIC season. Thank you for your cooperation and enthusiasm.