Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Last Thursday and Friday saw the finest of Marist in action with our Track and Field team taking out their tenth straight AIC Secondary Championship and fourth straight Primary Championship. This is a remarkable record in any context of sport and is a testament to the culture and commitment of our athletics community of boys, parents, staff and coaches. The margins to second in both competitions was an impressive 79 in the primary and 196.5 in the secondary.

This is an outstanding achievement by any measure, but that is not what I celebrate the most. In a sport that is a collection of individual athletes competing I am in awe of the collective. You won't see that many Marist names on AIC record books, what you do see is 120 plus athletes and 20 coaches dedicating themselves to being better every day. A group of athletes that put the team before themselves. Athletes who regularly produce their best in the heat of competition.

On behalf of the College, I congratulate all team members and track and field participants throughout the season as the success in what is really an individual sport comes down to the depth and ability of the whole squad. To highlight this, in a number of events our Division 2 athlete would have podiumed in the Division 1 event if he were competing in it. There is a healthy competition for places in the Marist athletics team, a competition that challenges boys to be better, to develop resilience and dig deep to earn their place and it ultimately drives performance. Well done to all the young men who participated in track and field this season.

A story that sums up what our team is a 14yrs middle distance runner who has dedicated himself every season since coming to the school in Year 7, session after session, meet after meet but never getting to run on the day. Finally, after 3 years he earned a spot in the 1500m race and came home in Div 2 with a bronze medal. A fine achievement for him and a reflection of the commitment that so many of the boys put in for their school.

Thank you to our Head Coach Mr Robin Martin for the incredible commitment you display. This team is expertly led and coached by the best coach of young athletes in any sport I have ever seen. Rob’s technical knowledge, detailed planning, hundreds of hours of dedication, an Old Boy love of the school and his care and love for his athletes is an amazing combination. In true style, training was on again on Sunday.

Thank you also to Mr Richard Graham as Director of Track and Field for your organisation, planning, preparation and support of the staff and the boys and Mr Matt Millward and Mr Corey Robinson for administration assistance. Special mention to Mr John Lambourne who works tirelessly in the primary school, knows all the boys well, encourages, challenges and supports their development and sets the whole program off on the right foot from the start. Also thank you to the dedicated team of teachers and expert external coaches for your time, knowledge and skill in helping our team achieve this feat. Finally, thank you to our captains, Isaiah Burgess, Asher Parkin and Joel Drew for your leadership of the boys.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

2024 AIC Track and Field Championship – 10 in-a-row - from Mr Rob Martin

This year’s Track and Field season ended with an historic 10th successive AIC victory to Marist. However, it was the dominant way in which Marist won the AIC Championships with an incredible team performance in 2024 that left many of the coaching team and those present at the event speechless.

The team had a successful camp at UQ and had all committed to personal best times and targets they wanted to achieve in 2024. We reflected on that plus also the history of Marist as a school quickly as a team before wandering through the school guard of honour from the Champagnat centre to the bus on Thursday. Inspired by the support of their peers, on day 1 with 6 podiums in hurdles plus top 3’s across the 1500m we were in good stead with wins to Joel Drew, Shea Caminiti and Connor Campbell in hurdles and Asher Parkin, Ben Flanagan, Matt Higgins and Harry Prole in the 1500m. Further 3 Field rotations gave us great strength including javelin where the 12 years record was broken by Hugo Russo, plus dual wins in 16 years shot to Jono Kirk and Owen Hair, a first in the discus to Hayden Lockhart, double wins in the 13 years with James Milne and Isaac Mastenbroek and strong placings across long and triple jump competitors (Hayden Lockhart/Theo Calder winning in u14). Once the tally was posted, Marist had the senior team up by 65+ points at the end of Day 1.

Prior to Day 2 we spoke of consolidating our lead early and taking every point on offer as this chance to win 10 was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Under the leadership of Joel Drew, Isaiah Burgess and Asher Parkin, this was achieved with super performances across 3K, 200m and 800m on the track. MCA’s depth helped us increase our points and with strong efforts from our senior high jumpers, discus and shot put squads and all field results were consistent with podium places. Steady 100m/400m Top 3 finishes followed with all relays having dependable changes leading to a sweeping victory. Watching the Open relay team sprint to victory against international level competition from other schools was a highlight and a deserved memory for the team as Joel crossed the line. As we waited patiently for the final points, we found out during the presentation that Marist had 5 age group trophies (13, 14, 15, 16 years and Open), plus 3rd place-12 Years. This was a dominant Marist team performance and one which will be difficult to match by any squad given the incredible 196.25 point victory. Some of the Day 2 victories included Riley Hansel and Lyndon Maynard in high jump, Joel Drew in the 200m, James Milne in the hot put, Brayden Creek and Aiden O’Reilly in the 15 Years javelin, our 100m contingent had Sania Elisala, Oliver Peregrina, Isaac Ting, Ash Kani, Ted Clarke and Joel Drew with wins and the Open relay team also taking the victory to close out the day.

Our Primary squad was incredibly deep in 2024 with both Year 5-6 committed to Marist athletics, both years winning their trophies and sweeping the overall aggregate. Mr John Lambourne supported by Ms Molly Kier should be congratulated winning their 4th consecutive AIC Junior Championship. Hugo Lockhart’s record of 1.52m surpassing long standing Anthony Ender’s record from the 1980’s was incredible as Anthony was 1 of Marist’s best ever junior athletes still holding multiple records to this day. The clean sweep of the 800m by the Year 5-6 group shows a strong vision for the future and the record by the Year 6 relay team along with 3 wins and a 2nd to end the day is certainly great news for the senior team in 2025.

However, in the end, the Senior team win was a dominant performance that should be recognised by the College for its significance and Marist now has a historic 10 straight AIC titles, unprecedented in Marist sports history.

Many Contributors - However 10 victories does not come about unless you start with 1 and follow up for another 9 years thereafter. We should take time to remember the many athletes/coaches who started with a dream of victory in 2015 after a 10+ year drought of titles and each subsequent team striving for victory. Starting with massive contributions from former Head Coach, Mr David Miles architecting the original winning programs, James and Isaac Ellings the captains leading the first win in 2015, each year has seen new leaders, coaches and special performances to help keep this streak alive. Thanks to all those who have contributed to winning Years 1-9.

Old Boys/Coaches – We would also like to thank Old Boys including Isaac Ellings, Langton Clarke, Rohan Hoffman, Ross West, former Coach Mr Les Roberts, many of whom attended the day and also supported the boys with videos and emails wishing the team well which we saw during the camp. This 2024 team will one day hopefully have the chance to do the same as these leaders who supported us and gave us a sense of history as we prepared for Season 2024. Not forgetting the Old Boy coaches listed below who also gave of their time to support this current crop of young athletes when they had to make personal sacrifices to attend training and the 2 days of competition.

Supporters - From the Marist Hive which this year was truly a point of difference in the stands. There were also many parents who kept in touch helping their athletes meet their goals and attend training and camps as needed. A special mention to parent Mark Burgess who gave our Open Team a special Resilience session during camp and to Harry Costi who owns Coorparoo Boxing Gym for giving us access to his world class gym facility.

Marist has an incredible committed coaching team like no other at school level including the following who should be acknowledged for the support of this team:

College Coaches - Ms Maddie Spann, Mr Laurie Boustead, Mr David Meehan, Mr Paul Knight, Mr Mark Conroy, Ms Molly Kier, Mr John Lambourne, who give of their time around their busy teaching commitments. Thank you for your contributions developing the team and helping each week at the track.

External Coaches – Mr Eric Brown (Head of Jumps), Mr Des Davis (Head of Throws), Mr Paul Kearney, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Bill Prole (Head of Distance), Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Gav Hunter, Mr Connor Duggan. Their level of expertise and knowledge gives us a point of difference each year at Marist. We are fortunate to have them.

Old Boy coaches including - Mr Zack Newsham, Mr Dan Drew, Mr Carl Martin, Mr Tom Prole, Mr Lee Martin, Mr James Prole, Mr Tom Dempsey. These young men have returned years after leaving the school to support their school team in a most positive way. Many giving up work shifts and moving study plans to attend. They have been an incredible group to work with and connect with the team.

Open Leaders - A special thanks to team co-captains Joel Drew, Isaiah Burgess and Asher Parkin plus supporting vice Xavier Simms and Isaac Roach. This was a talented group with international and national representatives and medallists plus an unmatched leadership group where any of the Opens would have a leader’s role in other years. This group will be missed but their legacy will live on in Marist history.

A special thanks to Mr Richard Graham, the Director of Track and Field who managed logistics and team management for Marist, lifting our professional standards in many areas, ensuring we had a safe environment to operate in and with his coordination of the team, taking the group to another championship.

AIC Best performances: On 2 days of incredible performances the following stood out:

Connor Campbell 15 Years - An amazing 7 events, 5 of 7 placings
Joel Drew – Open - 5 events with 4 wins and a 3rd
Sania Elisala – 14 Years - 6 events, 4 placings
Hayden Lockhart – 14 Years 6 events, 6 placings
Hugo Lockhart – school record 1.52m (11 Years) – old record A.Enders (1986)
Hugo Russo – school record Javelin 30.80m - old record N.Baker (2015)
Nate Griffin – 13 Years – 5 Division 1 events
James Milne – 13 Years – 2 Division 1 events – 2 wins in Shot/Discus
Year 6 AIC 4x100m relay record - New AIC Record M.King, S.Scuderi, H.Wise, N.Wright 52.92s

Special Mentions - I would like to make special mention of several athletes who may not always get the attention of others. These athletes however show what Marist track and field means to those in the squad and their commitment to their brothers in the team.

James Maguire - James has been attending training for 4 years always working hard, never missing a session and not quite making the final AIC squad. This year James continued this effort and got to make the team in Division 2 discus despite there possibly being others in the age group that could have contributed with bigger distances, but they chose not to take up the opportunity to be part of the team. James ended up 4th in his event to keep the points coming in and is a testament to perseverance and hard work. The true essence that a Champion Team will beat a team of Champions.

Jack Mahuru - Ended up in 2 events in Long Jump and Triple Jump on the back of making the PNG team for the Oceania Championships. Jack has been a consistent trainer and committed to improvement since last AIC and with 2 minutes before the 16 years relay, one of the team had a late injury and Jack was pulled into position 4 of the relay doing enough to get us to 3rd place in that event. Showing team spirit and a willingness to go above and beyond when it matters. Jack was nominated Team MVP at the recent camp.

Guy de Putron: Another who consistently asks his coaches questions each session and asks to stay behind for more work. This year Guy has been excellent and made the relay and 100m events again showing after 3 years of setting goals and hard work he finally got the opportunity with 2 silvers.

Dusty Miller: Another who this year kept coming to training up through the holidays and with a series of late injuries had to move up to an older age group to run the 100m and relay. He supported the team and hoping to see him fully fit in 2025 to challenge for some of the positions in his age.

Isaac Ting: Although injured on Day 1 in the hurdles – Isaac kept trying to help the team and somehow managed a 1st place in the 100m despite limping across the line. He had an incredible season and hoping to see more of Isaac who goes on to States and has qualified for Nationals in April 2025.

Oliver Peregrina: Called upon to add more events after an injury to his team mate. Oliver supported the team and competed giving us a podium position in all 4 of his events. An excellent effort.

Zac Milligan: Incredible 400m run to take 3rd spot after being called into run the event 10 minutes before the start. Showing incredible team spirit as well as raw talent seen with his many school records in 2023-24.

Upon reflection, AIC 2024 started planning the day after Marist won 2023 and we are starting 2025 with a similar enthusiasm with State and National opportunities coming up. The coaches look forward to supporting Marist athletes through 2024-2025 and are very happy to support new athletes wishing to be part of this supportive sporting community.

With an incredible 10 year winning streak, we look forward to seeing what lies ahead with the 2025 team as they attempt to carry on this tradition of excellence, seeking new challenges and goals in 2025.

Special Thanks to Mr Rob Martin

A man who has been a part of every one of the ten consecutive AIC Secondary Track and Field Championships is Mr Rob Martin. From his own days of athletic excellence here at the College in the 1980’s to now leading the Track and Field program, Mr Martin has never been far away.

The time, effort and commitment he gives to the students is extraordinary. He continues to make significant sacrifices in his own life to ensure the Track and Field team at Marist are the best coached and best resourced team in AIC competition. From early morning sessions with the Primary students to Sunday afternoon sessions open to all Marist athletes, Mr Martin has been instrumental in the sustained success of our program.

On behalf of all of the coaches and the Marist Track and Field squad, I would like to thank Mr Martin for his exceptional coaching, his calm manner and for his genuine care for the students within our program. He has set the standard for excellence and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to the College.

Thanks to Mr Brendan Saunders who has continued to support the Track and Field team throughout the season and continues to do so now the season has finished. Mr Saunders has been a regular attendee at our Sunday sessions assisting Mr Martin, and is continuing his coaching of the students this week in preparation for the QSS All Schools. We have a wonderful group of experienced external coaches and we appreciate everything they do for us.

Thank You to All Track and Field Squad Members

On behalf of Mr Rob Martin (Head Coach, Track and Field) and the entire coaching staff, I want to extend our genuine thanks to those boys not selected for the final AIC Track and Field team for your contribution to the Marist Track and Field program in 2024. While it is necessary to select a team for the AIC Championship meet, our true strength lies in our large numbers, the strong bonds we share, and the enjoyment we experience training and competing together. Our 10th successive Secondary AIC Championship and a 4th successive Primary AIC Championship is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and dedication of every Track and Field squad member who trained and competed for the College this season.Thank you for making Marist Track and Field the exceptional program it is today.

Athletic Pathways

Any athletes or potential athletes who would like to discuss opportunities and pathways to be a part of this team in 2024-2025, please make contact with Mr Richard Graham or Mr Rob Martin. We are already planning forward to the 2025 Track and Field season, and it would be great to discuss opportunities with anyone interested. From club, to internal regular training, to improving your overall speed for other sports, track and field can help in many ways and we will cater for all athletes regardless of current level of ability to help them achieve their goals.

Congratulations - Met North Track and Field Captains

Congratulations to our winning secondary Track and Field vice captain, Xavier Simms and our winning primary Track and Field captain, Nathan Wright.

Both Xavier and Nathan have been recognised for their outstanding performances this season by being selected as captains of the Met North Track and Field team. They have represented the College with distinction and will do a great job leading Met North this week in the QSS All Schools Track and Field Championships.

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

Mrs Jade Ritchie - Tennis Coordinator

Welcome to Week 2!

Marist Doubles Tournament

Last Friday, our Doubles Tournament culminated in an exciting final between Hamish and Henry and Will and Oscar. Hamish and Henry emerged victorious with a score of 7-5, 6-2. In another match, Pat and Rhys defeated Leo and Sam 6-3.

Marist Open Singles Tournament – Quarter Finals

The singles tournament wraps up this Friday 11 October at 3:30pm. We’re down to the quarter-finals and we encourage all participants to attend and give it their best shot. For those who didn’t make the finals, there’s a consolation tournament, so you still have a chance to finish strong!

The Continental Clinic

Join us for our first-ever specific practice clinic.

Is your child having trouble with their Serving, Volleys, and smashes? Or maybe they're ready to take the next level within the context of the Continental grip. Either way, this clinic is for you!

Pricing

Existing members $20

Non-Members $25

When

Monday 4 November 6:30pm to 7:30pm

This clinic is open to MCA and non-MCA students.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 – Preseason Training

Preseason rugby union training for current Year 9-11 students will begin tomorrow with an optional five-week training block. This is a great opportunity for any interested students to learn how to train both on the field and in the gym. Mr Richard Graham, Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Paddy Conn, and Mr James Trebbin will lead the field sessions, whilst the athletic development will be under the guidance of our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw.

The training block will begin on Wednesday 9 October and run through to Friday 8 November.

Scrum Ready Program

Year 5-10 rugby union front row forwards. Any students who play in the front row are invited to the Scrum Ready Program.

WHEN: Wednesday 16 October – Wednesday 13 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 five weeks will consist of:

Core and body strengthening exercises
Solo with no opposition – on knees
Solo with no opposition – on feet
Solo against a machine / tackle bag
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 – 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.