Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Last weekend saw Marist take on St Patrick’s College across the three sports. We won all three first team matches with dominant displays from cricket and volleyball and a comfortable win to the AFL boys. Across the board it was a strong day with many positive results.

This weekend we take on St Laurence’s College in our Term 1 sports of AFL, cricket and volleyball in what will be a stern test for all our teams across the programs. Good luck to all involved this weekend.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Last Thursday saw our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival in the Marist Pool. It was a great day of competition with a focus on giving all students an equal opportunity to represent their house and earn points. The short 90-minute nature of the carnival for two cohorts at a time allowed us to run unlimited freestyle and breaststroke races, a novelty event around participation and a “King of the Pool” race for every cohort highlighting our best swimmers. In the freestyle alone we often had over 20 races, meaning 160 boys were swimming in the cohort.

Thank you to the staff who were involved throughout the day either on duty, supervision in the stands or supporting the boys in their houses. Well done to our student leaders who were outstanding on the day in encouraging and supporting their peers throughout.

Congratulations to Rush House who took out the carnival.

Representative School Sport Opportunities

Met North have put a restriction on numbers per school at each trial, so we need to collect information first and then we decide who we nominate. The link to the expression of interest is:

https://forms.office.com/r/XAjRVJiQMz

These are the trials that are still to come this year and the closing date to nominate:

Rugby Union 17-18 yrs: 25/2/25; 14-15 yrs: 26/4/25

Touch 16-18 yrs: 28/2/25; 13-15 yrs: 12/3/25

Volleyball 16-19 yrs: 28/2/25

Squash 10-19 yrs: 7/3/25

AFL 16-19 yrs: 14/4/25

Futsal 13-14 yrs: 15/7/25; 15-16 yrs: 15/7/25

Cricket 13-14 yrs: 15/7/25

Baseball 12-14 yrs: 27/5/25

These are secondary school trials for 13-19 years sports. Any enquiries for 10-12 sport are through the Primary Sports office.

Marist Swimming Age Championship

This Friday night at the Marist pool sees our annual age championship, a highlight of the swim program each year. Events will include 50m freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. In each age group, the competitor with the highest accumulated points score at the completion of the Championships shall be deemed the Age Champion. Thank you to Mr James Boyce, Director of Swimming and the entire swim program staff for their efforts in putting together this event. Good luck to all competitors.

US College Scholarship Webinar - Monday 3 March

This webinar is open to athletes, families, Career Counsellors, Heads of Sport, and club coaches from across the globe, wanting to learn more about the US College pathway.

Interested to learn more about the US College Pathway? Never heard of the NCAA before?
Wanting to know what a scholarship actually covers?
Intrigued by how our recruitment company can assist you with this process?
Not sure if your grades are good enough to go to the US?
Athletically, are you where you need to be to get interest?

Due to the content covered, this webinar is best suited for athletes and their families seeking information, starting the process or halfway through the recruitment process.

Wet Weather and Cancellations

We will attempt to play to train and play all games.

Should the weather be inclement, a decision will be made by 6:00am for morning training sessions and 2:30pm for afternoon training sessions. A decision for whether game days will proceed will be communicated by 6:30am. Where we do not have control over a venue, such as Marchant Park, we will communicate as soon as we have the information.

All communication around wet weather and cancellations will be via the Marist College app.

Registration Process

All players who want to play a sport must register on Student Café during the sign up period in the term before the AIC competition occurs. Parents need to approve this through Parent Lounge.

It is vitally important that all players sign up. We have to nominate team numbers to the AIC and recruit suitable coaches before we start trials. The information we use to do this is the numbers per cohort we see signed up for each sport.

Boys who have not signed up during the registration period will not be guaranteed an opportunity to participate.

Signing Up

Sign in to Student Café; select Extra Curricular; select Sign-up Available; choose the sport you want to play and complete any additional fields as required.

Parent Approval

Sign in to Parent Lounge; select Extra Curricular; click Sign-up Now; select Approve Sign-Up and check and update medical details; click Accept; choose Update; click Submit to School.

To view the details your son has signed up for at Student Details/Extra Curricular.

Code of Behaviour - Players

Fundamental to the AIC, is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as a player you are welcoming to everyone and treat them with the greatest levels of respect, protecting the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability/disability, sexual orientation, cultural background, or religion.

As a player who will be representing their college and playing under the auspices of AIC, you play an important role in upholding the values of the AIC and the College. Players need to demonstrate the following behaviours regarding their conduct:

Exhibit a high standard of conduct and sportsmanship on and off the field including appropriate language, social media posts, and interaction with officials and opposition players.
Respect your opponents by displaying humility in victory and graciousness in defeat.
Play in the correct age group and commit to and respect the team that you are selected in.
Play hard and competitively, but always fairly and accept the official's decisions.
Cooperate with your coach, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators.
Do not sledge, abuse, or threaten opponents or officials.
Be punctual to games and have the correct equipment and College attire.
Acknowledge the opposition before and after the game with a handshake and thanks.
Adhere to host school requirements when playing at their venues.
Take pride in representing your College and the AIC.
Do not act in a way that may adversely affect or reflect on, or bring you, your team, College or the AIC, into disrepute or discredit.
Do not use drugs, including painkillers, to improve or maintain performance.

Student Achievements

Triathlon

Last week, Will, Toby and Flynn Banner and Lachlan Davidson represented Met North at the Queensland School Sport Triathlon State Championships in Hervey Bay. All boys raced very strongly. Will placed 5th in his individual race and silver in the team relay, Flynn 13th and Toby 15th in their individual races in large, competitive fields. Will, Toby and Lachlan have been selected to represent Queensland at Nationals in WA next month.

Cricket

Derek Lennon- Cricket Coordinator

Last weekend saw Marist travel to Shorncliffe to take on St Patrick’s College. It was a strong day all round for Marist against the current aggregate champions. The 1st XI put on a fine performance to comfortable defeat St Pats. A strong start with the bat saw Marist top score across the AIC for the day with 6-190 from our 50 overs. Jack Watson top scored with 67* along with handy contributions from Braidyn Polich, Oliver Hayes and Joey Laner, Will Easter came in late and hit 31* from 37 balls. Pats were never in the hunt in the run chase, dismissed for 63 in the 26th over. Joey Laner was the pick with 5-16 from his 6.1 overs. Archie Murray took 2-6 off 5 overs and Archer Tallon took the other wicket, with 2 run outs highlighting the all-round nature of the win. Overall, we had 19 wins and 11 losses, with aggregate wins to 1st XI; 3rd XI; 10B; 8A; 8B; 7A & 7B.

The Primary team of the day goes to 6C Gold who defeated Iona 6C putting on 3/107 from their overs and restricting Iona to 6/50 in reply with some fine bowling and fielding. The Secondary team of the day goes to the 1st XI for their comprehensive 127 run victory over St Patrick’s.

This weekend we host St Laurence’s College in the opens. Good luck to all teams.

Good to Know

Q: What if I miss the day of the team trials or the trial clashes with another commitment?

A: Communicate with the Year Coordinator with as much notice as possible and we will use training to place boys into teams and adjustments will be made over the first few weeks.

Q: Are selections fixed for the season?

A: No, over the trial round and first two AIC fixtures to finalise teams. After that movement should be minimal but will happen where we want to reward boys’ efforts, or we have injuries and unavailability.

Q: Who do I notify if I am sick or injured?

A: Contact your coach and year coordinator as soon as possible.

Q: Who can attend A trials?

A: Any players who wish to be considered for an A Team may attend.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign on. All students who wish to play Term 2 sports are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge 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.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the rugby union program, including schedules and relevant information.

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!

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

PLEASE NOTE: Due to Monday 3 March being a public holiday - Year 9s need to complete a session with Year 10s on Tuesday or Year 8s on Thursday to stay up to date.

It has been an excellent start to the Rugby Ready Program. Thanks to all the Year 9 and 10 students who have attended the sessions and contributed in an extremely positive manner. This afternoon is the first of the two Opens sessions 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 to 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 – Any student competing for a position on the AIC Marist swim team, you will start your Rugby Ready Program in Week 7 following the AIC Swimming Championship. A schedule will be made available closer to the time.

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.

In 2024, we had 11 students and one parent complete the course. At time of writing, we have six confirmed for the 2025 course, including one parent and two young female referee aspirants.

The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 28 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 Preseason | Years 10, 11 and 12

Please see information for Week 1-5, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit.

The Blue Squad (Year 11-12) was announced last week. The squad is a wider group of 44 players that will remain fluid based on attendance, attitude, skill development, improvements, and team requirements.

Training will continue for all students who missed selection. Along with the Rugby Ready Program, both the Gold Squad (Year 11-12) and the Year 10 cohort will be provided further opportunities to train in preparation for the season. The dress code for ALL sessions is Blue MCA shirt, Marist blue sports shorts, and white / blue / Marist rugby socks (see @marist_ashgrove_rugby on Instagram).

All sessions will take place on Des Connor Park, Field 5.

NOTE – if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.

Marist Rugby Union | Camps and Tours

After a hiatus since COVID, the Marist Rugby Union program is excited to reintroduce a range of camps and tours in 2025, providing students with valuable experiences in regional rugby environments. These opportunities are designed to enhance player development, strengthen team culture, build independence, and prepare squads for the upcoming season.

The following initiatives are locked in for 2025 -

Currimundi Camp

Blue Squad – 35 students (those competing for a spot in the 1st XV)

Saturday 8 – Sunday 9, March

Northern New South Wales Tour

1st XV and 2nd XV squad (approximately 36 students)

Games in Lennox Head and Armidale

Friday 4 – Wednesday 9, April

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

U12 team (for logistical reasons, the squad and reserves were selected in Term 4, 2024)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April

Looking ahead, we aim to further expand these opportunities to include more students within our rugby union program, ensuring a broad and inclusive pathway for all aspiring players.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024 the College 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.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

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: 3:15pm-4:45pm

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

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign on. All students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and delivering the necessary resources.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the Track and Field program, including schedules and relevant information.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

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 18– Saturday 20 September 2025

Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)

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.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Marist Swimming Update

Last Friday night, Marist Swimming hosted its inaugural Old Boys Meet, providing a fantastic opportunity for our current swimmers to showcase their skills while the Old Boys relived their glory days. It was an incredible event, with the Old Boys claiming the Legacy Cup. Congratulations to the following swimmers for their outstanding performances:

Thomas Gibson (Class of 2019)
Jack Goyen (Class of 2021)
Bailey Skinner (Class of 2023)
Alex Bibo (Class of 2019)

This meet will now become an annual tradition, held two weeks before the AIC Swimming Championships.

College Age Championships – This Week!

This week marks the College Age Championships, the final opportunity for swimmers to post times before the final team is announced on Monday, 3 March. Historically, this meet has seen some incredibly fast swims, with many athletes achieving personal bests. However, we also recognise that this can be a high-pressure event. Stay focused, trust your training and enjoy the competition.

Swimmers must nominate their events via the link below.

https://forms.gle/4RbDB6346pMW9S2S9

Final Preparations for AIC Championships

With just two weeks to go, consistency in training is more important than ever. Keep up the hard work and maintain your commitment as we approach the final stretch.

While I can understand that the boys are all keen to get into Rugby and Football it is important to remember over the next two weeks swimming should be your priority.

To those who may miss out on final team selection, I want to sincerely thank you for your dedication and hard work. The team’s success wouldn’t be possible without your efforts and improvements. Keep pushing forward—your opportunity is just around the corner.

Rugby – Message from Mr Richard Graham

AIC Championship swimmers are not required to attend Rugby Ready until the completion of the AIC swim meet on 11 March. Extra sessions will be made available to assist so everyone completes their four sessions prior to the trials.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Marist Tennis Update – Term 1 Wrap-Up and Upcoming Events

As Term 1 draws to a close, the sporting calendar is shifting, with Rugby and Football ramping up their campaigns. However, Tennis is already looking ahead to 2025, with preparations well underway.

AIC 1st and 2nd Team Trials – Be Part of the Squad

Trials for the 1st and 2nd AIC Train-On Squad will take place in Week 8 of this term, open to all students who believe they have the potential to make the team.

Training Schedule:

Mondays and Wednesdays
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Marist Tennis Courts

From these sessions, 8 to 10 players from Years 7-12 will be selected to train in Term 2 as part of the 1st IV selection process for 2025. Training for this squad is free in Term 2. Any student aiming to secure a place in this year’s teams must train throughout Term 2 in preparation for the upcoming AIC season.

AIC Trials for all year levels will commence in Week 6 of Term 2 (days and times to be confirmed).

Super League and Brisbane League Update

Our teams faced some tough competition this round, with two teams securing wins and others experiencing narrow losses. Despite the results, the effort and determination were commendable.

Special mention to Henry Lambley and Oscar White for an impressive victory over the top-ranked team in Super League.
Div 9 continues to dominate, securing another strong win. Sam Martin and Leo Scuderi doing the damage this week.

With plenty of matches ahead, the goal is to maintain our standing across all divisions and push towards the semi-finals. Well done to all players representing Marist Tennis.

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Week 8 – AIC First and Second Train-On Squad Trials (Monday and Wednesday, 3:30 – 5:00 PM)

Easter Holiday Camp

Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 April, 8:00 – 11:00am

Term 2

Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 April – AIC First and Second Train-On Squad Training begins
Week 6 – AIC Trials for all year levels (dates to be confirmed)
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June – Marist Doubles Championships (3:30pm – 7:30pm)
- Both Open and Primary Doubles will be held simultaneously, with a sausage sizzle provided for players.

Mid-Year Holiday Camp

Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 July, 8:00am – 11:00am

Term 3

Monday 14 July – AIC training begins (pupil-free day)

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 August – Marist Singles Championships (3:30pm – 7:30pm)

Open and Primary Singles will run concurrently, with a sausage sizzle provided.
Tuesday 16 September – AIC Break-Up Party (3:30pm – 6:00pm)

September Holiday Camp

Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 September, 8:00am – 11:00am

Term 4

Tuesday 7 October – Coaching resumes (pupil-free day)
Sunday 23 November – Parent-Son Tournament and Christmas Break-Up (2:00pm – 6:00pm, BBQ at 5:00pm)

Xmas and New Year Holiday Camps

Monday 15 - Wednesday 17 December - 8:00am -11:00am
Monday 22 - Wednesday 24 December - 8:00am -11:00am
Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 January - 8:00am -11:00am
Monday 19 - Wednesday 21 January

2026 Term 1 coaching will begin Monday 2 February.

Member Gate Code Access

Please be aware that our gate system can occasionally be temperamental, and there may be instances where it does not immediately recognise your pin code.

While we transition to a new provider, Wilson Security Systems, we appreciate your patience and apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock – Football Coordinator

Marist Football | Sign On

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the Football program, including schedules and relevant information.