Sport News

AIC Track and Field

Last Thursday and Friday showcased the very best of Marist spirit as our Track and Field team secured an extraordinary double—our twelfth consecutive AIC Secondary Championship and sixth straight Primary Championship. This record is exceptional in any sporting context and stands as a testament to the culture, dedication, and commitment of our athletics community, our boys, parents, staff, and coaches.

The winning margins were impressive: 28.5 points in the Primary and an incredible 262.5 points in the Secondary. Marist claimed victory across all but one year levels (missing out but 0.5 of a point in the 12 years age group), and aggregate shields, proudly taking home nine of the ten trophies on offer- a truly remarkable feat.

While this success is outstanding by any measure, it is not the result itself that I celebrate most. In a sport made up of individual events, it is the collective spirit that inspires me most deeply. Beyond the many Marist names etched into the AIC record books, what defines our program is the 120-plus athletes and 20 coaches who dedicate themselves daily to improvement; athletes who put the team before themselves and consistently deliver their best when it matters most.

On behalf of the College, I congratulate every team member and participant who contributed throughout the season. The strength of our program lies in its depth; success in a traditionally individual sport is achieved through the performance and resilience of the whole squad. In several cases, our Division 2 athletes produced results strong enough to place on the podium in Division 1- a reflection of the healthy internal competition that drives our athletes to strive, grow, and give their all.

A sincere thank you to our Head Coaches, Mr Robin Martin and Mr Thomas Prole, for their extraordinary leadership and dedication. 

Gratitude also goes to Mr Richard Graham, Director of Track and Field, for his exceptional organisation, preparation, and unwavering support of both staff and students; and to Mr Matthew Green, whose tireless work in the Primary School-knowing, encouraging, and challenging every boy, sets the foundation for the entire program. Thank you to all the external, specialist, staff and Old Boy coaches for your dedication and unwavering commitment to the program.

Finally, thank you to our team captains Harry Prole, Isaac Ting and Connor Campbell for your leadership, enthusiasm, and embodiment of the Marist spirit.

CBSQ Basketball

Good luck to our Junior Secondary competing in the State Championships over the coming weeks. These prestigious events play an important role in developing our talented basketballers.

My thanks is extended to Mr James Lymer, Mr Stephen Carroll and Mr Jonte Brown who have been working with this team. 

1st VI Volleyball Trials

1st VI Volleyball trials and training sessions will be held from 4:30pm to 6:00pm in the Champagnat Centre on the following dates:

Week 2 - Wednesday 14 October and Thursday 15 October

Week 3 - Tuesday 20 October and Thursday 22 October

Week 4 - Tuesday 27 October and Thursday 29 October

Week 5 - Tuesday 3 November and Thursday 5 November

Week 6 - Tuesday 10 November and Thursday 12 November

Student Achievement

Archer Tallon

His team won the Century Champions League U18 T20 tournament in Brisbane this week. Arch was vice captain and was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after taking 10 wickets (2nd) and scoring 128 runs (7th) over the three days of cricket. He also won Man of the Match in the semi-final win.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin and Mr Thomas Prole – Co-Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Track and Field | AIC Championship Wrap Up

Marist Track and Field | Sunday Sessions

Due to the Queensland Representative School Sport Track and Field this week, there will be no Sunday session ie. Sunday 18 October.

Sessions will resume on Sunday 25 October.

Marist Track and Field | Pathways

With the 2026 AIC Championship fast approaching and families looking beyond early October, there are plenty of options to stay involved in Track and Field for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Over the past few seasons, we have had students follow a range of different pathways to remain involved in Track and Field competitions.

Some students will continue training for upcoming State and National events, while others will focus on training and preparation for the following season. Below, Mr Martin and Mr Prole have outlined some pathway options to help families better understand the opportunities available.

OPTION 1 - QLD ATHLETICS ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPS (Qualifier for All Schools Nationals)

As a pathway to further develop your athletics, a number of students may wish to compete at the Queensland All Schools Championships (October 1–4), with the opportunity to qualify for Nationals in Perth in December if you finish in the Top 2. There is no pre-qualifying time or distance required for the Queensland All Schools Championships; simply register, pay the entry fee and compete in your Marist T&F uniform.

All keen athletes between 12–17 years can compete if you register as per the instructions below. Note that for this meet, 12-year-olds will compete in the 13 Years age group.

Steps to register as follows –

STEP 1: Get a Membership -

Register as a Base Member ($0 member fee, No Club) OR register with a Club (e.g. Ashgrove Rangers – different membership level and club fees apply).

Cost - $32 per event at States for non-members, or $10–$22 per event with Platinum/Gold membership.

Link to Register: Queensland Athletics Membership

If you wish to compete in Perth in 2026 if you qualify, you should register with a club such as Ashgrove Rangers (member details below).

STEP 2: Register for the Queensland All Schools Titles

Link to Register: Queensland All Schools Titles Registration

NOTE - Entries close 9am Tuesday 22 September. There are no extensions to this deadline.

Competition Dates: Thu 1 - Sun 4 October

OPTION 2 - 2026 JUNIOR CLUB PATHWAY

For those wishing to enter the club season and potentially qualify for Nationals in April 2027, you can similarly register for membership with a club and compete at a range of pre-meets before the Queensland State Club Championships in March 2027. These meets will begin in late October 2026. Registering as a member in STEP 1 above will start the process.

Boys can qualify through entry standards. This can be a great incentive as it provides athletes with a clear time or distance to work towards. The main thing to note is that these championships begin at U14 level (or U13 in our school age-group system).

Australian Athletics Entry Standards

STEP 1: Get a Membership - Register as a Base Member (No Club) OR register with a Club (e.g. Ashgrove Rangers – base member fee + club fee).

Note that different levels of membership have different fees and options.

Link to Register: Queensland Athletics Membership

OPTION 3 - LITTLE ATHLETICS PATHWAY

For junior athletes in Years 5 and 6 in particular, Little Athletics can be a great introduction to competition and provides an opportunity to learn the basic movements and techniques before progressing with more specialised coaching in your preferred events. Arana Hills Little Athletics and The Gap Little Athletics are two nearby options for Marist athletes.

Arana Hills Little Athletics     The Gap Little Athletics

OPTION 4 - Sunday Sessions

Most Sundays, Mr Martin and members of the coaching team will continue to offer off-season running, fitness, sprints and selected field events, depending on those attending. Except for some State Championship weekends and major meets, these sessions will continue throughout the year. They provide an opportunity to support your other sports while developing speed, fitness and athletic ability.

Students can also discuss training options for their preferred events with Mr Martin and Mr Prole, with guidance available on finding external coaches if required to progress further.

GENERAL QUERY - WHAT MEMBERSHIP DO I NEED?

If you have any questions about the above pathways, please contact Mr Martin at robin.martin@bigpond.com or Mr Thomas Prole at prolet@marash.qld.edu.au. They can step you through the process and assist with any questions from parents.

QLD Athletics All Schools Pathway | National All Schools Qualifier

For those pursuing representative pathways, the Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships will provide a qualification opportunity for the National All Schools Championships in Perth in December 2026.

The Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships will be held on the last weekend of the school holidays. All athletes aged 12–17 years are eligible to register and compete.

Those interested in pursuing this pathway are encouraged to register and participate. More information will follow, but please register early and speak with a Mr Martin or Mr Prole if you have any questions or concerns.

Please note: This pathway is separate from the Met North pathway to the Queensland Secondary Schools Championships in mid-October.

QLD All Schools Pathway: Queensland Athletics All Schools Championships

Marist Track and Field – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College will continue 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.

AFL 

Mr Cam Mabey - AFL Coordinator 

AFL Sign-On Is Open 

Boys wishing to play AFL in Term 1 2027 can Sign-On via the Parent Orbit app.  

Opens trainings begin in Week 1 of Term 4. All other grades begin training in week 4.  

All Boys must be Signed On to be eligible to trial.  

Contact mabeyc@marash.qld.edu.au if you have any questions 

Cricket 

Mr Jonte Brown - Cricket Coordinator 

Cricket season is here! We are so excited to commence our cricket season for 2026/27 and can't wait to get out on the field batting, bowling and fielding our way to another successful season. Please see below for more details about the season. 

Sign On 

2026 Cricket Season Sign On is now available on Parent Orbit or Student Cafe. 

All students interested in playing Cricket in 2027 are encouraged to Sign On ASAP as this is how we communicate to parents and students about the cricket season! The 2027 Cricket Handbook will be made available at the start of Week 3 as well as the Cricket Selection Process document. 

Pre-Season Trials

This year, we will be holding a train 'n' trial period Starting in Week 4 (26th October) and finishing at the end of Week 7 (20th November). Please see the training schedule attached below. 

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. Brown or their relevant year coordinator (not their coach) if they have any issues in relation to attendance at trials/trainings or games. 

• UNIFORM

  All cricketers must wear the correct uniform to training. This includes a 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 & primary school cricket kits has now changed. ALL school kit bags are to be stored in the Cameron Oval change rooms on the back side of the Br. Terrence Boarding building. These will be opened in the morning during training and locked at 8:30am and reopen at 3:10pm for students to collect their gear. 

Coaching Positions

We are currently in a very healthy position in relation to coaching appointments for 2026. We do have some vacancies available for anyone interested in coaching. To receive more information, email the Marist Sports email - sports@marash.qld.edu.au 

Specialist Sessions

Students who were selected in an A team last year will be able to sign up for some pre-season skills session as listed below. Starting in Week 3.

• Batting & Pace Bowling (Wednesday Mornings, 6:45am - 8:00am) [Max 10ea. sessions]
• Spin Bowling (Tuesday Afternoons, 3:30pm - 5:00pm) [Max 12 per session]
• Wicketkeeping (Tuesday Afternoons, 3:30pm - 4:30pm) [Max 6 per session]

Note: you can only sign up to one of these sessions at a time as there are limited spots per session. 

Please email brownj@marash.qld.edu.au if you are interested in attending a Specialist Session.

Can't wait to see you all at training in Week 4! 

Swimming

Mr James  Boyce - Director of Swimming

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the AIC Athletics team on their outstanding success at the recent AIC Championships. What a fantastic achievement for the College and a wonderful reflection of the hard work, commitment and College spirit demonstrated by everyone involved.

It has been fantastic to see so many boys back in the water this week as we begin our preparations for the upcoming swimming season. There has been plenty of enthusiasm around the pool, and it is exciting to see the boys reconnecting with their teammates and coaches.

Building Towards the AIC Swimming Season

This season, our preparation will be divided into three key phases, each designed to build upon the previous one and ensure our swimmers are ready to perform at their best when competition arrives.

Phase 1 – Building Consistency and Foundations

Our first phase is all about getting the boys back into the water, establishing good habits and building consistency in their training. This is arguably the most challenging phase, as athletes adjust to the demands of swimming again and begin rebuilding their fitness, skills and confidence.

The message to the boys during this phase is simple: discipline and consistency are everything. Turning up regularly, giving your best effort and focusing on the fundamentals will lay the foundation for everything that follows. The work completed now may not always feel exciting, but it is often the work that makes the biggest difference when racing begins.

Phase 2 – Developing Race Fitness and Skills

Our second phase will begin during the school holidays, when training will become more focused on race-specific preparation. We will introduce more challenging sets, develop race fitness and place greater emphasis on the skills required to compete successfully.

This is why swimming throughout the holiday period is extremely important. Maintaining momentum and building on the work completed during Term 4 will put our athletes in a much stronger position as we move closer to competition.

Phase 3 – Refinement and Race Preparation

Our final phase will focus on refining the finer details of racing. Starts, underwater skills, stroke efficiency and race execution will become increasingly important as we prepare the boys to represent the College.

Each phase has a purpose, and success in the final phase depends heavily on the commitment shown during the first two.

Swimming is a sport that demands discipline, patience and commitment, but it is also incredibly rewarding. For us to be competitive as a College, and for each boy to reach his individual potential, we need to embrace the process and understand that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.

We encourage every swimmer to challenge himself, listen to his coaches, support his teammates and take pride in being part of the Marist swimming program. Strong teams are built through the collective commitment of every individual, not just on competition day, but at every training session along the way.

Welcoming Our Incoming Year 5 Students

Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our incoming Year 5 students for their first swimming experience at Marist College Ashgrove.

This is always a special occasion, as the boys have their first opportunity to represent the College and experience what it means to be part of the Marist swimming community.

One of the greatest privileges of being involved in the College's swimming program is watching these young boys grow and develop throughout their time at Marist. From their first nervous steps onto the pool deck as new students to becoming confident young men who eventually walk proudly through the College on graduation day, it is a journey that is incredibly rewarding to witness.

Being able to share that journey with the boys and their families is something we value greatly, and we look forward to welcoming this new group into our swimming community.

A Swimming Program for Every Boy

We have also received a few questions regarding AIC swimming and the opportunities available within our program.

Joel and I would like to reinforce that the Marist swimming program is designed to provide opportunities for every boy, regardless of his current swimming ability or experience.

Whether a student is developing his confidence in the water, looking to improve his swimming skills, wanting to enjoy training with his mates or working towards selection in an AIC team, there is a place for him in our program.

While we are certainly committed to building a competitive AIC swimming team, our responsibility extends beyond competition results. We want every boy to feel welcomed, supported and challenged to improve. Swimming provides an incredible opportunity to develop resilience, discipline, confidence and friendships that extend well beyond the pool.

Our goal is to create an environment where boys enjoy being part of the team, take pride in their improvement and develop a genuine connection to swimming and the College.

As we move further into Term 4, I encourage all boys to make the most of the opportunities available, commit to their training and continue supporting one another.

We have an exciting journey ahead, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together as a Marist swimming community.

Marist Swimming | Sign On

For full details, please visit Parent Orbit. Students must sign up via the Student Café, with parents or caregivers confirming registration through Parent Lounge and updating all medical details.

This process allows the College to plan for the appropriate number of coaches and resources.

Important: Students who are not registered for AIC Unallocated will not receive emails regarding swimming program, including schedules and updates.

For any enquiries, please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au

Training timetable for this week is below.

Year 5 (2027) Training Squad

Year 6 (2027) Training Squad

Year 7 – 12 (2027) Training Squad

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 | Optional Preseason Training

Preseason rugby union training for current Year 9-11 students kicked off yesterday. This is an optional five-week training block and it is a fantastic 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 Ieti Fetalaiga and Mr Charlie Taylor will lead the field sessions, whilst the athletic development will be under the guidance of our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw and assisted by Mr Drew Smith.

Thanks to all those who started the preseason program yesterday. It was a challenging start to the block, however it was well embraced by all who attended.

For all updates and information, please follow the notices on the Parent Orbit. 

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Club

In 2026, Mr Doug Perrers will again lead the Term 4 Scrum Club program. He will be assisted by some excellent coaches invited to share their expertise in this area of the game.

The scrum is an integral and unique part of Rugby Union. The contest between two well coached and well-conditioned packs is both compelling and exciting.

Effective scrummaging requires teamwork. Each individual must understand their role, how to be an effective scrummager, and how to achieve this as a member of a forward unit.

Whilst the rugby union scrum is a means of restarting play after a stoppage which has been caused, it is always necessary to ensure safety at all times is our key focus when forming scrums.

A key part of our rugby safety here at the College is educating and supporting students’ development. The Scrum Ready Conditioning Program will continue to take you through the journey of developing and conditioning individual body strength, control and shape.

The aims of all the Marist Scrum Ready Program is to -

1. Educate students on key strengthening exercises
2. Educate students on the correct technique
3. Develop the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position
4. Reduce injury risk by improving the above

The three week program will consist of one on field session and one gym session per week. 

WHERE: Des Connor Field, Flat 5

WHEN: Thursday, Week 2-4

TIME: 3:30-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sports shorts, Marist sports shirt or bumblebee jersey, Marist rugby socks, blue or white socks

Marist Rugby Union | U12 TASRC Training and Trials

Thanks to all those students who registered for the four week block. 

The College has attended Australia’s largest junior rugby union carnival the past two years and it has been a wonderful touring experience. Both the off field camaraderie and the on field performances make the carnival a memorable event.

In Term 4, we will be training and trialling to select a squad of 20. The training is as follows:

WHEN: Thursday mornings, Week 2-5

TIME: 6:45am

WHERE: Hayden Oval

DRESS: Marist sports shorts, Marist sports shirt, rugby socks, white or blue socks

OTHER: Mouthguard and headgear if you wear it

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2026 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.

Rugby League

Mr Cam Mabey - Rugby League Coordinator

Corey Parker 9s Carnival

During the school holidays, the Marist U12 Rugby League team travelled to Gatton to compete in the Corey Parker Rugby League 9’s Carnival. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees on both days, the boys had their work cut out for them against some strong and sizeable country club sides. 

A determined defensive effort in their second match against the Coolum Colts saw the Marist boys grow in confidence and begin to find their rhythm. One of the highlights of the carnival came on the second day in a hard-fought clash with the Fassifern Bombers. Special mention must go to Hugh Southwood and Felix Katter, whose leadership and commitment in defence helped guide the team to a well-earned draw against quality opposition. 

The Marist U12 side finished the carnival with 3 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. Beyond the results, the experience provided all players with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in the fast-paced 9’s format while testing themselves against unfamiliar teams and opposition. 

Congratulations to Will Barden and Henry Tracey, who were recognised with the Player of the Carnival and Teammate of the Carnival awards, respectively. 

A big thank you to Meagan Loanne, Jim Noble and Wests Juniors Rugby League Club for their generous support of the Marist team and for helping make the experience possible for our boys.