Sport News

As we prepare for our final weekend of AIC sport for the year this weekend, a reminder to all of the need to finish well. It is important that we maintain our effort, our commitment and our discipline. Each weekend we are representatives of the college, hundreds of “postcards” out in the community where, for many people who see us at sport, it is their only interaction with Marist College Ashgrove and will paint a picture of the college for them. Let's make sure that is a positive one! Good luck to the seniors who play your last game of sport for the college, enjoy the occasion and I hope you take away a strong set of memories and experiences.  

Last weekend we travelled to St Laurence’s College on a very hot day. Thank you to everyone for accepting the amended playing conditions to ensure everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience; it sure got hot, but we were able to complete a full round.  

It was a strong day for Marist, with us dominating all three 1st team matches. The 1st V won a high-scoring affair 88-80, in rugby league we won 34-6 in a very strong performance, and the 1st VI tennis won 6-2. Results across the board were strong again with many good performances from teams across the sports and year levels.  

It has been another terrific term with all three 1st teams in second place going into the last round, and the following teams go into their last matches undefeated so far:

Basketball

• 4th V
• 11B
• 7B
• 7C
• 7D

Rugby League

• 2nd XIII
• 10A
• 9A

Tennis

• 9B
• 7B
• 5A
• 5B

Our track and field team is heavily into their preparation for the AIC Championships. After a big week of Met North, the AIC lead-up meets continue with a number of impressive performances across the programme as we get closer to the AIC Championships. Our track and field camp is next week, which is something the whole squad looks forward to as we fine-tune our preparations, leading into holiday training and mini meets against other schools during the holiday period. My sincere thanks to all involved in track and field for the time and energy you commit to helping our boys achieve their best, none more so than Head Coach Mr Rob Martin, who dedicates himself so much to the team.

Why We Play Sport In Schools

It is important to recognise the reasons why schools play sport. Sport in schools plays a vital role in the holistic development of our boys. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, such as improved fitness, strength and coordination, participating in sports fosters critical life skills and values that extend well beyond the classroom. 

One of the primary values of sports in schools is the promotion of teamwork and cooperation. Students learn to work together towards a common goal, developing a sense of camaraderie and understanding the importance of each individual's contribution to the team's success. This experience teaches them to communicate effectively, respect others' opinions and resolve conflicts constructively. 

Sports also instil discipline and time management skills. Regular practice schedules require students to balance their academic responsibilities with their athletic commitments, fostering a sense of responsibility and time management. These skills are crucial as they prepare students for the demands of adult life, where balancing various aspects of life becomes essential. 

Moreover, sports in schools promote resilience and perseverance. Athletes learn to cope with both success and failure, understanding that setbacks are a part of the journey. This resilience helps them build a strong character, enabling them to face challenges in life with a positive mindset. 

In addition, participation in sports often enhances students' self-esteem and confidence. Achieving personal or team goals, whether through winning a game or improving personal performance, provides a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-worth. This confidence can translate into better performance in academics and other areas of life.

Finally, sports play a critical role in fostering a sense of belonging and school spirit. Through competitions and sports events, students develop a sense of pride in their school, contributing to a positive school culture and community. It is important to recognise that there is no reference to winning in there. We want to win; staff invest in organising, managing and coaching to see the boys thrive and grow, and a part of seeing them grow and succeed is enjoying seeing them win and do well, but it is not our focus. It is the boys' focus for sure, and we want to win, but we do not compromise the developmental benefits of playing sport to chase wins.

Hockey

Ms Kathryn Badini (Coordinator)

Last Wednesday afternoon we had the conclusion to our hockey season – the Grand Final against St Edmund’s College. It is probably cliché to say (not to mention bias) that throughout the game we had the way of the ball and wanted the win more, but unfortunately hockey can be a game of inches, and those inches just didn’t go in our favour. In the end, it was 2-1; a vast improvement on the 6-3 scoreline we had the week previous against Eddies, and even on our Grand Final performance last year against them. There were a lot of great combinations, determined attack and strong defence – everything that a thrilling game of hockey has. We were still chasing the drawn result (which would have sent us into shoot-outs) right up until the last seconds of the game.  

Whilst every player had a spectacular moment, the game really belonged to our Captains - Isaac Pratt and Oliver Shinkel. Their passion on the field and their humility off it is something that will be sorely missed. Our hope was to give them and our other Year 12 players a game they could be proud of as their final in the Blue and Gold, and we definitely achieved that.  

We’re already looking forward to 2025 where we’ll hopefully be able to bring even more boys into the sport.

Rugby League

Ryan Apps - Rugby League Coordinator

For Round 6, our senior boys played at Runcorn while our juniors competed in Ipswich. Saturday marked the warmest August day on record, challenging every player to dig deep in tough conditions.

Due to the heat, all games were modified with drink breaks during halves and reduced periods of play. Our day at Runcorn was a huge success, with all five teams winning their games. A much-needed win by our Year 8 team kicked off our day, inspiring every team that followed. Congratulations to our Year 9, Year 10, and 2nd XIII teams, who remain undefeated this season. Special mention goes to our 2nd XIII, who, despite supplying players to the 1st team to cover injuries, continue to deliver excellent performances each week.

Coach of the Week: Charlie Taylor (who has never lost a game as a Rugby League coach at Marist)

Player of the Week: Lachlan Berwick for outstanding contributions to Marist Rugby League.

As the season comes to a close, I would like to extend my appreciation to all the parents and supporters who transport boarders to their games, the fathers who run the sideline each week, and Mr Brett Head for all his organisation.

1st XIII Report - Jasper Barry - 1st XIII Captain

Round 6 saw Marist play in the hottest conditions we have ever encountered, taking on St. Laurence’s College at their home ground in Runcorn. With temperatures nearing 35 degrees, it was a challenging game, but there was still a lot to play for.

The first 5 minutes were extremely tough as St Laurence’s came out firing, taking the lead and causing us issues. This adversity kicked us into gear, and we started working on our systems, slowly getting back into the game. Due to the heat, we adjusted our game plan, using our outside backs to move the ball up the field. This strategy proved to be a masterstroke, resulting in multiple breaks and tries. The game was effectively over with about 10 minutes to go, and Marist came away with an excellent victory.

Next week is our final game of the season (and for most of us, our final game for Marist College Ashgrove), to be played at Marist. Kick-off is at 12:15pm, and we would love to have as many supporters there as possible.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Track and Field Camp (Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 September)

Invitations to the annual Track and Field camp have gone out and more students will be invited later this week as we receive acceptances throughout the week. A reminder that we will also be offering additional opportunities for day training sessions this year.

Due to an international event scheduled at Runaway Bay, this year the camp will take place at Marist College, the Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler) and the University of Queensland athletics track. The camp will be held from Thursday 12 September to Saturday 14 September.

AIC Practice Meet #2

The second AIC meet had windy conditions but it was great to get good numbers and see the team progress in different weather settings. Some standout performances on the day included:

• In 12 years, Hugh Sutton with another PB in the 100m is starting to improve weekly along with Lincoln Hughes recording a fast personal best time.
• In 13 years, Christian O'Reilly and Nate Griffin were quick in the 100m with Nate also improving in his hurdles setting personal best times for the season in both.
• In 14 years, Hayden Lockhart was also quick across the 100m with Connor Campbell and Riley Hansel in the 15 years ages with Xavier Simms breaking the 11s barrier again to show some real speed in a competitive Opens age group. Isaac Ting was really fast again leading the 16 Years division with Tadhg Ryan and Oliver Peregrina stepping up for a quick time after a recent return.
• Will Cannon in 12 years showed great improvement in the 400m along with Darcy Frazier in 12-13 years. Remi Sakzewski also ran a fast time in the 400m also along with some good consistent javelin throwing. 
• Isaak Mastenbroek remained consistent in all the long throws along with James Milne giving good depth in the junior age groups.
• The jumps were a little hit and miss due to the heavy winds but Connor Campbell had some good triple jumping in 15 years and Sania Elisala strong in 14 years long jump again.
• Harry Prole was a standout in the 800m with a strong 2m02 run while Isaac Roach and Jacob Keogh pushed through in the Open division for strong times in the low 2m.05-2m.07 range.
• In the 200m Joel Drew and Connor Campbell stood out in the seniors with fast times in the windy weather with Hayden Lockhart and Sania Elisala recorded the exact same times in the 200m for 14 years with personal best 

All boys participating were performing well and there were many PBs across the meet which was pleasing to see the effort and push for places in the team.

The teams attention turns to competing well in our final 2 AIC meets and continue training preparation through the holidays. If you are not available through the holidays we will look to discuss programs to keep people fit and ready for AIC Championships in the week 1 of Term 4. 

The 2024 Open senior Track and Field team will also be announced next week at assembly and we wish all those boys the very best as they look to finalise preparations for their final sporting opportunity at Marist while also preparing for their final school examinations.

Thanks to the athletes plus also the coaches and support staff who attended to support the athletes to reach their best.

Term 3 T&F Meets

For all students wishing to earn a spot on the team, the remaining Track and Field Meets in Term 3 are –

Thursday 5 September – AIC Practice Meet #3 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

Wednesday 11 September – AIC Practice Meet #4 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

It would be great to see all students wishing to be a part of the team to attend as many meets as possible. It is an important part of the preparation as the team challenges for a 10th successive AIC Secondary Championship and a 4th successive AIC Primary Championship.

September Holiday Training and Practice Meets

Keep an eye out for training days and times on the Marist app. Practice Meets will be held on Thursday 19 and Thursday 26, September. More information will be available on the Marist app next week.

Track and Field Uniform

Thanks to everyone for their support with this matter. We have had the majority of students training and competing in the correct uniform.

With the AIC Practice Meets already underway and the AIC Championship coming up quickly, a reminder that the DRESS CODE for all T&F training sessions is as per the 2024 Track and Field Handbook. MCA sports shirts / Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.For competitive events including Internal Mini Meets, the DRESS CODE is as per the 2024 Track and Field Handbook. Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks. Please use the time now to make sure you have the correct uniform as we will be competing in the AIC Championship AS A TEAM wearing this uniform.

Safety Notice – Hayden Oval

Thank you to everyone for their continued support with this. It has made the training sessions a lot safer and a lot more enjoyable. 

Could I ask everyone to remain focussed on safety when Track and Field training is on Hayden Oval? Discus, shot put and javelin training is Monday and Wednesday afternoons. 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.

Track and Field Handbook

Please see the Marist app for the 2024 Track and Field Handbook.

The Handbook includes the relevant Track and Field information for students and parents / guardians. If you have any further questions, please contact Mr Richard Graham.

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 - 

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm 

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

Tennis

Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome to Round 6, where the excitement from the AIC school sports scene is as unstoppable as a last-minute game-winning play!

First up, let’s give a shoutout to our Aussie sensation, Alexei Popyrin, who’s been making waves at the US Open. His stunning victory over Novak Djokovic is not just a monumental moment for his career, but a massive boost for Australian tennis. Keep an eye on this rising star!

We’ve also got two more Aussie talents still in the mix: Alex De Minaur and Jordan Thompson. Unfortunately, they’re set to face off against each other tomorrow, so it’s a bittersweet moment—one will move forward, but either way, Australia wins!

Switching gears to AIC news, our weekend matches were played under some seriously scorching conditions—on the last day of winter, no less! With temperatures soaring to a blistering 36 degrees at the Marist Centre, it was a test of endurance as much as skill.

St Laurence's College came ready to challenge us across all year levels, setting the stage for some intense, hard-fought battles. Out of 16 matches from Year 5 to Opens, Marist dominated with 14 wins and only 2 losses. I’m thrilled to report that every year level from Year 5 to Year 10 achieved a clean sweep. Even in the tight matches, our boys pulled through, showing remarkable determination and grit. As their coach, I couldn’t be prouder of how they held their heads high and represented Marist with pride and passion. Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done!

1st IV Captains Report - Henry Lambley

Last week, we ventured out to Griffith to face a determined but undermanned St Laurence’s team in some challenging conditions. Hamish and Fletcher set the tone early, completely outclassing their opponents with clinical 6-0, 6-0 victories. A masterclass in domination.

Lachie, proving he has a flair for drama, played his third consecutive match tiebreak, emerging victorious with a 6-2, 2-6, 10-2 scoreline, pushing us to a solid 3-0 lead. As for me, I had a tough day at the office, facing a formidable opponent and going down 1-6, 2-6 at the top spot.

Heading into the doubles with a 3-1 lead, we were poised for victory. The first doubles pairings were flawless, both matches wrapping up at 6-0, catapulting us to a 5-1 lead.

The final doubles were played under the scorching sun, testing our endurance. Despite a sluggish start, Lachie and Fletcher rallied to a 6-3 win, while Hamish and I staged a valiant comeback from 0-4, only to narrowly miss out at 4-6.

In the end, we secured a commanding 6-2 victory, showcasing both our physical grit and mental resilience in the face of adversity. As we gear up for our final match of the season against St Edmund’s at home, we're determined to finish on a high note.

Upcoming Events

Holiday Clinics

These will be held during the holidays in both weeks of the holidays. These clinics are designed to cater for all standards of player and age and are aimed to get students to be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses but also how to improve both. The aim of these clinics is to have fun while learning in a friendly environment and meeting new friends along the way. We will also finish with a swim each day down at the pool.

Clinic 1: Monday 16 September - Wednesday 18 September

Clinic 2: Monday 23 September - Wednesday 25 September

Time: 8:00am – 11:30am

Cost is $150 for 3 days or $60 per day

AIC Training Days

Last week of free AIC coaching will end on Friday 6 September.

Coaching for Week 10 will be mornings and solely for makeup lessons from Term 3 private coaching

Marist Primary and Senior Doubles Tournaments

We have a date and we are ready to go. Both tournaments will be held on Friday 4 October, 3:30pm - finish (date changed from 27 September). A sausage sizzle will be put on for all players involved in the tournament.

Marist Open Singles Championships

Dates: Monday 9 September and Tuesday 10 September Finals

Time: From 3:30pm - Finish

Details: Tennis, sausage sizzles and bragging rights—what more could you ask for?

AIC Break-up Party

Date: Wednesday 11 September

Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Details: Calling all AIC players and reserves! Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fierce competition. Don’t forget to book—those sausages won’t sizzle themselves!

Christmas Break-up Party and Parent/Son Tournament

Date: Sunday 24 November (date changed from the 17th)

Time: Starting at 1:00pm until the last ball is hit

Details: Open to any student from our coaching programme this year. Show off your skills, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. It’s all about having fun!

Term 4 Coaching and Friday Fixtures

Get ready to book your spot for Term 4! All squads and group classes will soon be open for registration. Plus, Friday Fixtures are back, giving our boys the regular competition they need to sharpen their skills and prepare for the battles ahead. Perfect prep for AIC students to take their game to the next level.

Coming to and from the courts

Students are reminded to please use the access road up to primary and come down the stairs. Please do not cross the oval if it is coned off for athletics training. Your safety is paramount and I thank everyone for their attention to this so far this term

For all bookings regarding anything tennis, please email: mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au. 

Wilson Sport and Marist Tennis

We're excited to announce that we now have demo racquets available for any student looking to upgrade to a new Wilson racquet. Whether you’re eyeing a specific model or just want to try something new, we’ve got you covered. Test them out and we’ll happily order anything from the Wilson range that catches your eye!

We currently stock demo racquets including the Pro Staff 97 v14, Pro Staff Junior 26 v14, Blade 100 Ultra-Light v9, Blade 98 v9, Burn 100 v5.0, Clash 100 Ultra-Light v2.0 and Clash 108 v2.0. If you're interested in trying out any of these models, they're ready for you. And if there’s another Wilson racquet you have your eye on, we can easily order it for you as well—just let us know!

We’ve also got some sleek new bags and backpacks on the way for those who want to look the part on and off the court. Remember, the discounted prices on racquets and all merchandise are exclusively for members of the Marist Tennis Club. To take advantage of these great deals, students must join the club. Membership not only gives you access to discounted gear but also ensures you keep saving on coaching throughout the year. It's a win-win!

We can also order shoes for anyone interested in the current Wilson range.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

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