Last weekend saw Marist take on Villanova College and St Edmund’s College in a final hit out before the AIC season commences in earnest this week. Thank you to all staff, boys and parents for making the effort to get these matches played. No doubt our teams will be better for the run.

This weekend sees us host Iona in what will be a challenging start for all of our sports. Iona have been on a steady improvement across their sports program and we will need to be at our best to get the results we are after.

Representative Sport Opportunities

As discussed in last week’s newsletter, Met North have had a restructure. We are now in West district. The process is for parents to nominate the student by completing the Microsoft Form using the link 2026 District Sport Nomination Form – Fill out form at school by the deadlines below. Cutoffs are strictly 3:00pm. We will not see entries after 3pm on the day listed below. The school will choose up to 4 nominees (as per Met North requirements) and send those parents the QR code to register with the District, and email the parents of boys who have been unlucky. We as a school recognise the pressure a limit places on our community. Parents are then to complete the paperwork, returning the forms to Derek Lennon lennond@marash.qld.edu.au before the deadline and pay the trial levy.

Sport	Age	Marist Nomination Deadline 3pm
Rugby League	15 - 16yrs Boys	Friday 6/2
Rugby League	17-18yrs Boys	Friday 6/2
Squash	10 - 19 yrs B & G	Friday 13/2
Volleyball	13 - 15 yrs Boys	Friday 6/3
Touch	13 - 15 yrs Boys	Friday 6/3
Rugby Union	14 - 15 yrs Boys	Friday 6/3
Golf	13-19yrs B & G	Friday 6/3
Netball	13 - 15 yrs Boys	Friday 20/3
Netball	16 - 19 yrs Boys	Friday 20/3
Aust. Football	15-17 yrs Boys	Friday 27/3
Touch	16-18 yrs Boys	Friday 27/3
Volleyball	16 - 19 yrs B & G	Friday 24/4
Rugby League	13-14yrs Boys	Friday 8/5
Surfing	13 - 19 yrs B & G	Friday 15/5
Futsal (Football)	13 - 14 yrs Boys	Friday 29/5
Futsal (Football)	15 - 16 yrs Boys	Friday 29/5

Commitment

One area that I wish to highlight, which has been improving, but has much work still to do, is boys missing training, and worse, missing matches. The expectation of the College is that if you have committed to playing a sport it takes priority over everything else. This includes club sport, weekends away, staying at mates houses, and so on. Similar to the uniform expectations, it is a valuable life lesson to honour a commitment when sometimes there are better options. Obviously from time to time there are extenuating circumstances that do mean boys will have to miss matches and we understand these. In this case notice should be given to the coach, the year coordinator and the sport coordinator as soon as possible explaining the absence and the reason why.

On a similar vein with training, we do have attendance issues with training. A commitment is a commitment and players need to respect the sport and their teammates by being at training unless an emergency or illness get in the way.

Any requests to miss matches or training must be approved by the relevant sport co-ordinator (or year co-ordinator in larger sports).

Injured players are expected to attend training unless contagious with an illness.

Expectations

Start times for training are just that- not arrival times. If training starts at 3:30pm that means you are on the field with all equipment needed on ready to go, not just arriving.

Training is work time not social time. To play at your best you need to train at your best. Attitude is vital here.

All players must have the appropriate equipment for sport, such as shin pads for football, mouthguards for rugby, rugby league, AFL.

Each boy must bring their own full water bottle with them for all training sessions and matches. Team managers will encourage the boys to drink water but ultimately players are responsible for their hydration.

All players are to shake hands/ fist bump with their opponents at the completion of the match. This is to occur before any War Cry or team celebrations occur.

Values of a Marist Athlete

COMMITMENT- We sacrifice whatever necessary to be the best we can be. Specifically, that relates to attitude to training, taking care of the small details in a professional manner, working hard and giving his best in everything we do. Coaches should educate the players in these areas, as it could be the ultimate difference. We have a low tolerance for a player who does not want to better himself both academically and as a footballer.

WORK HARD- We value hard work. Without question we demand a big effort from our players in everything they do. We apologise to no one for wanting to be the best. Working hard is the only way to achieve this goal.

LOYALTY- loyalty to each other; loyalty to the College.

DISCIPLINE- discipline to work hard; act with integrity; to accept disappointment.

SACRIFICE- in order to get, first you must give.

HONESTY- open and honest communication gives us the edge. We tell the truth so we can soar as the journey unfolds.

GOOD HABITS- we are creatures of habit. Therefor the habits we form must be helpful.

AIC Competition

I thought it was important to highlight the nature of the AIC competition, what it stands for, how it is organised and how that impacts, positively and negatively on us as a college.

The AIC (Associated Independent Colleges) grew from the TAS competition, starting in 1999. Next year is the 25th year of AIC competition which will see some promotion and activity around this.

MOTTO

Learning and growth through sport and competition.

VISION

To develop good and healthy young people of character through sport and competition within a Christian context.

MISSION

The AIC will provide well-organised competitions in sport and other activities that foster participant engagement and pride in communities in a holistic Christian context. Our students, staff and families (both past and present) will nurture spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development through respectful and compassionate relationships in a safe environment.

The member schools are:

Iona College
Padua College
St Edmund’s College
St Laurence’s College
Villanova College
St Patrick’s College
St Peters Lutheran College
Marist College Ashgrove

*Ambrose Treacy College is a guest member, participating in championship sports and byes in weekly competitions as suitable.

The sports involved include:

Term 1 Cricket, AFL#, Volleyball#, Swimming

Term 2 Football, Rugby, Chess#, Cross Country#, Golf#

Term 3 Rugby League#, Basketball#, Tennis#

Term 4 Track & Field, Water Polo#, Touch*, E-Sports#*

*non-championship, carnival or trial

The obvious benefits to our college are an organised, fully developed program of sports and activities competing against like schools where we can provide opportunities for boys to develop, shine, learn and grow as young men. It has served us well over 25 years and will continue to do so into the future. It does present come challenges for us as well. The biggest challenge is the differing sizes of the schools involved, which leads to inequity in team numbers. I have highlighted to sports that have limited team entries.

As one of the biggest schools in the AIC, and with a healthy boarding community as well as a day population who value sport as a community, this is a significant challenge for us. It is a firm belief of the college that we want boys playing sport, we will cater for every boy that wants to play in sports that we have opportunity to play, and we will always try and find suitable opposition for every team we have. What does not work is putting our C, D and E teams up against A and B teams from schools outside the AIC competition. We understand the frustration boys and parents feel when byes or internal matches happen, but Marist puts forward by far the largest number of teams across the program.

AIC Premierships & Aggregates

The AIC competition recognises a range of results and it is not just the first teams that are recognised. Yes our premier team in each sport is playing for the premiership but in all sports Year 7 to 12 A teams are playing for their own premierships and in some sports B teams are also seeking premiership success. One of the great things about the AIC is the aggregate premiership, which counts all results in A and B teams from year 7-12. This means all matches in these divisions and year levels count towards the overall result.

In the championship sports all competitors results count towards the overall championship (cross country count the top 6 runners but all runners play a role) result, what primary and secondary having separate trophies.

AIC Code of Conduct

Below is the AIC Code of Conduct for all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Please take the time to have a read to refresh yourself on the expectations of being involved in the AIC community, an environment that must be safe, inclusive and friendly, and competition that should be spirited but friendly.

AIC Code of Behaviour - Parents and Spectators

Fundamental to the AIC, is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as a parent, or a spectator 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 parent/guardian of a student 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 that your son attends.

Parents and spectators need to demonstrate the following behaviours regarding their conduct during any AIC sporting activity:

Be welcoming of other competitors and spectators and always model respectful interactions.
Respect referees and officials' decisions and teach your son to do likewise.
Remember that your son participates in sport for their own enjoyment.
Remember that this is a schoolboy game, and all coaches and match officials are volunteers.
Show appreciation for the coaches and teachers - including the opposing team. Without them, your son could not participate.
Encourage your son to participate, do not force them. Focus on your son's efforts rather than his performance or the result of the game.
Remember that all correspondence around sport should be respectful and appropriate, and directly through your son's College.
Never ridicule or yell at your son and other boys for making a mistake.
Be a positive role model. Remember that boys learn best by example. Appreciate good performance and skilful play by all participants.
AIC events are not an appropriate space/venue for matters involving family disputes. This includes ensuring allparties follow appropriate court orders around visitation and attendance at activities.

The AIC supports all efforts to remove poor behaviour from sporting events. In the event that a parent feels the need to notify the AIC of inappropriate behaviour, they should firstly notify the venue official/College representative at the venue. Following this, any complaint should be then directed to their son's College's Head of Sport or the appropriate member of the College Leadership Team.

AIC 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 pain killers, to improve or maintain performance.

AFL

Mr Cam Mabey - AFL Coordinator

AIC Season Begins

We are now out of the AFL trials period and into the first round of the AIC season. The following training schedule will stand for the remainder of the season. This week Year 5s will train Friday morning only to accommodate their camp.

AIC Trial Round vs Villanova

Friday and Saturday saw 13 of our 17 teams go up against Villanova College in trial matches to prepare for the AIC season ahead. The Opens grade teams kicked the weekend off on Friday afternoon. An extended 1st XVIII side featuring six Year 10s showed positive signs against Villanova’s 1st XVIII, with the final score being an estimated 44-29 in favour of Villanova. The MCA 1st XVIII will add the final touches of the season's preparation this week to chase a more complete performance against Iona College in Round 1. The 2nd XVIII performed in a similar fashion, boys getting a feel of the fitness levels it will take to compete in the Opens grade. Thanks to the Opens coaching staff of Matt Beattie, Brett Gillett, Jack Thompson, Adrian Brown, Aston Wilson, Tony Stevens and Ash Hutchings for their efforts since November to prepare our 1st and 2nd XVIII for the 2026 season that lies ahead.

The 10As, 9As, 9Bs, 8As, 8Bs, 7As, 7Bs, 6As, 6Bs, 6Cs and 6Ds played their respective matches on Saturday across the Coorparoo and Yeronga venues. All these matches against Villanova College saw a mixed bag of performance and results.

This week’s man of the match’s are as follows:

1st XVIII – Jesse Brunning, 2nd XVIII – Harvey Schulz

10A – Archie Ross

9A – River Matricardi, 9B – Benji Schisas

8A – Mitch Belyea, 8B – Ryder Gundry

7A – Will Jackson, 7B – Angus Lippett

6A – Alex Dunbar, 6B – Henry Wilton

6C – Liam Carman and Felix Katter, 6D – Hamish O’Toole

This weekend we are up to the full complement of 17 teams as we take on Iona College in Round 1 of the AIC.

Club AFL Opportunities

Cricket

Mr Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator

Cricket season is well underway, with the AIC season kicking off over the weekend with our trial round vs Villanova College. The program competed well with Villanova, coming away with some great results, allowing all boys an opportunity to trial!

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 Millward 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 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 school cricket kits has now changed. ALL secondary school kit bags are to be stored under the outdoor cover of the Br. Terence boarding house at the top of Cameron Oval stairs. Please ensure kits are neatly stored within this area. Please see the below photo. Primary kit bags are to be stored under the primary building.

Sign On

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

All students interested in playing cricket in 2026 are encouraged to sign on ASAP.

Thank you to those who have already done so. There were some boys at sessions this week who had not yet signed on and will need to do so prior to their next session.

Specialist Sessions

Please keep an eye out on Parent Orbit and the newsletter for specialist coaching opportunities throughout the season!

AIC Round 1 – Saturday 7 February

The schedule for this weekend – AIC Round 1 will be released on Tuesday 3 February, with team lists to follow on Friday 6 February. Please keep an eye out on Parent Orbit and emails for these to come out!

Term 1 Training Schedule – Week 2

Please see below this week’s training schedule – all boys are required to be at training. Please let your Year Level Coordinator, or Mr Millward know if you are going to be absent. Year 5 will not train this week due to Year 5 camp.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

I hope everyone had a fantastic first week back at school.

It has been wonderful to see so many new faces at the pool, as well as welcoming back familiar faces after the holiday break. The energy and enthusiasm around the program have been great to see.

With just 35 days until the AIC Swimming Championships, it is now crucial that we are consistent with our training. I understand that there may still be a few trials taking place this week; however, as schedules begin to settle, I strongly encourage all swimmers to commit to 2–3 training sessions per week. Consistency at this stage will play a key role in performance and improvement.

This Friday marks our first trial of the season, competing against Villanova College, who have shown significant improvement over the past few years. Boys wishing to be considered for selection in the AIC team will need to compete at these Friday meets to record official times. I also strongly encourage boys who are attending training to compete, as racing gives purpose to training and often reveals progress you may not yet realise. I am really looking forward to seeing our swimmers improve each week and grow in confidence and performance.

This year, we have placed a strong emphasis on commitment. As with any sport, improvement comes from regular effort and dedication. Training occasionally or inconsistently does not provide the best opportunity to develop skills or achieve personal best times.

The training schedule for this week is as follows:

Year 5 (2026) Training Squad

	Monday 2/2	Tuesday 3/2	Wednesday 4/2	Thursday 5/2	Friday 6/2
AM					Relay Training (email will be sent for athletes required to be at training.)
PM	3:30 – 4:15		3:30 – 4:15		AIC Prep Meet Vs. Villanova College @ MCA

Year 6 (2026) Training Squad

	Monday 2/2	Tuesday 3/2	Wednesday 4/2	Thursday 5/2	Friday 6/2
AM		7:00 – 8:00			Relay Training (email will be sent to athletes required to be at training.)
PM			3:30 – 4:15		AIC Prep Meet Vs. Villanova College @ MCA

Year 7 – 12 (2026) Training Squad

	Monday 2/2	Tuesday 3/2	Wednesday 4/2	Thursday 5/2	Friday 6/2
AM	7:00 – 8:00	7:00 – 8:00	7:00 – 8:00	7:00 – 8:00	Relay Training (email will be sent for athletes required to be at training.)
PM					AIC Prep Meet Vs. Villanova College @ MCA

West District / Regional / State Trials

Swimmers who are aiming to qualify for Regional and State Championships are required to compete at the West District Trials. This applies to students in Years 5 –12.Please note that, unlike previous years where some high school swimmers progressed directly to Met North Trials, all swimmers must compete at West District Trials this year.All district and regional trials will be held at Lawnton Pool. The key dates are as follows:

Wednesday 18 February – West District Trials
Monday 2 March – Met North Trials

A nomination link (Below) for West District Trials is provided for those wishing to participate. Please be aware that there are limited entries available per event. Selection will be based on times listed on Swim Results, and swimmers will be notified via email if they have been selected to compete. These nominations need to be done by the end of today. https://forms.gle/Z3jP3UKLJW6MNYCBA

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

I look forward to another busy week ahead.

Volleyball

Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator

Trial Round vs St Edmund's College

It was great to see everyone back in action against St Edmund's College on Saturday to kick start the 2026 Marist Volleyball season. With many of the teams still gelling it was encouraging to see the improvement of each team throughout the games as new combinations start to take place.

A consistent week of training will stand us all in good stead ahead of Round 1 against Iona College on Saturday 7 February. Round 1will see the junior matches (Years 7-9) played away at Iona College while the senior matches (Years 10-12) will be played on home court. The match schedule for Round 1 will be posted on the Orbit app this evening.

Training Schedule

The Week 2 training schedule has been posted on Orbit and emailed to all students over the weekend. See the schedule below and a reminder that if you are unable to make any of your training sessions you need to let the Volleyball Coordinator (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) know via email or in the sports office.

Student Referees

Well done to the 11 current Marist students who recently completed their Level 1referee course. It was great to see the following boys make their refereeing debuts as second referees on Saturday:

Andre Bennett (Year 8)
Ben Herrera (Year 8)
Christian O’Reilly (Year 9)
Tyler Baines (Year 9)
Matthew Davies (Year 9)

We look forward to your continued development as referees throughout the AIC season!

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. You are able to sign your son up for a chosen sport once the portal opens.

Students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup 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, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.

Marist Rugby Union | Correct Uniform

As parents begin to purchase clothing in preparation for each term’s sporting commitments, I would like to clarify the College’s expectations regarding the rugby union uniform.

Last season, we had a small number of students cut the bottom off their rugby union socks and insert a white sock. The rugby union uniform is very clear and consists of the bumblebee jersey, Marist sports shorts, and Marist rugby union socks.

There are to be no alterations made to any part of the rugby union uniform. I ask that students and parents please address this prior to the season commencing, rather than it needing to be followed up by coaches closer to the season.

Thank you for your continued support.

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

Starting in Week 5 (Monday 23 February), Marist College is delivering a 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. 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.

Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury.

The program involves four stages (1 session per week) and ALL players will be required to complete in order to play rugby this season. Please see below the schedule starting in Week 5. You will note the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however they only need attend one.

Boys are required to come dressed in their blue MCA training shirt / Marist bumblebee jersey, Marist sport shorts (see photo) and Marist rugby / white or blue sports socks. Boys will also require boots, mouthguard, and a water bottle for each session. Each session will run for 60-70 minutes.

Please make sure your son is signed up to Rugby Union so they receive all the necessary information.

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. This program 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 2025, we had nine students and two parents complete the course.

The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 27 February. The content is delivered from 3:30pm-5:00pm here at the College.

Anyone interested should contact Mr Richard Graham, Director of Rugby / Track and Field grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au.

Marist Rugby Preseason | Years 11 and 12

Please see the information for Week 1 and 2, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit.

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

FOOD and WATER: Make sure you bring food and fluids for post session recovery and to support your learning throughout the day. Some simple ideas below you can prepare at home and bring to school:

Breakfast Wrap: Wholegrain wrap with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach, plus a piece of fruit. Easy to wrap in foil and eat after training.
Greek Yoghurt Bowl (in a container): Greek yoghurt, oats or granola, berries, honey. High protein and easy to prepare the night before.
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich: Wholegrain bread, peanut butter, sliced banana, plus a small milk or flavoured milk. Simple and filling.
Smoothie (in a shaker bottle): Milk, banana, frozen berries, oats, yoghurt or protein powder. Fast, portable and ideal if appetite is low after training.
Overnight Oats: Oats, milk, yoghurt, chia seeds, honey and fruit in a sealed container. Prepare the night before, no cooking required.

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

Marist Rugby Union | Camps and Tours

After a number of successful tours in 2025, the Marist Rugby Union program is excited to offer a range of camps and tours in 2026, providing students with valuable experiences in tournament and regional rugby environments. These opportunities are designed to enhance player development, strengthen team culture, build independence, and further prepare squads for the upcoming season.

The following initiatives are locked in for 2026 -

Currimundi Camp

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

Saturday 7 – Sunday 8, March

Ballymore Cup

1st XV squad (approximately 25 students)

Thursday 16 – Saturday 18, April

South Pine Sports Complex

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

U12 team (for logistical reasons, the squad and reserves were selected in Term 4, 2025)

Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April

NOTE: in preparation for the Armidale Carnival, a competition featuring seven teams will be run at the College on Sunday 29 March.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2025 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.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

New Marist Students

For any students who are new to the College and interested in joining the Track and Field program, and who may have questions about involvement, please see Mr Richard Graham in the Sports Office (under Room 108).

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup 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, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.

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 and jump plyometrics. 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.

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

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Tennis at Marist College Ashgrove

As we say goodbye to the Australian Open for another year, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary dedication and resilience required of professional tennis players as they strive to reach the highest levels of the sport. Tennis can be incredibly rewarding, yet at times it is also a very lonely pursuit. While doubles allows players to share the journey, singles is where true mental toughness is revealed. There is nowhere to hide on a tennis court — unlike larger team sports, individuals must take full ownership of their performance.

Tennis is a game of perpetual chess, combining tactical intelligence, technical awareness, and demanding fitness levels. The evolution of the modern game was on full display this year, with over one million spectators passing through the gates at Melbourne Park during the tournament — a remarkable figure that highlights tennis as one of the most watched and respected sports in the world.

In much the same way, Marist College tennis has evolved significantly over recent years. We are taking a new and deliberate approach in our pursuit of a premiership and a strong school aggregate. After finishing runners-up too often, we have made a clear commitment to raising standards. As a result, we have adopted a professional, full-time training model designed to reduce the gap between ourselves and the competition.

A major highlight this week was the commencement of our Elite Squad Program, which officially began yesterday. These squads now set the benchmark for tennis at Ashgrove. From the very first session, students were introduced to what it truly means to train and compete at an elite level, with a strong emphasis on commitment, intensity, professionalism, and accountability, both on and off the court.

We look forward to a strong season ahead and commend all students involved for the way they have embraced the expectations and opportunities presented.

Super League News

This season, Marist has six teams entered across Divisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. We wish all teams the very best for the season ahead and remind students that whenever you step on court, you are representing your club and school at all times.

Friday Fixtures

Friday Fixtures run every Friday afternoon from 3:30–5:30pm and are free for students involved in our coaching programs who are members of the Marist Tennis Club. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, play matches, and practise the skills developed in training sessions.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact:

mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au

0437 449 523

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock – Football Coordinator

The AIC Football season is coming onto the horizon and preseason training will commence in the coming weeks. The most important step at the moment is to ensure you are registered to play Football in Term 2 so that you receive all the notifications through the Orbit app. Here are the instructions on how to register for Term 2 sport.

Parents please find the Extra-curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on.

For students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup 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, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.

Rugby League

Mr Cam Mabey - Rugby League Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected for representative Rugby League squads over the School Holidays.

Hunter Webb – Year 10

Signed a 3-year development contract with the North Queensland Cowboys. Over the break Hunter also trained with the Cronulla Sharks Harold Matthews (U16) squad and represented them in a trial match.

Cyrill Connell (U17) Representative Selections

Sania Elisala (Year 11) – Brisbane Tigers
Peter Chan (Year 11) – Norths Devils
Lachlan Webster (Year 11) – Norths Devils
Leroy Malone (year 11) – Wynum Manly Seagulls

Mal Meninga (U19) Representative Selections

Phelix Lavea (year 12) – Norths Devils

S.G. Ball (U19) Representative Selections

Alo Va’a (Year 12) – Sydney Roosters

The following Boys were also involved in the trial process for representative teams:

Trevin Sonk (Year 11) Norths Devils Cyrill Connell Summer Squad
Hunter Webb (Year 10) Norths Devils Cyrill Connell Summer Squad
Sam Head (Year 12) Norths Devils Mal Meninga Summer Squad

Old Boy Rugby League Success

The following recent Old Boys of Marist College Ashgrove have achieved notable milestones in their Rugby League endeavors beyond their time at the College:

Jasper Barry (2024 graduate): Joined the North Queensland Cowboys NRL squad for pre-season first grade training
Lachie McCall (2024 graduate): Joined the Norths Devils Queensland Cup wider squad

Blue & Gold Events

Champagnat Trust Sports Lunch 2026