Sport News

Welcome back……

After a very successful Term 1, we now move into the winter sport season, with rugby union, football, chess and cross country underway. This term, approximately 1,400 students will be involved in some form of sport or activity at the College.

This is a significant number, and we congratulate our students on their continued commitment and the value they place on being part of the Marist community. We are also extremely appreciative of our coordinators and coaches for the time, care and dedication they invest in supporting the development of our students across all activities.

With so many moving parts, please continue to read the College newsletter and other College platforms to stay up to date with news relevant to your sport. 

Uniform at Sport

It was great to see the students back on the fields this morning training for the trial round this weekend. It is a beautiful sight to see the blue and gold Marist uniforms across our fields. Thanks to all the students for continuing to support the coaches and their teammates by turning up on time, in the right gear, and ready to train. Well done gents, keep it up!

On Saturdays when we play fixtures it is important that we present the College in a positive light as we are representatives of the College wherever we go. Boys are to turn up to matches either in playing kit or school uniform. All boys must have covered shoes (no slides, thongs or Birkenstocks) and if it is a bit cooler the outerwear must be Marist apparel, either a tracksuit jacket or school jumper. No random jumpers or jackets should be seen. 

All student spectators, including those boys who have played already need to be in full College uniform. This will include getting changed into school uniform at the completion of your match if you intend to stay and support others. 

We strongly encourage students to remain after their games to support others and help build a strong sense of connection across the program.

If you are involved in a match prior to the 1st XV or 1st XI fixtures and are staying to watch, you are required to change out of your playing uniform unless you are named on the bench for the team. “I played the game before” is no longer an acceptable reason. It only takes a few minutes to get changed.

Boarders are asked to bring a change of clothes with them, as they would on a normal school day, in case dormitories are not accessible at the required time.

Term 2 Sport Uniforms

Reminder For Spectators 

Remember that the boys participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours. 

Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give their time and resources to provide a game for young participants. 

This is a GAME!

The referees are human (and often volunteers).

Remember that young people learn best by example. 

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.

Student Achievements

Baseball State Champions – 6 Marist Boys 

We are proud to congratulate Anderson Wild and fellow Marist students Ari and Axel Holmstrom, Benji Robertson, Hamish McMahon and Kai McKenna (Years 6 and 7), who recently represented Brisbane Metro Little League Majors at the Queensland State Titles. 

The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, securing the gold medal and earning qualification for the Australian National Championships. The standard of play was outstanding, with experienced baseball coaches describing it as the best they have seen at this age level in Queensland. 

The boys displayed exceptional teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the competition, proudly demonstrating Marist values both on and off the field. We congratulate them on this fantastic achievement and wish them every success at the National Championships. 

Football

Football Coordinator – Mr Blair Whitlock

Welcome back to term two! The AIC Football season is here and we’re looking forward to hitting the ground running this week. The term two training schedule has been posted on Orbit and can be seen below:

Year Level Coordinators

We are lucky to have a wonderful group of teaching staff as our year level coordinators this season. They are as follows:

Year 5 – Mr Blair Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 6 - Ms Sharon Davidson (davidsons@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 7 – Mr Damian Volker (volkerd@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 8 – Ms Maddie Henry (spannm@marash.qld.edu.au) 

Year 9 – Mr Marcus Schrader (schraderm@marash.qld.edu.au) 

Year 10 – Mr AJ Gray (graya@marash.qld.edu.au) 

Opens – Ms Kathryn Badini (badinik@marash.qld.edu.au) 

These staff are your main points of contact for all Football matters within those year groups. 

Holiday Activities

It was a busy holiday period on the Football front with several big events taking place. In the first week of the holidays, we had our Marist Football Camp which was two days of intensive Football training for 100 Marist Footballers in Year 5-8. It was a great opportunity to continue our boys development & connection throughout these cohorts and a big thank you goes the coaches that gave up their time during the holidays, the 1st XI players who attended the camp as mentors for the younger boys and to all the players involved for giving 100% and putting in some hard work that will stand them in good stead heading into the AIC season.

During the second week of the holidays we entered U14, U16 & 1st XI teams in the TSS Football Tournament in Southport which attracts teams from right across Australia & New Zealand. All teams played 6 competitive matches across the 3-day tournament and faced strong opposition with different playing styles to what we normally face within the AIC association. It was a very productive week with all 3 teams finishing middle of the pack in their respective divisions and representing the College with pride throughout. Thank you to Mr Riley Keen, Mr Ryan Witzerman, Mr Willem Baines & Mr Blair Whitlock for coaching these teams at the TSS Tournament.

On Saturday 18th April we had a full trial round against St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace at the Tennyson Playing Fields. There were 37 Marist teams in action on the day which was a great way to get rid of the holiday cobwebs and start preparing for the AIC season. Thanks to all players for their commitment and being available to play during the school holidays.

AIC Trial Round vs Villanova College – ANZAC Day (25th April)

There are trial matches for some Marist teams on Saturday 25th April against Villanova College. See the schedule below

Teams without a scheduled match on Saturday will have an internal match on Friday afternoon and a schedule for this will be released tomorrow.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Rugby Union Training and Trials | Week 1 vs Villanova

Welcome back to Term 2! After an uninterrupted Rugby Ready Program and an excellent full school internal trial day, this week is another fantastic opportunity to train fully as we prepare for our full school trial fixture against Villanova College on Saturday, 25 April.

With Saturday morning full of Anzac Day ceremonies and celebrations, we are working with some understandable constraints. The draw has been published on the Parent Orbit and sent to every student via email. Please read this carefully so as to understand venues and kick off times.

A big thank you to the Head of College, Mr Michael Newman, for allowing a small number of games on the Friday afternoon. This will ensure every student will get a game of rugby union across this trial round.

Students playing games on Friday will be made aware on Thursday, whilst all other teams will be announced Friday morning.

It is important that students attend all scheduled training sessions and trial games. This will assist Year Level Coordinators and coaches in finalising team selections for the upcoming AIC competition.

 Marist Rugby Union Year Level Coordinators – please contact your year level coordinator for all non-selection matters such as lateness, unavailability and timings. 

Year Level Coordinator

Opens - Mr Peter Gaiter - gaiterp@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 10 - Mr Michael Abbott - abbottm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 9 - Mrs Liz Walsh - walshe@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 8 - Mrs Sharon Davidson - davidsons@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7 - Mr Damien Nelson - nelsond@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 6 - Mr John Lambourne - lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 5 - Ms Ella Graham - grahame@marash.qld.edu.au 

1st XV Squad | Ballymore Cup

Last week, twenty-five students selected in the 1st XV squad came together to prepare for and play in the Ballymore Cup. Since its humble beginnings in 1999 as the Metropolitan Cup, the Ballymore Cup has grown into one of Queensland’s premier schoolboy rugby tournaments. 

Tournament rugby presents a unique challenge. Unlike week-to-week fixtures, teams are required to perform across multiple games in a short period of time, testing each player’s ability to deliver both mentally and physically under demanding conditions.

The 1st XV squad competed in the U18 Division 1 competition, where teams are placed into pools of four, guaranteeing three matches and the opportunity to progress to finals. Marist was drawn in a highly competitive pool alongside Scot’s College (Sydney), Ipswich Grammar School and King’s Christian College (Gold Coast).

In a series of physical and entertaining matches across two days, the team performed strongly and continued to build cohesion, connection and confidence leading into the AIC season.

Ballymore Cup Pool Results

Marist 19 def. Scot’s College 2nd XV 7

Marist 14 lost Ipswich Grammar School 21

Marist 28 def. King’s Christian College 0 (forfeit)

Semi Final Result

Marist 14 lost Brisbane Boy’s College 24 

The competition was held during Week 2 of the school holidays, and we extend our sincere thanks to the families for their support of the boys throughout the tournament. We particularly acknowledge our boarding families who travelled significant distances to be involved.

We also thank Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Adam Earnshaw and Mr Drew Smith for their commitment and care of the students. Their willingness to give up time during the holidays to assist with preparation and guide the team throughout the tournament is greatly appreciated.

A special thank you to the team’s physio, Mr Naysan Abood. His medical expertise and professional approach were invaluable in supporting the players across the two days of competition.

Well done 1st XV squad! We are looking forward to watching you play throughout the AIC season.

U12 Rugby Tour to the TAS Rugby Carnival | April 17–19

Last Friday, our U12 rugby squad travelled to Armidale to compete in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival, the largest junior rugby carnival in Australia.

The tour marked the culmination of a development journey that began in Week 5 with the Rugby Ready Program, Sunday morning sessions, and participation in the U12 Marist Boarding Invitational Tournament. 

The trip began with a bus journey to Armidale, including a welcome stop at the Warwick Rugby Union Club for a training session and BBQ lunch. Our sincere thanks to Mrs Tess Cullen for generously allowing us to use the club’s facilities, and to the touring parent group for providing food and refreshments. The journey itself proved to be an excellent opportunity for connection and team bonding.

Day 1 of the carnival was a true test of character and resilience, with four matches played. The boys recorded two wins, one draw and one narrow loss in a physically and mentally demanding day of rugby. On Day 2, the team finished strongly with two impressive wins to close out the tournament.

TASRC Results 

Marist 19 def. Padua College 0

Marist 12 def. Scot’s College (Sydney) 7

Marist 7 lost St Pius X College (Sydney) 12

Marist 12 draw Port Macquarie Manta Rays 12 

Marist 7 def. St Ignatius’ College Riverview (Sydney) 5

Marist 27 def. Waverley College (Sydney) 5

The team finished third overall in Division 1, a great result and a testament to the boys' dedication and teamwork across the weekend. 

A huge thank you to Mr Michael Graham (Team Manager), Mr Anthony Graham, and Mr John Lambourne for their selfless commitment, coaching, and leadership. Thanks also to the many parents who travelled to Armidale to support the team. Your presence helped create a wonderful community atmosphere.

Well done to all involved!

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Thank you to the 600+ students who have already signed on to play rugby at the College in 2026.

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 continue to purchase clothing for Term 2, 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 or students need to be removed from the field on game day to correct their uniform.

Thank you for your continued support.

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

Marist Students | Australian Junior Track and Field Championships

Marist Ashgrove Track and Field athletes worked through since 2025 training through the holidays and Term 1 qualifying for the Australian Junior track and Field Championships in Brisbane held recently from April 15-20th.

The Marist athletes competed with pride in their state uniform with some incredible performances against the best athletes in the nation. Many would have seen Ipswich Grammar alumni, Gout Gout on the news and our own Marist College sprint star Isaac Ting was competing in the same event. With Isaac making finals in both the 100 and 200m showing he can match it with the best sprinters in Australia in u20, many of our athletes were up with the best and their effort was impressive, along with the way in which they supported each other as they passed one another in warmups. Something I find as coach quite unique at Marist with all athletes supporting one another across the age groups helping one another.

Thanks to the Marist coaches who were involved with supporting many of these athletes including Mr Eric Brown, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Des Davis, Mr Lee Martin, Mr Rob Martin. This combination of excellent talent with supportive coaches has helped these athletes perform at their best on the national stage.

A special mention to our gold medalist Hayden Lockhart who has not only won gold in the u17 long jump but also broke the school record twice into a 1.8m headwind taking it to 6.84m early in the season. We look forward to seeing if he can build on this distance during the school season in 2026. Well done to Dilpreet Sharma who pushed onto the podium in bronze early in the competition and did not let anyone past. Well done.

RESULTS

GOLD MEDAL: Hayden Lockhart u17 Long Jump Distance - 6.84m

New School Record - 6.84m (Hayden Lockhart 2026)

Old School Record 16 years Long Jump (K.Rosanowski 1988)

Congratulations to both new record holder Hayden and former record holder Kevin Rosanowski (Old Boy 1989).

BRONZE MEDAL: Dilpreet Sharma u16 Hammer Throw - Distance 48.80m

In challenging conditions, Dilpreet went into 3rd place early and did not lose his podium place. Worked hard and a great result to medal at Nationals after performing consistently well across his 3 events including Discus and hammer in 2 age groups.

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

Connor Campbell - 17 Years 400m Hurdles 55.46 (4th in Australia)

Ben Flanagan - 16 Years 800m - 1m56.72 (5th in Final)

Hugo Lockhart - 13 Years High Jump - 1.64m (5th Place)

Lachlan Thomas - 15 Years 400m   53.99 - (Heat 6th place)

Hayden Lockhart - 16 Years 200m - 6th place in final (22.40s)

Isaac Ting - 18-19 Years 100m - 10.76s (Semi Final)

Isaac Ting - 18-19 Years 200m - 21.60s(Finalist)

Nathan Wright - 14 Years Heptathlon  3367 points (7th place)

Dilpreet Sharma - competed in 2 discus events

- 15 years Discus - 7th place 53.98m (1kg)

- 17 Years Discus - 10th Place 45.77m (1.5kg)

Max King - 14 years Long Jump 5.20m (12th place)

Lyndon Maynard - 18-19 Years High Jump - 1.85m (13th place)

Lyndon Maynard - 18-19 Years Long Jump - 6.52m (16th place)

Connor Campbell - 17 years 110m Hurdles 16.1 (9th in Heat)

Hugo Russo - 14 years Javelin    33.32m   (15th place)

Nathan Wright - 14 Years 200m 24.39 (6th in Heat)

Dilpreet Sharma - U16 Hammer Throw - 48.80m PB (3rd in Final)

Isaac Ting - Final of U20 200m - 21.64 (6th in Final)

The excellent effort continues to see Marist athletes deliver on the biggest stage creating a great Track and Field program and we look forward to supporting all athletes in Term 2-4 as we start with pre-season training and the school carnival.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

Following our success at the 2025 AIC Primary and Secondary Championship and win at the National Schools Challenge (Intermediate Division), the Track and Field program continues to provide excellent opportunities for students to be involved in a high-quality program.

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 17 – Saturday 19 September 2026

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

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 those students wanting to get a head start or start the season strongly, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions, and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment. 

Some benefits include -

1. Improvement in technique and speed.

2. Technical development for throws.

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning. 

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.

Basketball

Mr Matt Millward - Basketball Coordinator

Welcome to the new season of AIC Basketball at Marist Ashgrove College. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make the 2026 Basketball season enjoyable and beneficial for all participants. There is already a significant amount of interest in playing with a large number already registered!

Sign On

2026 Basketball Season Sign On is now available on Parent Orbit and Student Cafe. 

All students interested in playing Basketball in 2026 are encouraged to Sign-On ASAP, so you do not miss any information surrounding the season ahead.

Thank you to those who have already done so. 

Coaching Positions

We are in a very healthy position in relation to coaching appointments for 2026 and expect them to be announced in the next week. We do have some vacancies available for anyone interested in coaching. To receive more information, please click the link below and complete the form. 

Marist College Ashgrove Basketball Coach EOI – Fill out form

Key Documents

The 2026 Handbook, selection policy and key dates calendar will be circulated in the coming weeks via Parent Orbit, here you will be able to find key information regarding the upcoming season!

2026 Basketball Trials

A Squad Trials

Trials for A squads (years 7-11) will commence in Week 4; these will run for two weeks and will provide these teams with a squad to begin preparation for the upcoming AIC season. 

Boys who wish to be involved with this trail process must:

1. Have played in an A or B team in the previous AIC season.

    

2. Be new to the school or the sport

    

3. Contact Mr. Millward to register your interest!

    

Remaining team trials will commence in week 8, term 2. Further information regarding all trials will be circulated in the coming weeks. 

CBSQ Sophomore Trials

Selection of the CBSQ Sophomore (Y7/8) squad will be based off of the Year 7&8 A Squad trials that are taking place in week 4 and 5, with a squad being selected to train for and play in the CBSQ Sophomore Wildcard tournament in Brisbane on 16 & 17 June. 

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Welcome back to all our swimmers for Term 2!

It has been an action-packed start to the term, with a number of exciting competitions held over the break. We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our athletes and commend them for their commitment and hard work.

Swimming certainly didn’t slow down over the holidays. The following students proudly represented the College at the Australian National Age Championships: Thomas Bedggood, Nathan Cullen, Cooper Donaghy, Morgan Elphinston, Tomas Fitzpatrick, Rocco Holmes, Will Hutchinson, Oliver Leigh, Sam Mapledoram, Bas Martinuzzi, Archer Mellifont, Ryan Mullin, Joseph Niere, and Lincoln Ryan.

We congratulate all competitors on their efforts, with special recognition to those who achieved top 10 finishes nationally — an exceptional accomplishment.

Individual Highlights

Thomas Bedggood

• 7th – Boys 15 Years 100m Freestyle 
• 8th – Boys 15 Years 200m Freestyle
•  

Tomas Fitzpatrick

• 9th – Boys 15 Years 100m Backstroke 

• 8th – Boys 15 Years 200m Backstroke 

   

Rocco Holmes

• 6th – Boys 14 Years 200m Backstroke 

   

Archer Mellifont

• 6th – Boys 17 Years 200m Freestyle 
• 4th – Boys 17 Years 100m Backstroke 
• 5th – Boys 17 Years 400m Freestyle 

• 9th – Boys 17 Years 100m Freestyle

   

Ryan Mullin

• 8th – Boys 17 Years 200m Freestyle 

• 4th – Boys 17 Years 400m Freestyle 

   

As we move into Term 2, we are excited to announce that our squad program will now continue year-round. This provides a fantastic opportunity for swimmers to continue developing their skills, with consistent winter training proven to play a key role in long-term improvement and success.

Congratulations once again to all our swimmers on their outstanding performances. We look forward to building on this momentum throughout another exciting term of swimming.

For any enquiries or to book lessons, please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au