Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon, Head of Sport

Sport plays a vital role in the development of young men of character. This is the single most important reason we play sport in schools like ours. It is nice to win trophies and no one is prouder than I am of the students I have worked with in my career that have gone on to sporting success, but schools are here to educate first and foremost. For every John Eales and Matthew Hayden, there are tens of thousands of students who have played sports at Marist for the camaraderie, the memories, the growth as young men and the opportunity to represent their school. As a College, we have two key responsibilities to all the boys who want to play sport. First and foremost, we need to provide opportunities for them and, secondly, we need to challenge them to be better, better athletes, better teammates, and better men. In my view, if we take care of these two factors the winning part takes care of itself in a boys school. Provide the opportunity and provide the knowledge and experiences, and the result takes care of itself.

I thought the start of the new season was an opportune time to share our KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for sport. These values are for me the importance of why schools play sport. Each of these are of equal value.

Every team to be top 3 in their division and the program to be 1st or 2nd in the aggregate. All First teams to be competitive, aiming for a premiership at least every 3 years.
Every boy develops a love of the sport through their experience at Marist. That we provide opportunities for boys to develop skills, represent the college and play with their friends.
Every boy develops life skills through playing sport. These include being a member of a team (with boys they may not be friends with), setting goals, dealing with adversity (including being dropped, disagreeing with a referee decision), learning how to win with grace and lose with dignity and respect and challenging ourselves to get out of their comfort zone.

Term 3 presents unique challenges as the nature of the AIC calendar means that all sports on offer in trimester 3 competition have limited numbers of teams- rugby league has one team per age group, though this will expand over the coming years as we add B teams sequentially, tennis has 2 teams per cohort and basketball is limited to four teams per cohort. Basketball is clearly the most challenging as the sport itself has seen significant growth over the last 10 years in Australia. Factors that affect the number of teams we can cater for include court space, training space/time, AIC teams are generally the same so no gaps in other schools draws (this is how our cricket and rugby teams get games), access to coaches, opposition to play against at the lower/social level. The GPS schools used to be an option for us but they now manage their supplementary matches internally. In addition to this we offer hockey, though it is one team for hockey specialists, and track and field training has well and truly commenced and is open to any boy who wants to give it a go.

In order to provide sporting opportunities for boys who miss out on AIC sports we are working on an internal basketball competition behind the scenes and are close to being able to release sign-up information about this. These are likely to be Saturdays over five weeks finishing in alignment with the AIC rounds and will include fixtures against St Laurences and Villanova.

Term 3 opportunities are a challenge. All AIC schools have acknowledged that is a problem, however, even though we are not the biggest AIC school, the challenge is greater for us than the others due to our participation rates in sport.

Good luck to all teams playing this weekend in tennis, basketball and rugby league.

Rugby League Jerseys

With the addition of B teams in the rugby league season the college has brought the standard school practice of user-purchased jerseys to rugby league, bringing league into alignment with all our sports. We held off on releasing the purchase of these until teams were finalised to avoid families buying a jersey but then missing out on selection.

The teams have now been released and so boys who are playing rugby league will need to purchase a jersey from the uniform shop before the weekend. The shop is open Wednesday and Friday. Each player can select the number they wish to purchase. Each player in the grade must have a unique number in the year level.

Student Achievements

Joey Laner (Cricket)

Congratulations to Joey who has been selected in the Queensland Cricket Male Development Squad. This is a fine achievement and just reward for all his efforts.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Safety Notice – Hayden Oval

Attention all students / parents / visitors.

Track and Field training (discus, shot put and javelin) has commenced on Hayden Oval for Term 3.

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.

Term 3 Training Sessions

Term 3 training sessions have begun and will now run consistently through the term.

Monday and Wednesday (ALL students): 3:30pm-5:00pm
Tuesday (Primary long jump and hurdles): 6:45am-8:10am
Wednesday (Secondary hurdles): 7:10am-8:20am
Friday (Primary high jump): 6:45am-8:00am
Sunday (ALL students welcome): 3:15pm-4:30pm

Internal meets and AIC warm-up events will also be held on a regular basis. Please follow the Marist app for all communication regarding the Track and Field program.

Let’s make Term 3 a time of hard work, growth, enjoyment, and memorable achievements.

Good luck to all our coaches and students!

Season Launch………

It was fantastic to see the 60 plus students who turned up to the Track and Field “Team Muster” on the weekend.

In pursuit of the College’s 10th successive AIC Championship, Mr Rob Martin led the students through a well-organised afternoon of events. These included -

A look at the season ahead
Triggering and warm-ups
Squad training – all events
Team BBQ

The enthusiasm for the new season is a reflection of the quality of the program and the culture within the Marist Track and Field program.

Thanks to Mr Eric Brown and Mr Adam Earnshaw for leading the triggering and warm up components, and to all the staff who joined in to make it a great start to the season.

Internal Mini Meet

A reminder that this Friday is the first Internal Mini Meet for 2024.

ALL students are welcome!

The event will be held on Friday 19 July on McMahon Oval and Hayden Oval. The competition will start at 3:20pm and be concluded by 5:00pm. The schedule of events will include –

1. Track events – 100m / 400m / 800m / 1500m

2. Field events – Long jump / High jump

3. Throw events – Shot put / Javelin

Please see the Marist app for the event schedule and note the specific events for Primary and Secondary students. NOTE – Met North places are still available.

QRSS Cross Country

Congratulations to the five Marist College students who competed in the Queensland Representative Schools Sport Cross Country Championship over the weekend.

There were a significant number of competitors competing across the weekend and the Marist students handled themselves exceptionally well.

U18-19 Boys – Jake Davidson (6km)

U16-17 Boys – Asher Parkin and Isaac Pratt (6km)

U14-15 Boys – Harry Prole (4km)

12 Years Boys – Finn Beaver (3km)

Well done to Asher Parkin who finished 3rd in the U16-17 Boys category.

Track and Field Uniform

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.

It is important we get this right now as we have a mini meet this Friday afternoon here at the College, and we will be competing in the AIC Championship AS A TEAM wearing this uniform.

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.

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.

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.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Welcome to this week’s edition of tennis news and updates.

Marist vs Eddies: A Dominant Performance

Marist achieved a clean sweep against Eddies over the weekend, winning every match. Out of 128 sets across all year levels and the Opens team, Marist secured victory in 120. While this match wasn't the ideal gauge of our performance, full credit goes to our boys for their relentless training and dedication. Our First team triumphed 8-0, with a game score of 72-8, reflecting the one-sided nature of most matches. It's clear we're either exceptionally strong, or Eddies had a challenging day.

Acknowledging Our Coaches

I extend my heartfelt thanks to our coaches for their unwavering commitment. Their efforts not only hone the boys' physical and technical skills but also enhance their mental resilience and focus. Team selection is crucial, and we rely on the trust of students and parents in our decisions. Marist is a cohesive team, and strength in both our A and B teams is essential.

Team Selection and Parental Support

This season, we've faced inquiries from parents about A team placements. We aim to give students a taste of the A team by rotating players when there are close contenders for positions. In a past season, a parent withdrew their child over a perceived selection issue, yet the player who stayed performed exceptionally, losing only one doubles match. We believe we made the right call.

We urge parents to be patient and trust that hard work and resilience will be rewarded with A team placements. It's crucial we teach our boys to work hard and earn their positions rather than quitting when things don't go their way. Our trial matches help us fine-tune selections, and generally, we make the right choices based on regular observations of the boys' strengths and areas for improvement.

Upcoming Matches

Teams for this weekend will be announced on the App each Thursday.

Thank you for your continued support.

Uniform Requirements

A reminder to all students selected to represent the school this year about the uniform requirements:

Training: Sports training uniform is mandatory.
Matches (Saturdays): White shirt, blue shorts, Marist socks, and Marist hat.

Players will not be allowed to participate in training or matches without the proper uniform. It’s essential that we all look like a team, train like a team, and be part of the team. No exceptions.

Walking to and from the Tennis Courts

For everyone’s safety, please adhere to the following guidelines when arriving at and departing from the tennis courts:

Arrival and Departure: Walk up the roadway to primary and come down the stairs near the tennis shed. Follow the same route when leaving: up the stairs and down the roadway to the bus stop area.
Avoid the Oval: Do not cross the oval to access or leave the tennis Centre.

Your safety is paramount, and we appreciate the cooperation of students and parents to ensure it.

AIC Training Times

A reminder of the training times for all year levels and Opens teams. Punctuality is crucial for team warm-ups and coach talks:

Year 5 & 6: Mon & Wed 6:45-8:15 am
Year 7 & 8: Tue & Thu 6:45-8:15 am
Year 9 & 10: Mon & Wed 3:30-5:00 pm
Opens: Tue & Thu 3:30-5:00 pm
Shadow Team (reserves): Fri 7:15-8:15 am

Private Coaching Deal

For all AIC players, a reminder of the private coaching deal:

½ hour: $275 for the season
1 hour: $550 for the season

The season concludes on September 6th, with the last match, Round 7, played on September 7th.

Squad Training for Term 3

This term, we will be running the Preparation Squad and Junior Development Squads. All bookings can be made via MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au.

Pricing for squads:

$600: Includes a half-hour private lesson
$800: Includes an hour private lesson

Students must be members to take advantage of these prices.

Friday Fixtures

There will be no Friday fixtures this term. Fixtures will resume in Term 4.

Important Dates

Marist Senior and Junior Doubles Championships

Dates: Mon 12th & Tue 13th of August
Time: Straight after school both days
Details: Entries will open soon. We encourage participation for valuable match play and a great competitive experience. A sausage sizzle will be provided both days.

Marist Singles Championships

Dates: Mon. Sep 9th & Tue. 10th
Time: From 3:30 pm
Details: A sausage sizzle will be provided.

Break-up Party

Date: Wednesday, September 11th
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Details: This event is for AIC players and reserves and will include food, games, and prizes. Bookings are essential for catering purposes.

Christmas Break-up Party and Parent/Son Tournament

Date: Sunday, November 17th
Time: Starting at 1:00 pm until the tournament concludes
Details: This handicapped tournament, open to any student who has been part of our coaching program this year, aims to accommodate varying standards of players.

We look forward to an exciting and successful AIC season. Thank you for your cooperation and enthusiasm.