Sport News

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham - Director of Rugby Union / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin - Head Coach

Track and Field Camp Review

From Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 September, 60 students participated in a dynamic Track and Field camp making use of the College facilities, the Sleeman Sports Complex and the University of Queensland. The camp provided an invaluable opportunity for the squad to connect with the proud history of the Marist Track and Field program, sharpen their athletic abilities, and further strengthen a culture built on hard work and humility. A special highlight was the inclusion of 15 Year 6 students on Friday, who joined the squad at the University of Queensland Athletics Facility. Their participation offered an early introduction to the high standards and close bond of the Marist Track and Field program.

The camp began on Thursday at the College with testing, strength training, speed assessments, and a cardio and resilience session under the guidance of Mr Rob Martin. Mr Martin also provided a season overview to align focus and goals for the coming days. That afternoon, the squad travelled to UQ for an internal meet, competing under pressure and refining their competitive edge. Friday was devoted to intensive training at UQ, supported by a pool recovery session and downtime for balance.

On Saturday, the group returned to Marist for team-building activities, rounding off the camp with a focus on camaraderie and connection to the College. These activities reinforced unity within the squad and prepared the team for a strong showing at the upcoming AIC Championships.

We extend our gratitude to the outstanding coaching team, whose expertise and dedication were central to the success of the camp: Mr Rob Martin, Mr Matt Millward, Mr Bill Prole, Mr Paul Knight, Mr John Lambourne, Mr Anthony Sharp, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Des Davis, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Connor Duggan, Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Peter Loli, Lee Martin, Isaac Roach, Thomas Prole, James Prole, Joel Drew, Asher Parkin, Josh Dempsey and Tom Dempsey.

September Holiday Training and Meets

The September school holidays were an excellent period for Marist with training sessions held throughout the break and several practice meets at UQ. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for athletes to refine their skills, record performances, and push for team selection with faster times and bigger distances.

The camp was the first major event, with a large group of students training at UQ and living together for several days. This was an important part of our preparation, allowing athletes not only to train but also to bond. It was pleasing to see new leaders step forward, while our Year 6 students also joined in, further building connections with older teammates.

At the practice meets, it was with great pride that we saw so many athletes turn up on the bus to UQ, and the spirit of competition continued with many event selections changing during this period. A special thank you goes to St Edmund’s College, St Patrick’s College, Padua College, and St Laurence’s College for joining us at the two holiday meets, creating a stimulating and competitive environment for all.

Training sessions at Marist were also well attended despite many students travelling or away, highlighting the commitment of our squad. This dedication is why team places are so competitive, with so many athletes striving to be part of every event.

We are grateful to the Marist staff and coaches who generously gave up their time over the holidays to support the athletes. Their dedication ensures these sessions are both challenging and enjoyable. With this preparation after a busy Term 3, we now look forward to seeing our team compete at the end of Week 1, Term 4.

AIC Track and Field Championships

This Thursday and Friday, Marist College Ashgrove will aim to secure its 11th successive AIC Secondary Track and Field Championship and 5th successive Primary Championship. The squad has worked tirelessly throughout Term 3 and the September holidays, with many students attending the Track and Field camp, training sessions, and practice meets.

The team is well prepared and motivated, with the Opens squad leading by example through their commitment and desire to see every athlete reach their potential. Under the expert guidance of Mr Rob Martin (Head Coach) and an outstanding group of coaches, the squad is ready to give its best and compete for continued success.

As we head into the Championships, we acknowledge the significant contribution of our coaching staff, whose expertise and dedication have prepared the athletes so well: Mr Rob Martin, Mr Matt Millward, Mr Bill Prole, Mr Paul Knight, Mr John Lambourne, Mr Anthony Sharp, Ms Molly Keir, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Des Davis, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Connor Duggan, Mr Brendan Saunders, Mr Peter Loli, Lee Martin, Isaac Roach, Thomas Prole, James Prole, Joel Drew, Asher Parkin, Josh Dempsey and Tom Dempsey.

The task will not be easy, with other schools determined to challenge Marist’s momentum. However, our captains, coaches, and athletes have worked while others have rested, and they are ready to bring their best to QSAC this week. We wish the Primary and Secondary teams every success and warmly welcome supporters to cheer them on.

A full report on results will feature in next week’s newsletter.

Safety Notice | Hayden Oval

We have ONE week to go!.......Week 1, Term 4.

Thank you for your continued support with this issue. We have had zero incidents across Term 3 and we are very appreciative of the awareness and support shown by our wider community. 

Safety is an important part of all of our programs and we are conscious that there is a lot of activity around Hayden Oval and the tennis courts. Track and Field training (discus, shot put and javelin) has three weeks left on Hayden Oval ie. the September holidays and Week 1, Term 4.

Can I ask that at any time you are walking across Hayden Oval during Track and Field training 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Queensland All School State Track and Field Titles

From 2-5th Oct 2025, Marist College Ashgrove was well represented at the recent QLD Athletics All Schools Championship which doubled as the selection for the QLD All Schools team travelling to Melbourne in Dec 2025.

Marist Ashgrove competed in 66 events and was the team with the most athlete registrations for an All-Male school competing at this meet and the team held its own against large GPS and QGSSSA schools with star studded track and field squads. With only the large co-educational State school Brisbane State High School and the highly ranked national level team at Ipswich Grammar ahead, Marist was 3rd out of the almost 300+ schools who participated which was an incredible outcome.

It is with significant pride in the team efforts with the following boys obtaining medals with automatic qualification into the State Team for those receiving Gold or Silver.

GOLD (5)

1. Harry Prole – u17 1500m (Gold + new school record 4m01.05)/ u17 3000m (All Schools meet record of 8m37.46s Gold)
2. Hugo Russo – u14 Javelin
3. Connor Campbell – u17 400m hurdles
4. Dilpreet Sharma – u15 Hammer Throw 

SILVER (5)

1. Hayden Lockhart – u16 Long Jump and U16 Triple Jump
2. Lyndon Maynard – u18 High Jump and u18 Long Jump
3. Dilpreet Sharma – u15 Discus (+ new school record)

All Top 2 places in each event will be offered a spot on the QLD team before others in 3rd place and after may also be offered as part of a rolldown process of acceptance into each event.

BRONZE (2)

1. Jack Mahuru – 3rd Long Jump u18 
2. Aedan O’Reilly – 3rd Javelin u18

With 12 podium positions at State level, Marist Ashgrove had another 41 events outside these medals where athletes made finals making the Top 10 in their age group in the state with 8 of these being just off the podium in 4th place. An incredible outcome for the Marist team.

As we head to the AIC Championships this competition was a great opportunity to sharpen up for the athletes and we hope they will bring the good form shown here to allow Marist to target another great performance at AIC on Thu-Fri of the coming week.

A special Thanks also to the coaches who attended and supported the athletes at various times through the meet including Mr Des Davis, Mr Eric Brown, Mr Tim Castley, Mr Lee Martin, Mr Bill Prole, Mr Tom Prole, Mr James Prole, Mr Asher Parkin, Nr Brendan Saunders, Mr Robin Martin and many other external coaches who helped our athletes achieve these fantastic results.

New School Records

2 new school records were set at this event including:

Dilpreet Sharma 14 Years Discus

New Record – 54.75

Previous record S O’Brien 52.46 (1998)

Harry Prole 16 Years 1500m

New Record – 4m01.05

Previous Record Zac Milligan 4m01.85 (Current Year 12 student)

Congratulations to Dilpreet and Harry plus the previous record holders listed on these fantastic efforts.

Track and Field Handbook

Please see the Parent Orbit app for the 2025 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 – 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

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby Union / Track and Field

Term 4 – Preseason Training

Preseason rugby union training for current Year 9-11 students will kick off in Term 4 with an optional five-week training block. This is a great opportunity for any interested students to learn how to train both on the field and in the gym. Mr Richard Graham, Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Charlie Taylor, and Mr James Trebbin will lead the field sessions, whilst the athletic development will be under the guidance of our Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw.

There will be an important meeting in the Draney Theatre during Break 1 on Wednesday, 8 October, to discuss details and expectations. The training block will begin on Monday, 13 October.

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

Marist Rugby Union | U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Following this year’s successful participation, we are excited to announce that Marist College Ashgrove has again registered for a place in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival for U12s on April 18 and 19, 2026. The window for schools to register an expression of interest for the carnival is open from September 8 – October 20 with confirmation of a place shortly after.

The carnival is a significant event in the junior rugby calendar, and as per carnival rules, we are looking forward to selecting a strong team of 20 students to represent the College. To ensure ample preparation for families, and also for the staff and students, team selection will take place in Term 4, 2024, with training and trials scheduled for Week 2 - 5.

Due to the carnival being an age group event and not a year level event, and the urgency to start organising, we will be selecting a team based on the below criteria -

Please note, to be eligible: 

• Students must be born in 2014 
• Students must be enrolled at the College in 2025 

Given the popularity of the carnival, and based on advice from the organisers and schools who are regular participants, we have been told that accommodation will need to be secured ASAP. Students will be required to travel to Armidale and stay with their own families, and early team selection will allow time for planning and organisation. Along with the 20 students selected, an additional 3-5 students will be named as standbys which I understand is a difficult scenario for those involved. 

For those interested in participating, please go to Parent Portal > Extra Curricular > XV Rugby > U12 and register your interest. 

We understand the challenge of organising planning so far out from the event and also the challenges with team selection amidst Term 1 AIC sports preparations, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Ready Program

Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Doug Perrers and Mr James Trebbin will lead the five-week Scrum Ready Program in Term 4 for Year 5-11 rugby union front row forwards.

Any students who play in the front row are invited to the Scrum Ready Program. Further information will be provided in Week 1. The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position. 

The five weeks will consist of:

1.     Core and body strengthening exercises

2.     Solo with no opposition – on knees

3.     Solo with no opposition – on feet

4.     Solo against a machine / tackle bag

5.     1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape. 

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Marist Rugby Union | Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

During the 2025 rugby union season, the College 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.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Swimming for Years 7–12 will officially begin tomorrow morning from 7:15am to 8:00am.

Firstly, I’d like to wish our Athletics team the very best of luck as they compete at the AIC Athletics Championships this Thursday and Friday.

Today marks 154 days until the AIC Swimming Championships. While that might seem a long way off, it will come around quickly — and the work we put in now is what builds the foundations for success later in the season. Swimming is a sport that rewards consistency; improvement doesn’t come from occasional effort, but from showing up and committing each week.

This season, our focus is on collective strength. Success won’t come from one or two standout swimmers — it will take the effort and contribution of everyone across all age groups. If we want to go one better this year, it’s going to take all of us working together, supporting each other, and putting in the work, day after day.

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 will not receive emails regarding swimming program, including schedules and updates.

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

Timetable Adjustments for Primary School

• Year 5 (2026): Training begins Wednesdays, 15 October, continuing Wednesday afternoons throughout Term 4. Mondays will begin on Monday 3 November.
• Year 6 (2026): Training begins Wednesday, 15 October, with sessions on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings.

Years 7–12 (2026)

Training for Years 7–12 will commence on Wednesday, 8 October, from 7:15 am – 8:00 am.The timetable for the opening week is listed below. 

Year 5 - 2026

Year 6 - 2026

Years 7–12 – 2025 

Tennis

Mrs Jade Ritchie - Swim/Tennis Administrator

Term 4, Week 1

Tennis has returned this week, and you will see that our private lessons are now fully booked. More lessons will become available from November 3 when Andrew returns from holidays.

Overdue Fees

If you’ve received an email about an overdue invoice but have paid, please email through your receipt of payment so I can clear the invoice. Coordinating two sports I have over 400 payments to sift through each term and some do get missed in my search.

Friday Fixtues

Please note that our Friday fixtures are open to ALL players in Prep squad and above as it’s part of your term payment. We’d love to see you come down and use what you’ve learned during the week in a match format.

Make-ups

Any private lessons you miss this term can be made up in Week 10 and during the first week of the holidays.

Super Grade and Super League 2026

We’re aiming for 12 teams in Competition 1 (starting February). Adults, Old Boys, and current students are welcome – teams of 3 are ideal. Returning players will receive a free clinic to sharpen their game before the season. Weekly competition is the best way to cut errors, build confidence, and lock in a strong match style. Rally your mates and get involved!

We’ll start taking sign up’s towards the end of the year.

Wilson Pro Shop

Our pro shop is open and has some new stock including the new Wilson Ultra and the RF frame. Demo racquets are available now. 

If you have any questions please email Jade at mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au.