As I reflect on the year I am amazed at the depth of the program, the breadth of offerings in sport and the commitment of so many staff, coaches, parents and boys to represent the college. It is nice to win, and we have a strong history of success but we also play sport for the opportunities it provides boys to grow. It forms a significant part of a boy’s education, and for many it is the area where they shine and gain confidence in themselves.

We have started the process to improve our sports programs. The intention of these is simply to offer a better product for the boys and our Marist community. The key pillars of the initiatives are better communication, more consistency within sports and across sports, higher expectations of everyone, players, coaches, staff and supporters, more training, better training and integrated training so boys can successfully compete across multiple sports and get the balance with other co-curricular and academic demands and ensuring we find meaningful competition for as many boys as we can across the entire college.

Term 1 provided a number of highlights including our very successful swim team who were pipped by St Peter’s Lutheran College but again produced an extremely high level of performance across the entire program, and our cricket and AFL premierships.

Term 2 saw our successful Cross Country team defend their AIC championship, winning their sixth in a row. Both football and rugby had made progress from last year, with both finishing second in the aggregate, an indication of the strength of our overall programs and our chess boys performed admirably with the First IV finishing in second place.

Term 3 and 4 saw us defend our Track and Field Championship in impressive style with a 180 win over second place for their ninth title in a row, and rugby league and basketball provided an opportunity for many boys to represent the college. Hockey provided an opportunity again for boys on Friday nights losing a thrilling grand final to St Edmunds College. At the rugby league Confraternity Shield competition our team brought home the Bob Lindner shield in a very exciting final that went to golden point. We had touch and E-sports in term 4. Another highlight for the year was our water polo team who won all three titles that they participated in, including the AIC championship.

It has been another huge year and there are many people to thank for their contribution.

Firstly our co-ordinators

AFL - Mr Adam Earnshaw and Ms Tara Franklin
Cricket - Mr Mitch Reid
Volleyball - Mr Adam Knight
Swimming - Mrs Christine Baillie and Mr James Boyce
Football - Mr Derek Lennon
Rugby - Mr Richard Graham
Cross Country - Mr Mitch Reid
Chess - Mr Dan Bull and Mr Tim Humphry
Tennis - Mr Andrew Ward
Rugby League - Mr Ryan Apps
Basketball - Mr John Lambourne
Hockey - Ms Kathryn Badini
E-Sports - Ms Justine Natoli
Touch - Mr Derek Lennon
Track and Field - Mr Richard Graham
Water Polo - Mr Ryan Apps

I want to also thank all the coaches and staff who are involved in these programs for who without the boys would not have the opportunity to participate. Head Groundskeeper Mr Callum Clark and the services team for preparing the facilities and putting forward one of the very best playing surfaces in Queensland each week. Thank you to the volunteers who man the canteens, led by Head Chef Mr Nathan Eyre, and the Marketing team, led by Mrs Bethany Halpin for the hard work improving our social media presence. The Sports Office do all the organising behind the scenes to make sure the equipment, draws, information and organisation is taken care of, so thank you to Mr Mitch Reid and Mr Corey Lucas for your dedication to the sport program, and for going over and above so regularly to make sure everything happens smoothly. Thanks to Mr John Lambourne, the best Primary Head of Sport in the business. Thank you to our Strength and Conditioning Mr Adam Earnshaw for working hard to prepare our boys physically for competition, you have been a breath of fresh air in your first year at the college. Thank you finally to all the boys, parents and supporters who make Marist the school it is.

Good luck to our cricket team in Bunbury, our track and field team in Perth and our volleyball team on the Gold Coast for their upcoming competitions in the holidays.

Student Achievements

Baseball

Year 9 boys Leo McKenna and Lachlan Pawsey were recently selected in the U/16 Queensland Baseball Squad preparing for the Australian Youth Championships to be played in Sydney from the 8-17th of January. After training through the winter and playing a series of qualifying tournaments, Leo made the final traveling team with Lachlan named as a shadow player. Quite an achievement for both as they are amongst the youngest in the squad, also being eligible to make the team next year.

Triathlon

Will Banner

Will was selected a couple of months ago for the 2023-24 Queensland State Triathlon Team, his third year on the team and only one of 6 boys his age in QLD selected! It is a government-supported squad focused on developing junior triathletes through educational and skills training, camps and representing QLD at national races. It’s quite an incredible program and a great opportunity for Will to be involved for another year.

Met North

Congratulations to Rory O’Keefe, Will banner, Toby Banner, Flynn Banner, Jacob Keogh, Lachlan Davidson and Jake Davidson who have all been selected to represent Met North at the state triathlon championships.

Cricket

Mr Ben Lee - Cricket Coordinator

Our early preparations for 2024 have now ended. It has been great to get out and about at the recent trials and get to meet the boys and staff. I have been very impressed with the standard and application of all the boys so far, which will set us up well for the upcoming season.

Marist Cricket Carnival

Good luck to our 1st XI squad as they head to Western Australia for the annual Marist Schools Australia Cricket Carnival in Bunbury from 3-9 December. Thank you to Mr Mitch Reid for leading the tour and head coach, Mr Michael Abbott and assistant Mr Tom Gibson for leading and mentoring the boys on this very important competition.

Cricket Calendar

An updated cricket calendar is available on the College App. Changes are highlighted in red. Please ensure all players are aware of their commitments as there is a lot of cricket in January.

January Match Schedule

Monday 8 January 9:00am - 3:00pm

2nd XI v Gregory Terrace (Terrace Playing Fields, Tennyson)

9A v Nudgee College (Nudgee College Flat 1)

Tuesday 9 January 9:00am – 3:00pm

2nd XI v St Laurence’s College (Runcorn Playing Fields)

9A v Gregory Terrace (Terrace Playing Fields, Tennyson)

Wednesday 10 January- Rest Day

Thursday 11 January 9:00am - 3:00pm

10A v Downlands College (Marist College Ashgrove)

8A v Downlands College (Marist College Ashgrove)

Friday 12 January 9:00am – 3:00pm

10A v St Patrick’s Ballarat (Marist College Ashgrove)

8A v Rostrevor College Adelaide (Marist College Ashgrove)

*Further details about these matches will be released on the College app.

Holiday Training Camps

We are resurrecting our holiday day camps in January before school comes back. The sessions are in the afternoons from 1:00-3:00pm. These sessions are free but all players will need to register by December 20 to attend.

Opens - Monday 15 January

Year 10 - Tuesday 16 January

Year 9 - Wednesday 17 January

Year 8 - Thursday 18 January

Year 7 - Thursday 18 January

To sign up go to Marist College Ashgrove - Cricket Clinic Registration

These sessions are open to all cricketers and will be of high-quality coaching for all levels of cricketers.

Internal Trials - Finalising all Squads

No squads are finalised as yet. We have named some provisional squads to play pre-season matches but all teams are subject to change, especially year 7. This is because we need to allow new students the opportunity to be selected in cricket teams.

Selection trials will continue in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 1 to ensure that all boys have a fair and equal opportunity for selection. All boys who want to play cricket will be able to do so as long as they attend relevant trials/training sessions.

Trial Matches

Iona College on Friday 19 January at Iona. A teams only. The draw is available on the College app. Boys who are unavailable must contact Mr Lee at cricket@marash.qld.edu.au as soon as possible.

St Patricks College on Saturday 27th January junior teams at home, senior teams away. A and B teams only. The draw is available on the College app. School has resumed so all boys are expected to be available to play.

Uniform - Training

The College has implemented a policy that all players must training in the blue Marist training shirt and blue shorts or cricket whites. All players will be required to wear these from day 1 next year.

Uniform- Matches

All players must have the correct cricket whites to play.

Volleyball

Mr Patrick Denkes - Volleyball Coordinator

Our pre-pre season has now come to an end after we played some valuable matches against St Edmunds College last Saturday. On a hot morning, these matches proved very valuable for our teams as we prepare for an assault on the 2024 AIC season. Thank you to St Edmund’s for the games.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

Good luck to our 1st V squad as they get ready to take part in the 2023 Australian Volleyball Schools Cup on the Gold Coast from 3-9 December. This tournament features all the best volleyball schools across Australia and as well as being a prestigious competition in its own right for our boys, will prove very beneficial for our AIC preparation. If you are interested in following the boys progress throughout you can follow them at https://volleyball.org.au/events/schools-cup-2022-718/

Volleyball Calendar

An updated volleyball calendar is available on the College app. Changes are highlighted in red. Please ensure all players are aware of their commitments.

Holiday Training Camps

We are resurrecting our holiday day camps in January before school comes back. Each session runs from 8:00-10:00am. These sessions are free but all players will need to register by December 20 to attend.

Year 8 - Monday 15 January

Year 9 - Tuesday 16 January

Year 10 - Wednesday 17 January

Year 11 - Thursday 18 January

Open - Thursday 18 January

To sign up go to Marist Ashgrove - Volleyball Holiday Clinic

These sessions are open to all volleyballers and will be of high-quality coaching for all levels of players.

Internal Trials- Finalising all Squads

No squads are finalised as yet. We have named some provisional squads to play pre-season matches but all teams are subject to change, especially year 7. This is because we need to allow new students the opportunity to be selected in volleyball.

Selection trials will continue in weeks 1 and 2 of Term 1 to ensure that all boys have a fair and equal opportunity for selection.

Trial Matches

V Iona College on Friday 19 January at Iona. A and B teams only. The draw is available on the College app. Boys who are unavailable must contact Mr Denkes at denkesp@marash.qld.edu.au as soon as possible.

V St Patricks College on Saturday 27 January junior teams at home, senior teams away. A, B and C teams only. The draw is available on the College app. School has resumed so all boys are expected to be available to play.

Uniform - Training

The College has implemented a policy that all players must training in the blue Marist training shirt and blue shorts. Once teams have been finalised this will be enforced. Boys will be allowed to train once but after that will be removed from training sessions.

Uniform - Matches

All players must have the correct volleyball shirt, shorts and socks- see below. Once teams have been finalised all players must have the correct uniform to play, and will not be able to play if it is not correct. Until teams are finalised, boys who do not have a volleyball playing uniform will be able to play in their blue training shirt.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Athletes at the 2023 Qld State Relay Championships

After an extended school Track and Field season, QLD Athletics ran the QLD Relay Championships over the weekend with 21 Senior Marist Athletes competing across the relay championships and 1 primary athlete. Working in a number of relay teams in sprints, middle distance, throws and jumps in U14 through to Open age groups, the Marist athletes represented clubs including our local partner Ashgrove Rangers and Uni of QLD. The results were impressive with the athletes managing to win 30 State medals with all 21 senior athletes achieving at least 1 medal across the 2 days of competition which was an impressive collection. Well done to all athletes who won medals in the following events with their relay teammates.

Golds

Under 20 Boys Long Jump - Ben Caughley

Under 18 Boys Shot - Jai Jarro, Lee Martin, Isaiah Burgess

Under 16 4 x 400m - Perry Croft, Connor Campbell,

Under 16 4 x 1500m - Zac Milligan, Harry Prole

Under 16 4x 800m - Zac Milligan

Under 18 4 x 800m - James Prole

Silvers

Open Discus - Lee Martin

Under 18 4 x 200m - Joel Drew, Joe Jackson, Isaac Roach

Under 18 4 x 400m - Isaac Roach, Joel Drew

Under 18 Long Jump - Ben Caughley

Under 14 Long Jump - Sania Elisala, Hayden Lockhart, Charlie Campion

Open 4 x 1500m - Asher Parkin

Bronzes

Under 20 4 x 100m - Lyndon Maynard, Isaac Ting

Under 16 4 x 200m - Sania Elisala, Harry Cootes, Connor Campbell, Isaac Ting

Under 16 Shot - Owen Hair, Jono Kirk

Under 16 4 x 800m - Harry Prole

Track and Field – Holidays and Beyond: Many of these athletes will now continue into the QLD Athletics season and a number will be moving on to represent QLD at the National All Schools with a Senior squad of 8 athletes also going onto the National Schools Challenge in Perth.

For those wanting to improve speed and fitness though, throughout different parts of the holidays there will be Sunday afternoon training for sprints, running and throws. If this is of interest, please make contact with Track and Field Head Coach Mr Rob Martin.

Marist Track and Field – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has showcased incredible moments in Track and Field this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.

Stay updated with Marist Track and Field on Instagram @marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Marist Rugby Holiday Programs

This week a number of holiday programs will be released for Years 5-11 students.

Strength and Conditioning Program
Skill Development Program
Scrum Ready Program

Please follow the Marist app for all the necessary information to attend sessions and download strength, conditioning, and rugby sessions.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

This year the College has delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the small bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it has been 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

As we approach the final week of Term 4, the excitement in the pool is still making waves! We're thrilled to announce that swimming sessions will continue during the holidays, providing our dedicated swimmers with the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their skills and gear up for the AIC Swimming Championships on Tuesday 5 March.

The training schedule will be posted on our app weekly to keep everyone in the loop. These holiday sessions will be longer and tailored specifically to prepare our swimmers for the upcoming championships. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our swimmers to work on their strokes and prepare for the upcoming Friday night prep meets in Term 1.

Before we head on holidays, I would like to extend our best wishes to the following swimmers competing at Queensland State Swimming Championships. From Saturday, 9 December, to Friday 15 December. Good luck, and Go, MCA.

Chelsea Adams, Sam Altoft, Halle Barlow, Thomas Bedggood, Nate Christison, Noah Coco, Emily Draper, Matthew Dillane, Isaac Farrelly, Asha Forsyth, Molly Flood, Spencer Gooden, Jack Goyen, Lachlan Harney, William Hutchinson, Jack Kelly, James Leigh, Oliver Leigh, Noah Magoffin, Sam Mapledoram, Nicholas Marco, Luca Martinuzzi, Phelix Meehan, Sophie Moten, Joshua Mason, Archer Mellifont, Ryan Mullin, Siana O’Callaghan, Ryan O’Shea, Nick Osborn, Ryan O’Toole, Jack Purcell, Max Russo, Makenzie Sharpe, Kate Shield, Bailey Skinner, Jackson Skinner, Lachie Vink, Abby Wild, Ed Wild, Ruby Wilson, Max Wilson.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing swimmers over the holidays as we prepare for the AIC Swimming Championships.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

As we approach the conclusion of the 2023 calendar year, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each member of our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to developing and delivering engaging tennis lessons throughout the year. Your tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for our students on a weekly basis.

I would also like to express immense gratitude to the parents who have selflessly ensured their children's regular attendance at our lessons. We understand the challenges of early mornings, particularly during the winter months, and recognize the collective determination and drive it takes to prioritize improvement and personal development. Your support not only enhances your child's skills on the tennis court but also instills confidence that transcends into their personal growth.

As we transition into the College App for all future correspondence until the commencement of Term 1, 2024, I want to convey our sincere thanks for your continuous support. Your commitment to our tennis program has been instrumental in positioning MCA Tennis as it is today. We value your partnership and look forward to a successful and collaborative year ahead.

Friday Fixture Winners

Thrilling Finishes and Exciting Updates for Friday Fixtures.

I am pleased to share the exciting news that both of our recent matches were decided in the thrilling final doubles match, showcasing the outstanding skills and determination of our players. Congratulations to all the boys for their remarkable performances!

Looking ahead to the new year, we are gearing up for an even larger set of fixtures with more substantial prizes. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed in our recent matches have set a fantastic tone for the upcoming competitions.

As we aim for an even more dynamic and competitive season, I want to emphasize the importance of commitment in team participation. The success of our Friday fixtures relies on each player's dedication to attending every week. Your presence is crucial, as the final doubles match often becomes the deciding factor in our matches.

To ensure the continued success of your team, please make every effort to attend and compete. If, for any reason, you are unable to play on a particular week, kindly inform us in advance, and we will provide you with a reserve list of students to contact. By taking charge of your team's lineup, you not only contribute to its success but also enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.

Thank you for your dedication and sportsmanship. Here's to an outstanding new year filled with exciting matches and greater achievements!

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up for this term’s fixtures.

Division 2

Winners

Andrew Vetter

Pedro Chadud

Runner Ups

Frankie Hain

Oliver Dyer

Division 3

Winners

Sam Martin

Noah Newman

Runner Ups

Will Drummond

Liam Rhys

Holiday Clinics Reminder

Clinic 1: Dates: 28, 29, 30 November

Clinic 2: Dates: 4, 5, 6 December

Clinic 3: Dates: 18, 19, 20 December - Christmas Clinic

Clinic 4: Dates: 15, 16, 17 January - Australian Open Clinic

Each of these immersive clinics is crafted to elevate your tennis skills and provide a holistic experience. The cost for participation is $150.00 per person for the entirety of the three-day clinic or $60.00 per day, offering flexibility to suit individual preferences.

Secure your spot for these exceptional clinics by registering promptly. Your tennis journey awaits, and we look forward to a period of skill refinement and camaraderie.

Term 4 Coaching 2023

Considering the constraints imposed by a brief school term, we would like to apprise you of the adjustments to our coaching schedule for Term 4, 2023. Recognising the inability to conduct coaching sessions on the public holiday at the term's commencement, we extend an invitation to our Monday coaching session on Monday 27 November. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated; however, we understand that scheduling conflicts may arise. In such cases, we are more than willing to accommodate makeup private lessons during the weeks when our tennis clinics are in session.

Super League Teams

We are actively seeking nominations from both students and adults interested in participating in the Super League, set to kick off in Term 1, 2024. If you possess the zeal to join a team, kindly convey your willingness to participate, and we will provide the necessary assistance to ensure your seamless integration into the upcoming competition.

I am delighted to share the exciting news that our roster for the Super League is rapidly filling up, with a considerable number of names already signed up. This overwhelming response is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for Marist tennis, and I am thrilled to witness the positive momentum we are building together.

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Super League season is palpable, and the early commitment from our participants is a promising indicator of the vibrant tennis community we have cultivated. Your proactive engagement sets a strong foundation for the success and camaraderie we aim to achieve in the league.

Thank you to all who have already registered, and for those still considering, we welcome your participation in what promises to be an exhilarating season for Marist tennis. Your dedication contributes significantly to the vitality of our tennis program, and I look forward to witnessing the collective spirit and skill that will define our presence in the Super League.

For all reservations and nominations, we kindly request that you utilise our designated email address: MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au. Should you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please feel free to contact me on ph. 0437 449 523.

Term 1 Coaching 2024 Reminder

In the imminent unveiling of our Term 1 timetable, our foremost objective is to curate a schedule that embraces inclusivity and flexibility, affording our esteemed clients the autonomy to tailor their participation to their specific needs—whether opting for a comprehensive attendance or a more tailored frequency of sessions each week.

Strategically aligned with this commitment, we are poised to introduce an expanded array of both group classes and squad sessions. This deliberate augmentation is designed to cater to the holistic development of all students, providing them with enhanced opportunities to refine their skills and traverse the pathways to success in the realm of tennis.

As we embark on this progressive journey, stay tuned for comprehensive updates, symbolising our steadfast dedication to delivering a dynamic and personalised tennis experience. Your ongoing support is pivotal to our collective success, and we eagerly anticipate sharing further insights into these enriching developments in the days ahead.

Thank you once again for your contributions, and here's to a prosperous and exciting 2024! Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Prawn and Ham

Christmas Prawn and Ham Fundraiser