Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

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 who 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 sport 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, 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 is of equal value.

Every team to be top three in their division and the program to be 1st or 2nd in the aggregate. All 1st teams to be competitive, aiming for a premiership at least every three 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 themselves 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, this has expanded this year to include B teams, tennis has two 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 opportunity for boys who miss out on AIC sport we are starting our internal basketball competition this weekend. More information will come from the Basketball Coordinator this week.

Term 3 opportunities is a challenge. All AIC schools have acknowledged that it 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.

AIC Code of Conduct

Parent Code of Behaviour

Fundamental to the AIC is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as a parent 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 need to demonstrate the following behaviours in regard to 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, not yours.
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 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.

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 in the first instance, notify the venue official they wish to make a complaint against an AIC code of behaviour.

Following this, any complaint should then be directed to their son’s Head of Sport or the appropriate member of the College Leadership Team.

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 in regard to their conduct during any AIC sporting activity:

Exhibit high standards of conduct/sportsmanship on and off the field including language, social media posts, and interaction with officials and opposition players.
Respect your opponents by displaying modesty 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.
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, school or the AIC, into disrepute or discredit.
Do not use drugs, including painkillers, to improve or maintain performance.

Coaches

Fundamental to the AIC is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as a coach 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 coach who will be representing their College and coaching under the auspices of AIC, you play an important role in upholding the values of the AIC and the College you represent. Coaches need to demonstrate the following behaviours in regard to their conduct during any AIC sporting activity:

Have appropriate training and qualifications to ensure that young people are safe and prepared for competition.
The coach needs to understand and follow the rules and bylaws of the sports involved.
The coach has a duty of care to ensure that injured players receive appropriate care during and after the games.
The coach needs to model appropriate sportsmanship and behaviours.
The coach needs to remain calm during and after matches.
The coach needs to respect the dignity of his/her players as well as those from the opposition.
The coach needs to meet with the coach from the opposing team, prior to and after the match in a spirit of fellowship.
The coach is the first person approached by students or parents should there be any complaint from the match.

Officials

Fundamental to the AIC is our belief in inclusion and fellowship. This means that as an official 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 an official who will be representing their College and participating under the auspices of AIC, you play an important role in upholding the values of the AIC and the College you represent. Officials need to demonstrate the following behaviours in regard to their conduct during any AIC sporting activity:

Model the highest standards of behaviour.
Possess and maintain appropriate officiating qualifications.
Keep up to date with the latest rules/laws and trends in officiating.
The safety and welfare of the participants is the highest concern for officials.
Ensure the venue, conditions and equipment are safe.
Emphasise the spirit of the game by promoting fair play and respect.
Officiate without bias, being consistent and objective in your decision-making.
Act on incidences of foul play, unsportsmanlike conduct, and behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game.
Communicate respectfully with the players and coaches.

Student Achievements

Cricket

Joshua Pope

Joshua Pope, Year 10, was part of the Queensland u16 Indoor Cricket team that won Cricket Australia's National Indoor Cricket Title in Perth on Saturday, defeating Western Australia in the Grand Final.

Joshua opened the batting in winning 'skins' in crucial victories against Victoria and South Australia on route to the National Final.

Cricket/AFL

Lachlan Widt

Lachlan, in the same week as scoring a ton (100 runs) for Valleys in club cricket, was invited to join the Brisbane Lions Academy Level 1 Program (13-14 year olds) for his AFL.

Swimming

Congratulations and good luck to Tommy Fitzpatrick and Joshua Mason who will be competing at the National School Swimming Titles next week.

Swimming

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

It’s fantastic to see so many of our boys back in the water, training hard and preparing for the upcoming AIC Swimming season. Returning to the pool early is a great opportunity to refine technique and sharpen skills. Swimming is one of the most demanding sports—not only because it requires consistent effort, but because it’s a skill we can’t practise anywhere else. The key to improvement lies in showing up regularly and committing to the process.

I want to commend all our boys for their initiative in giving themselves and the team the best chance to succeed in March.

This week, we send our best wishes to Joshua Mason and Tomas Fitzpatrick as they put the final touches on their preparation for School Nationals. Good luck, boys - we’re proud of you!

Let’s keep up the great work, but remember don’t just turn up - turn up with purpose. Keep striving for improvement and the results will follow.

Best of luck to all our boys in their games this weekend.

We still have spaces available this term! To book in, simply email swim@marash.qld.edu.au And don’t worry about the cold - the pool is heated to a comfortable 28°C.

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.

Marist Track and Field | Internal Mini Meet #1

The College Track and Field program kicked off Term 3 with our Internal Mini Meet #1 on Friday 18 July. It was great to see so many students involved across all year levels, from Year 5 through to Opens.

One of the key strengths of our program is the opportunity to compete from Week 1, giving students a gradual introduction to competition while focusing on improving technique and building ability throughout the term. These early meets are about more than just results; they’re a chance for students to refine their skills, set benchmarks, and build confidence heading into the season.

A special mention goes to our Week 1 Performer of the Week, Nick Thornhill from Year 8. Nick stood out not just for his results, but for his attendance, positive attitude, and noticeable improvement across events. His commitment and approach set a great example for others and show what can be achieved through consistent effort.

Well done to all the students involved in our program and a special thanks to our coaching staff. We look forward to seeing even more students participating and progressing as we continue the term.

Marist Track and Field | Term 3 Training

Monday and Wednesday (ALL students): 3:30-5:00pm

Tuesday (Primary long jump and hurdles): 6:45am-8:10am

Wednesday (Secondary hurdles): 7:10-8:20am

Friday (Primary high jump): 6:45-8:00am

Sunday (ALL students welcome): 3:15-4:30pm

DRESS: Marist sport shirt / T&F singlet / House shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

NOTE – a reminder that Friday 1 August (Week 3) will be Internal Mini Meet #2

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Please go to Parent Orbit and see information regarding sign on. All students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup via Parent Lounge 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.

NOTE – If your son isn’t registered, you will NOT receive any information via the Parent Orbit regarding the Track and Field program, including schedules and relevant information.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

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.

NOTE – a small group of Year 6 students will be invited to attend the Friday session at UQ. This group will be made aware closer to the time.

Camp Information

Dates: Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 September 2025

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

Marist Track and Field | September Holiday Meets

During the September holidays, the College will lead two Track and Field practice meets.

WHEN: Thursday 25 September and Thursday 2 October

TIME: 8:00 – 11:45am

WHERE: UQ Sporting Precinct

Further information will be provided closer to the time.

Sunday Sessions | Track and Field Training

This year, Marist College will be aiming to win its 11th successive Secondary AIC Track and Field Championship and its 5th successive Primary AIC Track and Field Championship. Achieving this success requires planning, commitment, and effort across the entire year.

At this early stage, the training focus is on Sprints, Hurdles, Throws, and Jump Plyometrics.

For all students wishing to train, Mr Rob Martin will continue running his Sunday training sessions. Please see the details below:

INCLUDED: Running – sprints and jumps / Throws – early pre-season fitness and cross training, along with throwing.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden OvalTIME: 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 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.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

AIC Tennis Weekly Update – Round 0 v Padua

Welcome to this week’s News from Around the Courts.

The AIC tennis season is officially underway, with our players facing off against Padua College in a much-anticipated trial round. Matches were played across multiple venues, including Shaw Park Tennis Centre, Emerson Tennis Centre (Milton), Gregory Terrace, and our home courts at Marist College.

Venues:

Shaw Park: 1st, 2nd, 3rd IV & Year 10
Emerson Centre: 4th IV & Year 9
Gregory Terrace: Year 8
Marist Courts: Years 5, 6 & 7

Before diving into results and standout performances, I want to express sincere thanks to our entire tennis staff and support crew. The smooth running of the day across so many Centres was no small feat. It was a day to remember—and hopefully a sign of more great things to come.

Open Teams Recap

Our 1st IV had a delayed start due to the poor drying conditions at Shaw Park, but once underway, they found their rhythm. After a rusty first few games, our doubles combinations began to click, and the boys took control, winning every singles match with dominance. The only match dropped was a withdrawal from our captain, Hamish, to manage an ongoing injury. A commanding 7–1 win in the end.

The 2nd IV, however, were caught off guard after returning from camp without much court time and fell to Padua 2–6. Meanwhile, the 3rd IV bounced back strongly with a clean 8–0 win.

Our 4th Open team, made up entirely of Year 9 boys, stepped up with maturity beyond their years to secure a strong 7–1 win, gaining valuable experience and confidence playing at a higher level. While that momentum didn’t quite carry through to their own matches later in the day, where both 9A and 9B teams went down in close contests, it's important to remember that this was just the first outing of the season. With time, belief, and continued effort, we know these boys will turn things around. The talent is there—it’s just the beginning of their journey.

Year results

Year 10: A remarkable and historic performance—16 sets to love (8-0 in both A & B). Not a single game dropped all day. This level of dominance is a first in my AIC coaching memory. Huge congratulations!
Year 9: Both A & B teams went down in tough matches. It’s early days, and we’re confident the boys will bounce back with focus and hard work.
Year 8: A tight battle in the A team—finishing 4–4 but taking the win on countback (28–26). B team delivered a comprehensive 8–0 result.
Year 7: The A team also finished 4–4, winning on countback 29–24. The B team cruised to a 6–2 victory.

Primary Teams

All primary teams (Years 5 and 6) started their season with wins, including a couple of very close ones. The Marist fighting spirit was on full display.

6A: 8–0
6B: 7–1
5A: 7–1
5B: 5–3

A perfect result for our junior program heading into Round 1.

Training & Match Reminders

Players unable to play on a given weekend must notify coaching staff early so a reserve can be prepared.
Only players named in the weekly teams are eligible for training that week.
Players named in A team from Year 7–Opens are expected to train on Fridays unless a valid excuse is provided. Unexplained absences may result in promotion of another player from B teams to fill the void.

Super Grade & League Tennis

All four of our Super Grade and League teams started their new season on home courts and made the most of the opportunity with some excellent tennis. These matches offer invaluable experience as players prepare to face tougher opponents and develop their game.Please check your draws weekly. If you need support or help organising your team, don’t hesitate to contact me or Jade.

Congratulations to all teams on a strong start. We look forward to Round 1 v Iona College this weekend. Good luck, and let’s continue the momentum!

REMINDER

Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 August – Marist Open & Primary Singles Championships | 3:30 – 7:30 PM

This will include a free sausage sizzle for players entered.

To enter email mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au

MCA Tennis memberships

Just a quick reminder that these are due for renewal for the next tennis financial membership year.

Term 3 AIC Training Schedule

All training sessions are compulsory for selected team members and Shadow Squad players. Please arrive on time, prepared and ready to train with intent.

Years 5 & 6

Monday and Wednesday | 6:45 – 8:15 AM

Years 7 & 8

Tuesday | 6:45 – 8:15 AM

Thursday | 3:30 – 5:00 PM

7A & 8A only | Friday 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Years 9 & 10

Tuesday | 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Thursday | 6:45 – 8:15 AM

9A & 10A only | Friday 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Opens (1st–4th Teams)

Monday and Wednesday | 3:30 – 5:00 PM

1st and 2nd Teams | Friday 3:30 – 5:00 PM

Shadow Squad (All Year Levels)

Friday | 6:45 – 8:15 AM

Training for players not yet selected but remaining ready to step in.

Key Dates

Term 3

Monday 14 July – AIC Training Begins (Pupil-Free Day)

Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 August – Marist Open & Primary Singles Championships | 3:30 – 7:30 PM

(Includes sausage sizzle for all players)

Tuesday 16 September – AIC Break-Up Party | 3:30 – 6:00 PM

(A relaxed afternoon with games and friendly rematches)

September Holiday Camp

Monday 22 – Wednesday 24 September | 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Match play, drills, and fun to wrap up the term and prep for Term 4.

Looking Ahead

Term 4

Tuesday 7 October – Coaching resumes (Pupil-Free Day)

Sunday 23 November – Parent–Son Tournament & Christmas Break-Up | 2:00 – 6:00 PM

BBQ from 5:00 PM to celebrate the end of a great year.

Holiday Camps (8:00 – 11:00 AM)

15–17 December

22–24 December

12–14 January

19–21 January

Ideal for players looking to stay sharp and prepare for a strong start to 2026.

2026 Term 1

Monday 2 February – Term 1 coaching begins

Let’s carry the momentum forward, continue building on our culture, and enjoy everything the Marist Tennis program has to offer.

Wilson Merchandise

We’re fully stocked with the latest Wilson racquets, and as always, our members receive the best prices in Brisbane.

From racquets and shoes to strings and accessories, we can order any item from Wilson’s full range.

For enquiries, orders, or bookings:

Phone: 0437 449 523

Email: mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support of Marist Tennis. We’re looking forward to a successful, rewarding, and enjoyable season. See you on the court.