Sport News

There are a number of reasons schools like ours play sport. As well as the health benefits of being active, and sport being particularly good at motivating boys and encouraging them to “buy-in” with school, it also forms a part of the holistic education of a boy. Here we are looking at a range of qualities, some include, developing a sense of fair-play, being a member of a team, setting goals, and how we conduct ourselves when we win, and when we lose. These topics will appear in future articles. Today I want to focus on commitment. 

The dictionary has two definitions, “the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.” and “an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.” They present different aspects of what a commitment is. The first part is looking at how committed we are to something, for sport that means how engaged are we in the team, so we recognise that we need to be present, active and engaged. The unwritten Australian value of not letting our mates down springs to mind. 

The second part of that definition talks about having a commitment, that doing something we have committed to may preclude us from being involved in something else, that we would rather do. This is also an important life lesson for boys. From a school perspective, boys are regularly asked to meet commitments they have made when they would rather be doing something else, and sport is no different. The College expects boys who have committed to play a sport fulfil that commitment. This will mean playing for the College ahead of a club game, and it also means that in-season sport takes priority over pre-season, or sports next term that start earlier. 

We appreciate that this is challenging for boys but it is firstly about honouring the agreement they made to that activity, and secondly, not letting their mates down in the team by not being present.

Sports Canteen

It’s a warm welcome back for the Sports Canteen this Saturday. If you are a new parent, this is a great opportunity to meet your school community. If you are an existing parent - you already know this.

Canteen rostering will be following the same process as last year. To ease everyone in, and give us some time to work through how it all works with the new parents, we will be asking for volunteers from all year groups for this weekend.

Please look out for the SignUp link in the School App. (To volunteer, you will need to be double vaccinated, wear a mask, and check-in with the Queensland App.)

Volleyball - Adam Knight - Volleyball Co-ordinator

With COVID-19 cancelling our trial round and Round 1, over the last two weekends, our Open 1st VI faced up to Iona and SLC in trial matches. The end result was positive with two wins, but it did show that we have room to move if we are to replicate this result during the season proper. Both opposition teams will be different when we face them in a few weeks’ time, but our boys are prepared to work hard in preparation.

In terms of the whole program, we start up again this week with our return to training on Tuesday. For matches, please keep in mind that all players playing at home will be required to do duty. All players playing at home must be prepared for a two-hour commitment. If you can play, you can do duty. I also need to remind players that only boys wearing the complete and correct uniform will be allowed to take the court. 

With the cancellation of Round 1, there is still plenty to play for in the other grades. I look forward to seeing everyone back to training this week, and seeing everyone on the court for our Round 2 v SEC and Internal competition start. Train hard, support your mates and your coaches by doing duty when playing at home, and make sure you are playing with dignity (for opposition, team, officials and referees) and determination.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

Our Open 1st squad participated in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (AVSC) in December last year, in preparation for the 2022 AIC season. Despite harbouring young talent younger than most players in the division, the boys participated in Year 11 Division 1 and did their school proud. The boys finished fifth – a solid result after going down in the quarterfinals to the eventual finalist Harristown SHS. Irrespective of the result, the week provided a wonderful opportunity for the boys to refine their skills and cohesiveness on court in preparation for the upcoming season. A huge thank you to coach Mr Kiall Rudder for his guidance and mentorship, and to all the parents for their support throughout the week.

Swimming - James Boyce Head Coach

Welcome back to the first week of swimming for Term 1. 

It's an exciting first week back with MCA hosting our first-team selection trial on Friday night verse St Patricks College and Padua College. This is a great opportunity for any swimmer wishing to make the team to attend these trials to post a fast time. 

Swimmers are asked to come down after school to do a warmup then prepare to race. We ask that all swimmers wear training togs, no race suits for this meet. 

Please refer to the College app for training times and meet information.

Tennis - Andrew Ward - Head Coach

Welcome all new students to MCA Tennis. The term has started with our squad launch on Monday morning with a great turnout. We are extremely busy this term so for all squad members who are yet to book in their time please email or call me to book to secure day and time slot for this term.

Our Tennis court gate locking system is up and running and I hope all members remember their pin code to gain entry. They were sent out to all members via email but if you cannot remember please contact me so we can resend it to you.

Open Trials for AIC teams will start in Week 10 of this term. A group of 10 students will make up the squad for Term 2 training in preparation for Term 3 AIC season.

For all enquiries and bookings please contact MCA Tennis MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au or call Andrew on 0437 449 523.