The dedication of time and effort from our Cross-Country Squad paid dividends last Wednesday with a convincing win at the AIC Cross-Country Championships. It was evident from the first aggregate race that our boys were well prepared. Who could forget last year’s tight tussle to win by one point – and with that in mind, the 2021 squad left no stone unturned in their quest to take home a fifth straight title.

The most pleasing part of the day, apart from the dominant victory, of course, was witnessing every individual in the Cross-Country Team running for their mates and the College. Even our most elite runners wanted to prioritise the team efforts rather than draw attention to themselves. Our leaders within the squad had instilled this culture of team and accompanied it with a mental fortitude that was unmatched. At the risk of embarrassing individuals, our open runners were exceptional in every regard last Wednesday. Not only did they win the open age group but they taught our younger team members what is required to be successful. This translated to us winning the U12, U13, U14 and Open Age Groups.

A parent best summed it up in an email after the Championships, saying, “I have the utmost respect for all the boys. They put in such a gutsy effort. Those boys running 6km ran past me at the same pace, at each point, of each lap. They were all different abilities but they all gave it everything they had and looked focused and positive. I hope they were proud of themselves. Running teaches them so much about themselves. I think every boy at Marist should do running; the mental health and well-being benefits alone would be huge; throw a bit of confidence in there and they become different kids with a different outlook on life.” Perfectly articulated I thought!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students who participated in the cross-country program this year. Cross-country has undoubtedly one of the best cultures in our sporting program and to all of our students, College staff, coaches and numerous Old Boys who are a part of this team we congratulate you on your outstanding achievement once again.

This weekend marks the final round of AIC chess, rugby and football. For many of our Year 12 students this will be their last opportunity for them to play footy for the College. Many of these boys have enjoyed representing Marist College Ashgrove since their days back in Year 5 or Year 7. On behalf of the College, I thank all the Year 12 students for their efforts over the years and I wish them the very best in their last game.

At this stage, we are looking to finalise all arrangements for trials for our Term 3 sports. All details regarding the trial schedule for the basketball, rugby league and tennis season will be posted on the College app by the end of the week. Information regarding the AIC Track and Field season will be posted on the app by early next term.

This weekend is our ‘Big Old Boys Day’ at the College, with most games from Year 5-12 played at home against St Patrick’s, Shorncliffe. It will be a massive big day. I ask all students from Years 5-12 to make the extra effort this weekend to stay around and support their fellow schoolmates in other matches, particularly the 1st rugby and football games. I wish everybody all the very best for the final round of rugby, football and chess. Enjoy!

Sports Canteens

The biggest day on the Term 2 calendar has arrived for sports canteens. There will be chips frying and burgers flying all day feeding hungry players and spectators for finals day - a great day for all to enjoy.

We need the help of all year levels to make it a success in the canteen - 50 by Friday in the Sign-up is what it will take to keep the food flowing, and the queues under control.

Just an hour is all that is needed. Please sign up early, as this gives others the confidence to jump in.

https://signup.com/go/DCZLUpi

Individual Achievements

Jack Goyen and Matthew Magnussen are heading off to Adelaide at the end of this week to compete at the Australian Olympic Trials. This is a huge achievement from these two men to qualify for this event.

Jack Goyen will be competing in the 100m Freestyle and the 50m Freestyle.

Matthew Magnussen will be competing in the 200m Freestyle and the 200m Backstroke.

These swims will be televised on Amazon Prime TV. The boys will swim at roughly the times below if you wished to watch.

Name	Event	Date	Time
Jack Goyen	100m Freestyle	Tuesday 15 June	11:07am
Jack Goyen	50m Freestyle	Thursday 17 June	11:37am
Matthew Magnussen	200m Freestyle	Sunday 13 June	11:40am
Matthew Magnussen	200m Backstroke	Wednesday 16 June	11:15am

Jack and Matt are laying the foundation for our swimming program, and are helping the younger athletes strive to achieve the possibility of making one day an Olympic Team.

On a side note, we also have two other athletes from the MCA Swimming Club in Hannah Casey (Brother Josh Casey Year 11 Slattery) and Lily Tomlinson attending these championships.

Cross Country Wrap Up

Last Wednesday the MCA Cross-Country team travelled to Curlew Park to compete in the AIC Championships – the big finale for the Cross-Country program. Last year, only four points separated the top four schools in the Senior Aggregate standings. However, all the hard work of early morning wake-ups and long-distance runs was worth it as we took out the AIC Senior Aggregate for the 5th consecutive year. The effort, desire and determination that was on show, in conjunction with the teamwork, selflessness and camaraderie was second to none. Every single runner contributed to the success of the program and us taking out the AIC Championship. It was great to see the support of current students and the wider Marist College community in all races, particularly in the final Opens race.

The day started off on a high with the Junior runners putting in a great effort to secure a 3rd place finish. All Primary boys represented the College appropriately and showed an unwavering level of excitement and enthusiasm towards the program this year. It was a delight to watch these boys compete and gives great hope for the continuation of the squad’s success well into the future.

Junior Results:

=3rd – Junior Overall Aggregate
- 2nd – Year 5
- 3rd – Year 6

The defence of our Senior Aggregate title was highlighted by some strong efforts from our Opens runners especially a career-defining run by Thomas Prole, who came from behind to beat an athlete from St Peters who is ranked 4th in Australia and a year older. It was an unbelievable race and one that all junior boys should use as motivation for next year. All our age groups from Year 5 – Opens finished with a top 3 placing in their respective age group. Our Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Opens age groups were able to come away with comfortable victories to win their respective premierships.

Senior Results:

1st – Senior Overall Aggregate
- 1st – Under 12
- 1st – Under 13
- 1st – Under 14
- 3rd – Under 15
- 2nd – Under 16
- 1st – Opens

Throughout the day it was great to see many solid individual performances, but a special mention to all individuals who were able to secure a top 3 finish:

1st – Thomas Prole – Opens (Time: 20:18)
3rd – Zack Newsham – Opens (Time: 20:57)
3rd – James Prole – 15 Years (Time: 14:13)
2nd – Asher Parkin – 14 Years (Time: 13:59)
3rd – Jack De Maria – 12 Years (Time: 11:56)
1st – Harry Prole – 12 Years (Time: 11:51)

It was great to get all boys together for a pizza party after the AIC Championships to celebrate our success as a group. Age Champions for each age group will be presented on Assembly this coming Wednesday, and we will look to further celebrate the Opens squad at our Term 2 Sports Dinner in a couple of weeks.

Finally, I would just like to thank all staff who were involved in the program and contributed to our significant success. Head Coach Mr Shane Ward has been a huge part of our success over the past few years and it has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside him this year. His ongoing dedication and commitment to the Cross-Country program is second to none. Lastly, a huge thank you to Assistant Coordinator Mr Harry Hunter and supervisors, Calum Mackay, Jacob Funk, Brendan Saunders, Corey Lucas, James Clarke, Tyler Newell, Liam Bacon, Ben Roden-Cohen, Jordan Chugg and Harry Lyons.

The dedication of early morning starts for nearly three months, the energy and enthusiasm that drives the great culture of the squad are one of the top reasons MCA Cross-Country continues to be the success it is.

We look forward to next year!

Football

The final away match for the season saw a great day out at St Peter's College for our senior footballers. The day was largely successful with 17 wins, 6 draws and 9 losses across both the away and home venues. The day also saw some large wins with the 6A team winning 12-0 and the 5A's winning 5-0 who both played on the flats. Well done to both of these teams for their comprehensive performances. In other news, the 7A's registered yet another win in a closely contested match. This result sees the 7As guaranteed a premiership with the final matchday to decide if it will be shared. This result contributed to another impressive set of results from this entire year group. Well done to our Year 7 footballers!

Aggregate Update

In a very evenly contested season, there is still an outside chance of aggregate success with the College still vying for top spot. This means that each result will count coming into the final round of the season with the potential of a single goal or a brilliant save leading to the aggregate trophy returning to Ashgrove in 2021. This is an important reminder for all teams to keep fighting till the final whistle this weekend. The last time this trophy was won was in 2017 and it was won with an injury time goal in the 1st XI at Villanova College. Let this remind us of the importance of finishing the season strongly!

1st XI Football

This weekend, the 1st XI will take on St Patrick's College hot on the heels of Villanova College who will currently have a hand on the trophy in pole position. After a spirited performance against St Peter's, and a clever free-kick from Sam Keogan to wrap up the points - the boys are feeling confident going into the final game for the season. The 1st XI will do their all to maintain an undefeated record for the 1st XI on Cameron Oval. A win to the home team and anything but a win for Villanova will see the 1st XI premiership return to Ashgrove for the third year straight. We wish the 1st XI all the very best for their match!

Coach appreciation

As we approach the final round of the season, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the coaches of the program for their efforts and enthusiasm this season. Simply, this program wouldn't be able to run without the dedication of the various coaches who are involved. I would encourage all footballers to ensure they show their gratitude towards their respective coach this weekend. Also, in coach news - we congratulate Mr Corey Lucas, current 6A and 1st XI coach in welcoming his baby daughter Isla to the world. All the best to Corey and his family in this new adventure!

Coach Contacts

A list of coach contacts is now available on the College app so I would ask all footballers to contact their coach in the event they are unavailable for training and/or matches this week. Further to these contacts, if you have any concerns with attendance or availability, please ensure you contact your age group coordinator as the first port of call. Please see list of age coordinators below:

Year 5 - Mr Matt Jones (Or Mr John Lambourne - Head of Junior Sport)

Year 6 - Mr Zach Woodward (Or Mr John Lambourne - Head of Junior Sport)

Year 7 - Mr Terry Quain

Year 8 - Mr Paul Knight

Year 9 - Mr Marcus Schrader

Year 10 - Mr Michael McLaughlin

Opens - Mr Andrew King

Results and Match Reports

Football

Rugby

Sports Canteen

House News

Ephrem House News

Foley House News

Gilroy House News