Sport News

As we head into the end of Term 1 it is a busy time of year in sport, possibly the busiest. With Term 1 sports finishing their seasons, Term 2 sports getting starting, the representative pathway in full swing and the AIC Swimming Championships taking place it has been a busy few weeks.

This week Marist were a part of the AIC Ecumenical Service, which had been delayed from its usual early February date due to restrictions. This religious service is a coming together of all the member schools of the AIC competition to reaffirm our commitment to the Christian values that our schools and competition are founded upon. The AIC motto being “learning and growth through sport and competition” and our vision “to develop good and healthy young people of character through sport and competition within a Christian context.” I believe it is important that we remember these important principles. They bare the very reason why schools play sport. The glory and the winning are nice, and we always strive to win, but our primary function as a school is for sport to be a vehicle for boys to express themselves and to grow as young men of character, displaying the values of fair play and sportsmanship above all others. We should always abide by the referee’s decision, and win, lose or draw, our first action must be to shake our opponent by the hand and wish them well. While the passing of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne overshadowed the death of John Landy, it is an opportune time to reflect on possibly the greatest display of sportsmanship in Australia of all time with Landy stopping mid-1500 metre national championship race to check on the fallen Ron Clarke. For those who have not witnessed the footage, it is worth a search, and a display of integrity and character that we aim for as Marist men.

Congratulations to all our swimmers from Year 5 to 12 who were a part of the swim team this year who won the AIC Junior Championship and finished second in the overall AIC Championship. I deliberately acknowledge all swimmers who trained this season because it is truly a team effort. I am reminded of the famous Rudyard Kipling here, “for the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.” The swimming report will highlight the magnificent achievements of the boys, but for me, a large part of the reason for their success was the commitment and character on display in the pool every day. My sincere thanks go to Head Coach Mr James Boyce, Assistant Damian Bromley and Co-ordinator Mrs Christine Baillie, along with the rest of the coaches and support staff, who prepared the team magnificently, as highlighted by the number of race wins, personal bests and College and championship records. The challenge for us all is to find another 50 points across the day. While that seems a lot, in reality, it is half a second here, .25 of a second there, if every swimmer commits fully it is with us.

Swimming - Christine Baillie (Coordinator)

AIC Swimming Results

In the lead up to the AIC Swimming Championships, the College Age Swimming Championships were keenly contested on February 25. The results are shown in the table below, along with the winners of the Commitment and Dedication Award for each age group.

The AIC Swimming Championships were swum last Tuesday with the Marist team turning in outstanding performances to come first in the Primary Aggregate (403 points) and Second in the Secondary Aggregate (600.75 points). Congratulations to St Peter’s Lutheran College for placing First in the Secondary Aggregate (650 points). The championships were swum in a spirit of sportsmanship, with a loud and encouraging band of spectators comprised of both Marist parents and Year 12 students. 

A measure of the depth of our swimming program can be seen from several statistics:

• While we were 49.25 points behind St Peter’s in the Secondary Aggregate, we were clear of Iona College in third place by an impressive 142.5 points.
• Ashgrove placed either first or second in four of the eight medley relays.
• Of 16 freestyle relays, Ashgrove gained nine first places and two second places.

Marist swimmers broke 11 AIC records on Friday: 

• Noah Coco, Hayden Barnes, Bailey Skinner and Thomas Hicks – 16 Years, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div. 1 (1:38.52) This was also a Marist College Ashgrove Record.
• Matthew O’Keeffe, Nicholas Marco, Alex Pedroni and Oliver Shinkel – 16 Years, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div. 2 (1:42.65) This was also a Marist College Ashgrove Record.
• Noah Coco – 16 Years, 50m Freestyle Div. 2 (24.86)
• Thomas Hicks – 16 Years, 50m Backstroke Div. 2 (27.36) 
• Isaac Farrelly, Joshua Mason, Archer Mellifont and Ryan O’Toole – 14 Years, 4 x 50m Medley Relay (1:58.51)
• Isaac Farrelly – 14 Years, 50m Backstroke Div. 2 (30.60)
• Ben Flanagan, Lincoln Ryan, Jayden Waldon and Toby Banner – 12 Years, 50m Freestyle Relay Div. 2 (2:11.19) This was also a Marist College Ashgrove Record. 
• Nicholas Osborn – Year 6, 100m Freestyle (1:02.38)
• Nicholas Osborn – Year 6, 50m Breaststroke Div. 1(37.84)
• Nicholas Osborn – Year 6, 50m Butterfly Div. 1 (30.83) This was also a Marist College Ashgrove Record
• Tex Higginbotham – Year 6, 50m Breaststroke Div. 2 (41.40)

Another two Marist College Ashgrove records were also broken:

• James Leigh, Luca Martinuzzi, Lachlan Vink and Lachlan Harney – 15 Years, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div. 1 (1:42.21)
• Edward Wild, Ben Player, Ryan O’Shea and Joseph Cervetto – 15 Years, 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Div. 2 (1:48.57)

We could not have asked any more of our boys on Tuesday. The team was led admirably by our captains Andrew Crook and Ryan Watts and vice-captains Angus Bathe and Josh Casey. These young men, alongside their Year 12 team-mates, led by example, giving their all in the water and encouraging each and every member of the team to do the same. 

At the annual Swimming Presentation Night following the Championships, the major swimming awards were presented to the following athletes:

Special Awards

Junior Swimmer of the Year

Archer Mellifont

Senior Swimmer of the Year

James Leigh

Determination and Commitment Award

This award will be announced at the Term 1 Sports Dinner

Grace Under Pressure, the Heather Spencer Memorial Award

Thomas Hicks

Swimmers who have completed over 100 training sessions

Hayden Barnes, Angus Bathe, Archie Bathe, Noah Coco, Thomas Hicks, Nick Marco, Josh Mason, Archer Mellifont, Matthew O’Keeffe, Eoin Paznikov, Darcey Salter, Bailey Skinner, Ed Wild, Zac Wright, Lachie Vink

Many thanks are due to the Marist coaching staff for their tireless efforts with the swimming program. From early morning training to afternoon training, Friday night meets, and weekend training, these people have given very generously of their time, their expertise and their spirit over two terms. The support and help of our Head of Sport, Derek Lennon and Head of Primary Sport, John Lambourne, has been very much valued and appreciated.

We battled on several fronts this season. COVID-19 restrictions saw us unable to attend our annual swimming camps, the cancellation of several Prep Meets and interrupted training schedules. Then the floods came to test not only the swimmers, but many of the families who were impacted by this devastating event. But still, Marist College Ashgrove AIC Swimming continues to go from strength to strength with a spirit and culture the envy of many within and outside the College. Congratulations to our swimmers – yet again, you have trained and raced against adversity and with integrity, grit and honour. We are so very proud of you all. 

Cricket - Mr Mitch Reid (Coordinator)

It was great to see MCA students return to the cricket fields this weekend, after two weeks of interruptions. I would like to thank the Marist College ground staff for their hard work in getting all fields ready for games last week. The boys are very fortunate to have such high-quality playing fields on campus. This was evident with a massive 21 games played at MCA on Saturday. 

Round 6 saw the College take on St Peters Lutheran College. Overall, it was a fantastic day for the cricket program winning over 75% of games. Special mentions the 10A, 7A and mighty 6th XI (Year 11 boarders’ team) who all had close wins in the last over. Our 1st XI also had an exciting game, defeating SPLC by 6 runs. The team remains undefeated and has the opportunity to win the AIC cricket premiership this weekend when we play St Patrick’s College. It will be great to see as many students and wider Marist community out to support the 1st XI on Saturday. The game starts at 9:30am on McMahon Oval. 

As we head into the last game of the season, this is a reminder to all players to finish off the season strongly with your attendance at training and being available for your game this Saturday. 

Student Availability 

With 36 cricket teams, selecting teams is a large task on a weekly basis. All students who are unavailable for training and games need to email their age group coordinators with has much notice as possible so teams can be selected before the weekend. 

Parent Support 

Thank you to all parents who supported the teams over the weekend with umpiring and scoring. This support helps coaches spend more time with the students coaching them throughout the game. 

Round 6 Cricket Results

Volleyball - Mr Adam Knight (Coordinator)

Round 6 v SPLC

 The Open 1st VI faced off with St Peter’s Lutheran College last Saturday in a game that may determine who will finish 2nd in this year’s competition. After a strong start which saw MCA control and win the first set, our boys went down swinging against some formidable floor-defence and lost the second set 27-25. With injuries and COVID-19 absences affecting the team, we could not maintain the momentum and went down in the next two sets. Our boys threw everything at the Australian U17 Division 1 champions, but came up short. Each and every boy on court should be proud of what they produced on Saturday.

Of note, however, was how our boys supported SPLC in their “Leukaemia fundraising/awareness day” where we stood in solidarity with our Indooroopilly cousins to assist their 2021 Volleyball captain and his fight with this condition. The boys all wore orange socks, alongside SPLC, and gave great spirit to a very competitive and enjoyable day.

Congratulations to all Marist teams on their competitiveness and conduct – especially given the troubles of the last two weeks. We look forward to all teams finishing strong this weekend against St Patrick’s College.

Round 6 Volleyball Results

AFL - Mr Brett Gillett (Coordinator)

1st XVIII MCA 13-12-90 def St Peters 6-6-42

It was great to have a win for the 1st XVIII in 2022 after a much-maligned start to the AFL season. Starting the game missing our Coach Darion Johns and 10 players due to illness and injury we went in with a very basic game plan utilising the strengths we have. After an even first half the boys got on top of the St Peters side in the second with a comfortable win in the end. It was great to see our Full Forward James O’Connor use his height and strength to outplay his opponent on numerous occasions and end the game with 3 goals. Ned Rosenbrook and Jude Knapp were strong across the middle for the game. Our backs played well with highlights of the game being running goals to our backmen Henry Warren and Ollie Clements. Quite rare in AFL and well done for these boys as they improve each week. Bring on St Patricks College at Hickey Park this week.

9/10s AFL MCA 11-12-78 def ATC 0-1-1

On a very windy day at the big Zillmere Oval the 9/10s faced an undefeated ATC. Straight kicking was an issue but J Williams and J Milner led the way, both ending with 3 goals and plenty of opportunities. The midfield dominated and our backs were quite bored by the 4th quarter! J Thompson, B Caughley and the Howard brothers showed they have plenty of skills in AFL with 4 quarter displays. A Gillett and R O’Keefe damaging on their wings and Liam Rice, Will Mc and Christian K were constant threats up forward. A super team effort to win by 12 goals and some real Marist spirit when 2 players volunteered for ATC in the last quarter due to their injuries.

Year 8 AFL MCA 4-3-27 lost to St Peters 5-4-34

Last round against St Peter’s was a challenging one. With quite a few players out or impacted by injury as well as a time and venue change the boys and parents did very well to adapt and even get a team on the park. The game itself was an arm wrestle all the way till the end with the final result of 34-27 in favour of St Peter’s. Their bigger bodies were able to control the game and exploit our low numbers. However, the boys are excelling in their development, this was exhibited through their superior ball movement, this has been a key focus area for this year. Once again very proud of the boys and can’t wait to hit the track this week for our final game of the season.

Year 7A’s MCA 1-4-10 lost to VC 5-6-36

After a bit of a slow start, the young boys brought themselves back into the game with some good link-up plays and great skills. Playing on a big ground along with some strong winds and lack of rule awareness the boys, unfortunately, couldn’t finish on a win although it was clear they were able to perform well in some new positions. Let’s get back on track and get ready for a big game this weekend and finish the season on a high.

Year 7B’s MCA 3-3-21 lost to ATC 6-6-42

After a long wait, the 7Bs finally got a game. It was a strong performance considering it’s the first game of the season with outstanding efforts from players, Nick Predergast, Jackson Cook, Rome Danchert, Ike Rowland, Bryce Franklin, Max Caughley. Despite the loss, the boys showed a good performance regarding the size of the field. We got up early with a goal in the first quarter by Jasper Sullivan and followed by 2 more goals later in the game by Ike Rowland and Baltazar Ackerie. The boys showed great movement of the ball up and down the pitch and in addition, the defence was outstanding. Although we took a loss it was still a great game from the boys.

Round 6 AFL Results

Tennis – Mr Andrew Ward (Coordinator)

What’s on at the Courts!

AIC Open tennis trials

Stage 1 of selection for the Open tennis team commences this Friday 18 March and will also continue on 25th March. These sessions will run from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Year 11, 12 students will both be eligible for all open teams as there is no Year 11 division this season.

Any student who thinks they can make our 1st or 2nd team are invited to trial for one of 10 positions with the view to training 2 x 1.5hr sessions a week during Term 2. Coaching is free for those selected, but students are reminded that attendance must be maintained to retain your position.

All other year levels trials will begin in Week 6-8, once a week and increase to twice a week in Weeks 9-10 of Term 2.

Term 2 Coaching

We are starting to take bookings for next term.

Group classes will run Wednesday and Thursday.

Squad classes will run on an 8-week term finishing end of Week 8.

Adult Beginners Tennis Classes

We are still taking names to start a new adult class which will be free for members for the first session. This will begin at the start of Term 2 and work in 5-week blocks. Cost $75 which covers 1.5hr coaching/match play session. 6:30pm-8:00 pm.

Memberships to MCA Tennis club are coming up to half price and membership will end at the end of Term 3, 2022. Membership includes free unlimited court use during daylight; $10.00/hour with lights and access to the locked gate system.

Cost: Family $125.00; Adult $70.00; Student $60.00; Old Boy $45.00

To become a member call 0437 448 523 or email MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Football – Mr Derek Lennon (Coordinator)

We are about to head into full swing with football trials commencing soon. Please make sure you check out the College App over the coming weeks for details of trials and fixtures. There has been a glitch in the sign-on system for football for a few families. If you were unable to register, please email Mr Corey Lucas at lucasco@marash.qld.edu.au and we will manually add you to the list.

Chess – Mr Daniel Bull (Coordinator)

Trials and training will start this week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:15pm to 4:30pm for Seniors and Juniors for the rest of the term. We will have our chess coach Murray attending. 

Rugby Union – Mr Bryan Rademeyer (Coordinator)

The 2022 rugby union program will start in Week 9 of Term 1. Please see below the training days for each year level for Weeks 9 and 10. 

Year 5: Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning

Year 6: Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon

Year 7: Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning 

Year 8: Monday afternoon and Thursday morning

Year 9: Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon

Year 10: Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon

Open: Monday and Wednesday afternoon

Tour Squad: Tuesday and Thursday afternoon

Rugby union is a game loved and played by many at the College. Without referees, these matches wouldn’t be possible. If you are interested in being part of the referee team in Term 2 that helps makes these matches happen, please email rademeyerb@marash.qld.edu.au. If you are experienced, beginner or would like to learn how to become a referee do not hesitate to get in touch.

Track and Field – Mr Derek Lennon (Coordinator)

Another big weekend for some of the younger athletes in the Little Athletics pathway. Some good solid results, some of which are highlighted below. It is great to see the hard work of the track and field athletes who work all year round being rewarded. There are opportunities for boys to dedicate more time to their track and field development, which will benefit their other sports as well. One option is to get involved with Ashgrove Rangers Club (ashgroverangers.org) or speak to your coach about options.

• Lee Martin - Gold 16 Years Shot - "QLD Best Performance" state record for the Little Athletics Competition 16.22m - great work
• Lee Martin - Gold 16 Years Javelin
• Connor Campbell - Bronze 400m, 4th 200m Hurdles, plus additional Top 8 Placings in 200m/Long Jump/Triple Jump. A busy running weekend - great job.

Student Achievements

Will Banner, Toby Banner, Ethan Bird, Jake Davidson and Lachlan Davidson were all selected to compete for Met North at the Queensland School Sport Aquathlon and Triathlon State Championships held in Hervey Bay on 19-20 February 2022. Will, Ethan and Lachlan all competed in the Junior Triathlon division. Completing distances of a 300m Swim, a 10km Bike Ride and a 2km Run. 

Will had a hard-fought race to successfully qualify for the National Team in 8th place, to compete in Hervey Bay in September, well done and congratulations. Will has been selected in the Queensland team to compete at the National triathlon Championships. Ethan completed his first-ever State triathlon competition with great results finishing in 49th place overall from 78 competitors.

Unfortunately for Lachlan, his event was unexpectedly cut short. After exiting the water in 16th place, a puncture in his front tyre 200m into the ride leg, ended his ability to continue the race. Jake competed in the Intermediate Triathlon division. Completing distances of a 500m swim, a 15km ride and a 4km run. Jake had a fantastic result placing 19th overall from 58 competitors. Unfortunately, due to illness Toby Banner, was too unwell to make the trip and compete in the Aquathlon on the day. Toby will move to Junior Triathlon next year which he is very excited about. 

Sport Canteen

Sports canteen is on for all year groups again this weekend as we transition back from recent events. If you are in a position to be able to volunteer for Saturday, please put your name in the SignUp.

Grandstand SignUp Link 

Flats SignUp Link