Director of Sport Address
As we approach the end of the Trimester 2 Sporting season, I would like to acknowledge our Year 12 students who will play their final games in the green and gold. Thank you for your service to the respective communities, we hope the journey with your peers has been an enjoyable one and we all wish you well in your final matches.
We transition soon into Trimester 3 Sport with Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis selection trials commencing in Week 9, Term 2 from Monday 10 June. Track & Field will start from Week 4, Term 3. All students are reminded they must register for Trimester 3 Sport by this Friday 31 May. The Trimester 3 trial schedule will be available by Monday 3 June.
Over recent weeks, it has been disappointing to witness a minority of Villanova College students not meeting expectations on and off the field of play. Unfortunately, a common theme recently is for our boys to win with arrogance. This is not something we should be proud of nor condone. Sport is about winning and losing with dignity. It is about sharing disappointment and celebrating with humility. Moving forward, I am hopeful all students continue to work on this aspect of their development, and I challenge peers to hold those boys accountable if they are not reaching our standards.
Livestream Links
Please note the livestream link for Firsts fixtures in Term 2:
Draw – Round 6 vs Iona College, 31 May/1 June
The Round 6 Draw is now available on the Locker Room Overview page.
For all future rounds, the draw will be posted to Locker Room by the Wednesday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.
Results
Chess Round 5
Football Round 5
Rugby Round 5
AIC Sport Results – Associated Independent Colleges
Trimester 3 Sport Sign-Ons
Registrations for Trimester 3 Sports, Basketball, Rugby League, Tennis and Track & Field are now available. Click on the link below to register. Registrations will be due by Friday 31 May. Students registering late will need to collect a form from the Sports Office.
Term 3 Sport Sign-on 2024
Team Photos
Please note Team Photos will be taken this Saturday 1 June for Junior Football teams Years 5-8 at Villa Park (underneath Andrew Slack scoreboard)
The photo schedule is attached below. Students are to arrive 15 minutess prior to their photo time, in full playing uniform including boots.
First XI Football, First XV Rugby and Junior Chess team photos will be taken at the College on Tuesday morning 4 June.
Team Lists
Team lists for Round 6 will be posted by Thursday 30 May to Parent Lounge and Student Cafe.
Team lists will be posted by Thursday prior to the round ahead. This is the earliest possible time we can post this information.
Sports Club – Villa Park Canteen Volunteers
The Villa Sports Club will be looking for volunteers to assist on the Villa Park canteen in Term 2. There will be a registration link sent out to the community each week for parents to sign up. Proceeds from the Villa Park canteen go directly to the development of all our AIC sporting programmes.
To register your assistance for Round 6 at Villa Park, please click on the link below to register. Junior Rugby and Football (Years 5-8) will be at home this Saturday 1 June. We really do appreciate it.
AIC Round 6 – Villa Park — Signup Sheet – Sat 1 June
AIC Draw 2024
Please find attached the AIC Draw for 2024.
Communications
Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room Overview tab provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.
Training Schedules
For all updated information regarding training and selection trials schedules, please visit the Locker Room Overview page of the Villanova College website.
Term 2 Training Schedule – Weeks 1-8 (commences Monday 15 April)
Chess Training Schedule 2024
The Term 3 training schedule will be available by Monday 3 June, with selection trials starting for Basketball, Tennis and Rugby League in Week 9 (from Monday 10 June).
Villa Park pick-ups – Football and Rugby
Football is on Monday and Wednesday, Rugby on Tuesday and Thursday.
Transport for all players is organised ‘one-way’ from the College to Villa Park straight after school. Buses will depart Sixth Avenue promptly from 3:05pm. All buses will be supervised by a Villa staff member/coach.
Parents are reminded to please collect their son/s from Villa Park between 5:00-5:15pm. A staff member will be on site until all students are collected. The hope is that we do not need to ask our staff to remain past 5:15-5:30pm at the latest. We appreciate your consideration here.
A letter from the Principal has been distributed to all Years 7-Open Football and Rugby families regarding the expectations around pick-ups at Villa Park by no later than 5:30pm. Principal letter attached here.
Save the dates – Sporting Tours, Camps and Clinics
- St Augustine’s College Tour – Sydney – 17-19 June 2024.
- Rugby League Confraternity Carnival – Townsville – 22-29 June 2024.
- Xmas holidays 2024/2025 – Cricket Oblate Tour to Perth, Volleyball AVSC Tournament Gold Coast and Swim Camp at Tallebudgera.
- ** International Tour ** – Football and Rugby Tour to Japan – Easter 2025.
- ** International Tour ** – Basketball and Volleyball Tour to USA – Christmas holidays 2025/2026.
Sport Uniforms
Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Villanova College Uniform Look Book. This information is found on the College website Uniform Shop page. Opening hours for the Uniform Shop can also be found here. All students selected in AIC teams are expected to wear the correct uniform for AIC fixtures each week.
For those students participating in Trimester 2 Sports – please see correct uniforms below.
Sport Contact List
If you are requiring information about a specific Sport, in the first instance, visit the website Locker Room page. If you need further clarification, please contact the relevant Coordinator below. For any training or game absences, please contact your Sport Coordinator
Director of Sport – Shaun McLean, smclean@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC AFL Coordinator – Matt Conlan, mconlan@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cricket Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Swimming Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Cross-Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe – bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill, kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Basketball Coordinator – TBC – contact the Director of Sport
AIC Rugby League Coordinator – Alex Russell, arussell@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Track & Field Coordinator – Anthony Kemp, akemp@vnc.qld.edu.au
AIC Water Polo Coordinator – Juanita Jacobs, jjacobs@vnc.qld.edu.au
Composite District Sport – Todd Kropp, tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au
Lytton District Sport – Chris Everding, ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au
Wet weather cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villa App in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villa App and updated your preferences and settings.
The Villa Sports Department will endeavour to cancel morning training sessions by 6am and afternoon training sessions by 1pm. If a training session is cancelled, boys are not able to be dropped off to the training venue as there will not be supervision present. Please check the Villa App regularly for these notifications.
If any AIC fixtures are cancelled, we will follow the same procedure above. Timing will be dependent on when that information becomes available.
Mr Shaun McLean, Director of Sport
Chess Report – Round 5 versus Padua College
The magical mayhem and madness of Mission Day could have had a detrimental effect for Team Villa for Round 5 of AIC Chess. However, these lads, who had to don their academic uniform, sit on a bus for 30 minutes and travel to Kedron, were ready to play! The atmosphere on the bus travelling over to the northside was full of enthusiasm and chatter following the House Choir Competition.
Warmly greeted by Padua, the tables were filled, and it was play time! Round 1 saw some very close games, and we were sitting at four drawn divisions, four winning divisions and two divisions to Padua. It was difficult to predict what would be the outcome next round. A delightful afternoon tea was provided, and the hamburgers (including meat!) gave our lads the energy to swing into Round 2 with gusto.
True to form of late, Round 2 saw the Villa lads play some of the best matches all season. Particular congratulations to our Intermediates, who continue to fight the good fight for premiership. It was a fantastic comeback across the board and Villanova ended the afternoon victorious in seven out of 10 divisions. Well done gents, you are to be congratulated on a sensational effort in play, and commended on the spirit you show for your Villanova Chess brothers!
Our training sessions have been well attended, and it is very important as the season is coming to a close for this to continue. There has been a marked improvement in many of the lad’s playing ability of late, and we are seeing more and more wins as the season is progressing! Special mention of Cooper Le, who plays in the Intermediate division, who came second in an Open Division External Tournament on the weekend. Well done Cooper!
Let’s keep this momentum going Team Villa as we face Iona on Friday.
Mrs Kath Underhill, Chess Coordinator
Cross-Country
The Running Wildcats completed their traditional last session of the Cross-Country season with the ‘Callum Davies Magic Session’ in preparation for the AIC Championships.
This year the session was conducted by Villanova Old Boy Ben Sciacca who was Captain of the team in his Senior year, 2021. Ben is a gifted runner who has continued to train and improve his performances through his university studies. He is studying in his final year of Biomedical Science with the aim to begin his medical studies next year.
Ben spoke to the Running Wildcats about the value of the positive start to his days that running provided. He also outlined the value he placed on the ability of the running training to help him maintain a ‘clear head’. Another positive he attributed to his running training was the discipline, especially important with his heavy schedule juggling the training with his studies. Ben also told the boys to enjoy the camaraderie of the Running Wildcats and the enjoyment he obtained from being a part of such a positive team. The squad left the session relishing the opportunity to see how good they had become at the AIC Cross-Country Championships.
A full summary of the 2024 AIC Championships on Wednesday 29 May will be available in next week’s Sports Bulletin.
Mr Brian Pascoe, Cross-Country Coordinator
Football Report
As I walked around Villa Park last Saturday, it was extremely pleasing to witness such a positive and infectious vibe amongst our junior Football teams for our Round 5 matches against Padua College. Adding to the occasion, was the importance of celebrating Reconciliation Round with our First XI team wearing a proudly designed Indigenous jersey.
The results overall from the weekend were a bit of a mixed bag, the final wash up in terms of results was seven wins, six draws and 17 losses. We had plenty of close matches on the weekend and it always shows the importance of playing out the entire duration of the match and staying completely focused. The game is made up of little moments that can change momentum of the match instantly, if we can turn the 50-50 challenges into our favour, I’m sure that we’ll see some more positive results on the scoreboard.
Our first XI team had a tough 5-1 loss against Padua. Although I’m sure the boys are disappointed with the outcome, I know that they’ll keep working hard at training and will be looking to put up a strong “team performance” this Saturday against Iona.
With only two games left in the football season, we ask all players to keep listening to your coaches at training and to finish the season strong. We face a very strong opponent this Saturday in Iona College, look at it as a great challenge “within the season” to really put your best foot forward and show that true Villanova spirit.
Our Year 5-8 Football teams playing at Villa Park this Saturday will have team photos. Please ensure you are wearing the correct playing uniform and to also check the “photo schedule” so that you arrive in time for your allocated team photo.
Good luck to all teams this weekend in your Round 6 matches.
Years 5-8 Football Junior Football Coordinator – Mrs Maria Mascadri, mmascadri@vnc.qld.edu.au
Years 9-Opens Football Football Coordinator – Mr Nathan Dufty, ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au
Mr Nathan Dufty, Football Coordinator
Rugby
First XV
After some late scheduling changes due to our Captain Jackson Connor being called into the Metropolitan East Rep side, we played Padua at their field in Kedron in front of weighted home crowd advantage. Whilst our preparation throughout the week was pleasing and the first 10 minutes showed enormous promise, costly defensive errors put us under enormous pressure and resulted in us losing confidence and ultimately momentum against a very classy and clinical Padua side.
Our set piece, particularly our scrum was one of the few pleasing aspects in what was a very disappointing performance which did not reflect our squad values. Daly Medal winner Will Gallagher showed plenty of courage of over the ball and Sam Binney was solid across the field. Edison Murnane, making his starting debut didn’t disappoint and was extremely solid in both attack and defence at inside centre. We need to search within ourselves ahead of what will he another tough opponent in Iona this weekend. Best wishes to the Seconds for their premiership match against Iona and congratulations to Christian Porreca for his selection in the Queensland 1 Schoolboys side after Metropolitan East won the State Championships featuring Christian, Jackson Connor and Harry Higgins.
Mr Matt Levander, First XV Assistant Coach
Round 6 this Saturday will be our biggest challenge across all grades as we prepare to take on heavy weights Iona College. Iona and Villa will clash in what will probably decide premierships for the following teams: 2nd XV, 10A, 10B, 10C, 9C, 8A and 8B. We have had the opportunity of playing them in a trial and many of our teams went away knowing what they need to do to raise the bar and compete with them. We are in a better position now and hopefully we can compete and get on top of Iona and give ourselves an opportunity to come out on top.
Following Round 1, where we only came away with six wins against Ashgrove, we have won each round against SLC, SPC, SEC and Padua and we have now put ourselves in a position to take out a few premierships and to boost our position on the table in all grades. There are so many positives to take out of where our sides are now positioned, and many thanks must go to our coaches for their efforts to pick and get them to this point. It will be a big challenge for our teams but a positive belief and getting on the front foot from the word go, as well as following game plans, can help us to finish off strongly on Saturday.
BYES in Round 7- this Saturday will mark the last round of rugby for the following teams as St. Peter’s do not have sides in the 9A, 8A and 7A divisions. These three teams will finish their season this Saturday against Iona College. St. Peter’s play their only year level teams in the B competition. It is a shame that the season is shortened, but all other Colleges have had a bye in these age groups.
I would encourage all players to stick around and give your support to all teams across Villa this Saturday. Please remember, that if you are not playing and coming out to support, you must be dressed in the Villanova academic uniform. There has been a number of boys, particularly in Year 7, who have shown up wearing any gear and hanging around next to the players on the sideline. This is not a good look and shows blatant disrespect for the College uniform and rules. We also need to address how we look on the field. There are so many boys with their jerseys out, socks down or wearing different coloured socks. The ONLY way we dress for rugby is pictured above. Please adhere to this dress code.
NO DOG policy. A reminder to families that Villanova Park is private property and a dog free zone. Please leave your dog at home.
Mr Chris Everding, Rugby Coordinator
Zone Cricket
Villanova will be entering teams into the Zone competition in term four this year and we would like to encourage ALL of our cricketers to think about playing for the College rather than other clubs. The boys in Year 6 to Open will be playing divisional cricket in the BEARS comp and we want to try and keep our A/B and C/D players together to develop their cricket and to get a core group of players to stay together to help improve and raise the standard of cricket at Villanova. We didn’t perform as well as we would have liked this year, and the success of AFL has begun depleting our cricket numbers. Villanova is hoping to get these boys back and to try and keep our AIC teams together for the Term 4 competition, so we can be better prepared for the 2025 cricket season. Please keep this in mind and have a chat to other families who might think of playing for another club.
Strength & Conditioning
Refer to the Locker Room Overview page for the Term 2 Training Schedule, which includes the S&C schedule. Students attending LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) sessions do not need to register prior to attending. Just arrive with your towel and water bottle.
Mr Marco Mastrorocco, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Speed & Agility Training – Year 5 – 8 students
Term 2 registrations are now closed. Information regarding the Term 3 programme will be available soon.
QSchools AFL – Senior
On Wednesday 22 May Villanova’s 1st XVIII AFL Team competed in the first round of the Queensland All Schools AFL at a Met East Gala Day playing against Mansfield SHS and Moreton Bay Boys College.
The team had several players unavailable due to illness, injury, and other sporting commitments. This presented the opportunity for the following players to debut for the Leaping Wildcat’s including:
- Nate Lobegeiger
- Dom Simionato
- Ollie Truloff
- Hayden Ballantyne
All boys had memorable debuts playing their roles as outlined by the coaches on the day allowing the Leaping Wildcat’s to play compete well in all four games played. Villanova remained undefeated and progress to the next round on July 10.
Many thanks to Jack Logan who despite injury assisted with coaching the team on the day.
Well done to Rhys Doman, Jackson Dalrymple and Oscar McCoola who were identified as Villa’s best players at the Gala Day.
Congratulations to Zac Joyce who was named by the AFLQ officials as MVP for the days play.
Villanova remained undefeated and progress to the next round on July 10.
External Achievements
Congratulations to Harry H, Jackson C and Christian P who represented Metropolitan East Rugby Union at the recent state championships in Toowoomba. The Met East team won the grand final 14-10. A very special mention for Christian P who was named in the Queensland Schoolboys Team. Christian will be attending the Australian Schools Rugby Championships on the Sunshine Coast in July. Well done boys!
Picture above: Harry H, Jackson C and Christian P.
Villa Sport – humble in victory, gracious in defeat.