Sports Bulletin 10, 20 July 2023

Week 1 was certainly a busy one for Villanova Sport with selection trials, training sessions and pre-season games in Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.

Tomorrow we will present our Trimester 3 Sport Captains at our College Assembly. I congratulate the young men appointed to lead their respective communities in Term 3 and wish them every success both on and off the field or court of play.

Trimester 3 Sport Captains:

• Basketball – Mason Honeyman
• Rugby League – Cameron Bukowksi
• Tennis – Adam Zanatta

Round 1 versus Marist College Ashgrove commences with Year 5 and 6 Basketball on Friday afternoon 21 July.
The remainder of fixtures will be played on Saturday 22 July.

Families are reminded to access all Sport information via the Villanova College website and the Villanova College App. The Locker Room tab provides updated information regarding training schedules and current AIC/trial draws.

The AIC Draw 2023 can also be accessed here. A note that in some cases, draws may not match the AIC draw.
Families are encouraged to always check The Locker Room for accurate draws.
Weekly Team Lists will be posted regularly to the Parent Lounge and Student Cafe Portals.

Saturday 22 July – Villanova Carnival | 4-10pm | Villanova College

Please see below the Term 3 training schedule for Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis.
This schedule has been updated so please check this document carefully.

Term 3 Training Schedule

It was a great opportunity for our AIC Basketball teams to hone their skills ahead of Round 1 of AIC beginning this Saturday. Our teams posted some great results and the level of play was fierce, even when our opposition was a fellow Villanova team!

Ahead of Round 1 this Saturday, can I please remind families to check the AIC fixture carefully for match information. It was the case on the weekend where students who turned up late were not permitted to be added to the scoresheet and therefore not able to play.

A final reminder of the AIC Basketball uniform (below). No variation will be accepted.

• Basketball singlet (collected from the uniform shop)
• Basketball shorts or HPE shorts
• Black College training socks

Mr Todd Kropp, Basketball Coordinator

It’s an exciting time of the year as we gear up for another season of AIC Rugby League. Over the weekend, our boys took part in a trial round against St Laurence’s College and Padua College. We witnessed some solid results and performances that have us feeling confident as we head into Round 1 this weekend.

Our 1st XIII showed potential and resilience throughout the trials, demonstrating that they have what it takes to be competitive this season. In their first game against Padua College, despite going down by 12 points, our boys showcased their determination and fought hard until the final whistle. The experience gained from the recent Confraternity Carnival and this match will undoubtedly fuel their drive for success moving forward. In the second game, they left nothing on the field and secured an impressive win against St Laurence’s College, which boosted their confidence ahead of the upcoming season.

One of the highlights of the trial weekend was the return of several players from injury from the rugby union and football season across many year levels. Having these boys back strengthens our teams and adds depth to our squads. It’s always encouraging to see players overcome setbacks and come back stronger. Additionally, our 1stXIII squad were thrilled to have Cameron Bukowski back with us after representing Queensland. His leadership, experience and skill will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the team’s performance.

Looking ahead, this weekend for Round 1 marks the beginning of our AIC season, and we are set to face Marist Ashgrove. This will be an exciting challenge, and we are confident that our boys are well-prepared and ready to showcase their talent on the field. As the season progresses, it’s important to note that players across all year levels will be rostered for a bye each week. This system ensures that all players get fair opportunities and allows them to contribute effectively throughout the season.

Furthermore, we kindly remind all parents that the players’ tent during game time is strictly reserved for the players and coaching staff. While we understand the enthusiasm and support from parents, it is essential to maintain a focused environment for the players. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

As we embark on Round 1, we wish our boys the best of luck. Remember to go hard, play within the spirit of the game and as always, chase the win.

Mr Blake McLauchlan, Rugby League Coordinator

It was a great turn out on a cool winter’s morning at Morningside Tennis Centre for the commencement of the Tennis season on Saturday. SPLC were our opposition in what was to be our final round of trials and last opportunity for the boys to show their skills before the proper season commences this week. It was most pleasing to see many new players attending who did not play last year, especially across the junior age group who had never played before, illustrating that there is always time to become involved, support the College, have fun, and learn new skills.

Competition for places in teams was particularly fierce in the younger grades; thank you to all the boys who trained and trialled. Unfortunately, not all players can make the team with limited number of places available. I strongly encourage all players who have not been successful in making Round 1 teams to stay in contact with their team managers; we would like to see boys be available for selection throughout season and for weeks when there are absences.

The results of the trial matches were pleasing as were the overall individual performances of each team. While we did not record final scores for all teams across the day, I took great satisfaction in knowing that each player showed their competitiveness and flexibility as we worked through our final selections with teams changing through each set.

Parents – The uniform for players consists of the Villanova squad shirt, green Physical Education shorts, team socks (PE socks) and the Villanova sports cap. All of these are available for purchase at the Uniform Shop. Can I please use this as a final reminder that all boys will need to be in full tennis uniform for Round 1 this Saturday. The weekly draw will be posted in the “Locker Room” section of the website, please make sure that you double check the venue and starting times weekly, as these may change throughout the season depending on the opposition.

Thank you to all parents and boys who have contributed already to what will be an enjoyable and hopefully a very successful Villanova Tennis season ahead.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Tennis Coordinator

The AIC Track & Field Season Schedule is now available here and on the website Locker Room and Track & Field pages.

Training will commence according to the schedule below from Monday 31 July. Middle distance runners will train at Little Langlands on Monday and Wednesday mornings and all other disciplines will train at Villanova Park on either Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday afternoons. Boys training in the afternoons, will be bussed to Villa Park after school and a bus will be provided to bring them back to the College, arriving at Villa at approximately 5.45pm. Parents can pick up their sons at Villanova Park at the conclusion of training. If they are not collected by 5.10pm they will be put on the return bus back to the College.

Sprints/ hurdles
When – Wednesday and Thursday afternoons
Where – Villanova Park
Time –            Bus departs Villanova at 3.10pm and returns at 5.45pm

Throws (Javelin, shot and discus)
When – Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
Where – Villanova Park
Time – Bus departs Villanova at 3.10pm and returns at 5.45pm

Jumps (high jump, long jump and triple jump)
When – Wednesday and Thursday afternoons
Where – Villanova Park
Time – Bus departs Villanova at 3.10pm and returns at 5.45pm

Middle distance
When- Monday and Wednesday mornings 6.45 – 8.00 am.
Where- Please meet in front of Goold Hall at 6.45am. Coaches – Mr. Brian Pascoe and Miss Amy Roberts
Time- 6.45am

We do understand that many of our athletes will have other co-curricular commitments including AIC Rugby League, AIC Tennis or AIC Basketball. The Sports Office at Villanova College is keen to negotiate an individual training schedule with these students for them to participate and represent the College in Track and Field. This is important to our program as it ensures our best athletes are representing Villanova on the day of the Championships.

AIC TRACK & FIELD TRAINING DATES & VENUES – 2023

Mr Chris Everding, Track & Field Coordinator

Lytton District (U10-12) Track & Field
Athletes competing at the Lytton District Track and Field Carnival at UQ next Monday and Tuesday have been given the relevant paperwork. Can all parents ensure their son’s check in with Mr Everding on arrival at UQ and check out when departing the venue. They only need to be at the venue for their events and some may only compete on one day depending on when their field event is on and whether or not they make finals. Please contact Mr Everding in the Sports Office if you have any questions regarding the carnival or competing uniform.

Composite District Track & Field
Paperwork for the Met East Track & Field Carnival is now available from the Sports Office. Interested students can collect information during break times.

A reminder to all parents that due to Health and Safety requirements, all AIC Sporting venues are dog free venues including Villa Park.
Please do not bring your dog/s.

Speed dominance: Mastering Mechanics for Athletic Performance:
In the world of sports, speed is often a differentiating factor that can make or break an athlete’s performance. Whether it’s sprinting down a track, darting past opponents on a soccer field, or making lightning-quick cuts on a basketball court, mastering the mechanics of acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction is of paramount importance. In this blog, we’ll delve into the significance of working on these mechanics and how they contribute to overall speed development in both individual and team sports. Let’s check each of these components to better understand them.

Acceleration: The Building Block of Speed:
Acceleration is the ability to reach high speeds in a short amount of time. Generating force against the ground, will enable athletes to accelerate faster and gain a competitive edge. The key factors are ankle stiffness, explosive leg drive, proper body positioning, piston action driven by the hips and strong core and arm action.

Deceleration: Controlled Braking for Agility:
While acceleration is essential, deceleration plays a crucial role in an athlete’s ability to change direction effectively. Deceleration allows for controlled braking, ensuring athletes can stop quickly and efficiently. This skill is particularly important in sports that require frequent changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball, and tennis. Developing strong deceleration mechanics, including proper body lean, balance, and efficient footwork, enables athletes to maintain control, reduce the risk of injury, and set themselves up for quicker reacceleration.

Change of Direction: The Agility Advantage:
Change of direction is the ability to shift one’s movement pattern rapidly and effectively. It involves a combination of deceleration, quick body rotations, and efficient footwork. Athletes with good change of direction skills, visual scanning, and perception, can outmanoeuvre opponents, create separation, and gain a strategic advantage.

Finally, it is important to know that resistance training and work ethic are the backbone of all the above skills. More strength correlates to more force being produced. By committing to regular practice, athletes can reinforce proper technique, and enhance neuromuscular coordination. Consistency breeds improvement and allows athletes to build a solid foundation of speed mechanics that can be applied under high-pressure game situations. So, make training a priority, stay disciplined, and enjoy the fruit of your consistent work.

For the Term 3 schedule and sign on links, please visit The Locker Room.

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, S&C Coordinator

Zone Cricket registrations will become available next week. Some clubs will begin their registration process soon, but we encourage our students to sign on for Villanova and play with their friends. There are different levels available for players who wish to challenge their cricket skills and ideally, we would like to keep our term one teams together to prepare for AIC next year.

As Villanova is a club in the local competition, parents are needed to be delegates. Over the last eight years we have been fortunate enough to have had Ross Whitby, Jeff Ilka and Phil Horton run all aspects of club cricket, from representative selections to registrations and logistics. The journey through Villanova for three gentlemen has now concluded and we need parents to take on the delegates role to secure Villanova’s future in the district associations.  If you would be keen to take on a role and help run the Zone competition, could you please contact Mr Nathan Dufty in the Sports Office.

Our Term 4 Zone Cricket program includes.

• Morning training sessions based at Little Langlands nets which is convenient for parent drop off.
• A professional skill based weekly “coaching program” for all players.
• Opportunity for “higher divisions” to play weekly matches on turf.
• Fun end of season cricket presentation day at Villa Park.
• A chance to meet new mates whilst having plenty of fun.