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Villanova Old Boys

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25.01.2022 3:15 "All week it was the time we could throw off our school clothes and have a run around at training. On a Saturday as a kid, it was the time we sat on the sideline and watched the big boys in awe.... For me, it was watching Ash Reilly, a front rower, beat a winger in a kick chase at Villa Park to score. It was watching Brad Meyers hit a bloke so hard I swear I saw his spine shiver. It was going to my first 1st XV training during trials, running into Paul Maher and realising there are some pads you will never run through. It was trying to clear out Shaun Smith at training only to realise he would not move an inch. It was watching Mitch Doyle physically transform into Rhino when he realised just how easily he could run over people. It was racing Sam Jenkins around the school on butterfly runs in the pre-season. It was rehearsals of D1, D2 and other moves under the watchful eyes of Mr Zeitsch, Mr Carroll and JB. It was waking up on a Saturday with butterflies in my belly. It was arriving at Villa Park at midday for warm ups, strapping and the application of deep heat and battle armourments. It was the host of old Villa legends who'd walk through the door to pump us up in their own personal way. It was running onto the main oval through a tunnel of Villa crew that seemed to go on for half the length of the field. It was being too pumped to catch the first pass or make the first tackle until I could work out the pre-game routine that worked for me. It was fighting for the ball with your mates to gain a metre or two. It was screaming at your opposing back to let them know you had them covered. It was hit ups and offloads and little wins and missed opportunities. It was the time when a few grades of blokes came together to battle it out against the opposing team. It was either celebration or soul searching by the time we hit the sheds. It was the taste of a burger lovingly prepared by the parents next to the main oval. It was checking with the boys where we'd be for the night, win or lose. It was a soundtrack of hip hop along with a group of mates telling stories, laughing and recovering over a few. It was the weekly ritual we replayed and looked forward to. For me, that was 3:15 at home at Villa Park on a Saturday. It was the time I looked forward to all year. How bout you?" Chris Andersen (03) Photo Credit: Villanova College Photography

24.01.2022 One. Last. Time. #villanovacollege #brothersinarms #vincitveritas

24.01.2022 "On the first Saturday after Sean joined Villanova there was to be a working bee at the College. I thought I should do the right thing and get involved, having been involved in working bees at Seans previous school. I arrived at the appointed time, but found nobody. After walking around for a while I heard a noise and made my way to that area.... There I found a well built, bare chested man in a pair of stubbies, a pair of work boots and with a crowbar in hand, digging a hole. Good day I said extending my hand, Im Allan Conway. How ya going, Im Father Peter Wieneke was the response!!!" Allan Conway (Father of Sean Conway (1984) and Grand Father of Matthew Conway (2019) At Villa, we breed men.

23.01.2022 Supporting small business during COVID 19. IN VINO VERITAS IN WINE LIES THE TRUTH! Long term supporter and Villanova Old Boy Greg Cooley, Class of 78, now Halliday rated winemaker has the ALMA MATER covered if youre looking for Wine Isolation packs to see you through the storm! Greg is based in the Clare Valley wine region in South Australia - see https://gregcooleywines.com.au/villanova/ and call Greg on 0419 683 303 or Kelli on 0421 055 799 and send an email to [email protected] Vincit Veritas.

23.01.2022 Villa VS Lauries this weekend! Live Stream from Home. 1st XI Soccer at 1:30... 1st XV Rugby at 3:15 https://vimeo.com/event/233955 NO Old Boy Attendance at Villa Park Allowed.

23.01.2022 It is impossible to pass along Cleveland Road without noticing, beyond its junction with Logan Road, a handsome gentlemans residence, situated at the top of a hill with a carriage drive which at once suggests that the owner is a man of taste. The residence referred to is Langlands House, which is a substantial and well-finished residence replete with all the latest improvements, in a high state of repair, with a beautiful flower garden. The house, together with close on three acres of land forming the very best part of the estate, and occupying a position which could not be excelled, will also be sold, thus affording a splendid opportunity to any gentleman who wishes to secure a superior residence on liberal terms at a cheap figure." Daily Telegraph, 30 January 1886

22.01.2022 Please note that the Deceased Villanovans Mass will be livestreamed at 10am this Sunday on the below link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyG3A5asjsU

22.01.2022 "John Ribot has been a close friend and a mentor to me over the last few years. He is the man who created the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm clubs. His biggest advice is to simply bring in good people with strong values & good things will happen. We are blessed at Villa with great facilities and resources in technology/new buildings/Villa Park. But the best resource we have that makes Villa special is the people, the teachers. I had so many teachers through my schooling... years go above and beyond to help develop me as a person. Im lucky theyre still my mates and we still get to catch up. From my time at Villa I definitely see where Ribot is coming from. Good people make good young men - it's pretty simple" Christian Welch (2011)

22.01.2022 Get behind Benny Mowen and the Tigers in their Grand Final at Ballymore today from 3:30pm or at https://youtu.be/eIqSinnTk_o

21.01.2022 #Villaparkmemories "In the 1960s Father Gerry Dullard would organise working bees at Villanova Park and Dad was a keen volunteer with a group of other Villa parents. These working bees achieved great progress at the park and the volunteers became good friends of Father Dullard and the Augustinians. The part time groundsman had to leave in the late 60s and Father Gerry was looking for a full time groundsman living on site. He knew Ray had the skills from what he had observed a...Continue reading

21.01.2022 I have many memories of Villanova Park as my dad was Rex Rogers and he spent countless days developing all the yearly needs and developments of the park and the pitch as well as giving tips to up and coming players. He loved nothing more than sharing his knowledge. I remember countless weekends watching my Dad doing the hard slog with lots of other enthusiastic parents. I remember vividly the construction of the change sheds and toilets, all the construction and soil removal.... Gerry Dillard was a good mate to us all. He had the greatest respect from all but he was also one of strongest and toughest men I knew. I always thought that if we had gotten half the weekend work done at our home at Coorparoo we would have had the best place on the street. I still drive past Villa Park regularly. I lived at Manly for 25 years, and every time I drove past it always got my mind working on old memories. We were a family of 4 boys and a girl. All 4 of the boys went to Villanova and all remembered a lot of Park. Unfortunately, I am the last remaining member of the family but it is so good to read these stories and the Thomas' and Father Gerry Dillard as they were all a part of my upbringing and wonderful memories. Ross Rogers (1971) Photo Credit Villanova College Photography

20.01.2022 A big round of AIC sport for the green and gold with all First teams recording great wins: Open Chess (14-2), First XI Football (3-2), First XV Rugby (19-7). Fo...r a full wrap-up of AIC First XV action, check out Andrew Dawsons report in the Courier-Mail [subscribe for $1/week (for first 12 weeks)]. https://www.couriermail.com.au//12d73ae0062e5d129a1190193e A special shout out to our Year 5 football and rugby players who ran on at Villa Park for the very first time on Saturday. Photo credit: Tony Rolls

20.01.2022 "At The 2011 AIC athletics carnival, the Villanova community witnessed one of the greatest 9 minutes of running of all time. Aristo Zenonos was scheduled to compete in the open 3km event. It was a cold spring day, the first event of the morning and all the competitors waited on the start line for the gun. The entire 9 mins, Aristo and the Lauries Boy were neck and neck with Aristo leading for much of the race. The grandstand overlooking the track was packed with green and gol...d. Coming into the last lap, we could see Aristo was spent, giving it his all. The Lauries runner overtook him and started pulling away. 2.9kms run thus far and it was looking like the race was set and done, and as the crowd roared, Aristo dug deep in front of the Villa faithful. On nothing but fumes, Aristo found another gear, pipping the Lauries competitor on the finish line, and setting a new AIC record in the process." Xavier Vasta (2012) Aristo Zenonos (2011)

18.01.2022 The AFAS Elders are looking to raise $2500 to purchase a Steriliser for the maternity clinic in Kinatarkan, the Philippines to support the only medical facilities on the island. If you can assist in any way please contact Tony Hindmarsh on [email protected] Or alternatively donations may be deposited into the following account: ... AFAS BSB 084-004 Account 276167450 When making the deposit, please put AFAS Elders in the description Steriliser and your Name. Thanks very much for your help.

18.01.2022 You may have seen that Andrew Slack was named in the top 10 best ever Reds players in the Courier Mail last week. This snippet tells the story. Our oval at Villa Park bears his name. I remember growing up seeing his jersey in Villa Hall. I always wanted an opportunity to meet him. Because I asked John Godwin for help, I was able to meet Andrew and we had a chat for about 45 minutes about his life. During that time, I realised how lucky we are to be Villanovans. I also realise...d that, on a global stage, we, as Aussies, are humble, funny, relaxed people. It made me proud to have a leader in our community like Andrew Slack. I needed a location for the interview and Bernard Canavan, another Villa Old Boy, helped out by letting us use his boardroom. It truly was a team effort that made it all happen. You can find the full interview at the link in the comments. Do you have any other stories youd like to share of mates helping mates? Please let us know via a message or at [email protected]

18.01.2022 Dear Villa Old Boys Community, I hope this message finds you well and you and your family are all in good health. My name is Chris Andersen and I graduated in 2003. I became the President of Villanova Old Boys Association just before COVID hit and rained on our parade. This year was meant to be a big year of change for the Old Boys after some fantastic work done by former presidents, Harrison Adams and John Walsh, and the entire committee in previous years. Unfortunately, the...Continue reading

17.01.2022 "My first memory of going to Villa Park is as a new wife of a teacher and new to Brisbane is how far out it seem to be to get to a football field. Creek Road was just two lanes with just a few houses and the bus depot. The next memory is of being welcomed by a very superstitious Irish 1st Fifteen coach by the name of Fr Ted Scannell who thought our 8 month baby daughter Nicole was a good luck charm. It seemed that when we arrived the team seemed to play better and most times... went on to win. I'm not sure but I think they may have won the Premiership. I think the team included the likes of Glen Thomas and Tommy Lyons. The year would have been 1971 so you had better check this info. (Can anyone confirm?) Other memories include the many games I nervously watched on No 2 Oval now Charlie Fisher Oval of the Under 15 Teams my late husband Charlie coached with some success. I'm not sure how many Premierships. My girl's loved going to Villa Park to catch up with friends like the Quinn girls and Libby Mullins. While I sat up on the hill with Faye and Ray Thomas and Linda Quinn watching the 1st 15 games the girls could wander around or just roll down the hill in front of us having a great time. I remember the many friends and families I meet at the Park some of who are still friends. The group of us that banded together to build the cover that now houses the Bar-B-Que area was a lot of fun. Our daughter Nicole had her wedding reception there before it was burnt down. The greatest memory is of Charlie and I watching our grandson James play for the 1st 15 on the Andrew Slack Oval. Villa Park will always be special to me and my family as that is where we scattered Charlie's ashes and the school put a memorial to him and other past students and staff along the boundary of his oval." Marg Fisher

17.01.2022 Villa Park Today

17.01.2022 The Villanova Old Boys Association would like to extend their condolences to the families of these past Villanova parents who died recently: Bernie Cochran, dad to Greg (dec. 1987), Tim (1988) and Damien (1992). John McCafferty, dad to Mark (1974), Greg (1984) and Sean (1989)... Hegal Joseph (2018) also passed away last Wed 19th Aug. His brother, Frank Joseph, graduated in 2014. Please consider these families in your prayers. Thanks to Father Peter Wieneke for the update.

17.01.2022 College marketing on point!!

16.01.2022 A fantastic morning of competition at the AIC Cross Country Championships at Sandgate has seen Villanova claim multiple AIC titles. Our Junior School runners co...mbined to win the Years 5 and 6 Aggregate Championship in a tie with Marist College Ashgrove. In their first outing in the green and gold, our Year 5 athletes announced their arrival as serious contenders, taking out the AIC Age Champion Trophy. Also on the winners podium was our 12 Years team, who tied with St Edmunds as Age Champions. Lots of heart shown also by our Year 6 team (fifth) and our 13 Years team (sixth). Special congratulations to Liam Holmes (third individually in Year 5). More racing to follow this afternoon for our 14 Years to Opens. Pics and report to come.

16.01.2022 "Villa Park will forever hold a special place in my heart. My first association with Villa Park commenced in 1991, as a schoolboy rugby player from St. Laurences College. I fondly remember the camaraderie and spirit of the Villa boys, staff and parents. Not knowing them at the time, I was always fascinated by a few Villa staff who enthused passion and pride. These staff became known to me some time later as Sean Quinn, Charlie Fisher and Paul Schiavo! Most notably, was the ...1st XV season of 1995. Although SLC won the TAS premiership in that year, Villa displayed enormous courage in both games against SLC and recorded at formidable 12-8 win against Marist College Ashgrove at Villa Park. The Villa coaching ranks of this era included Adrian Thompson, Matt Taylor and John Bremner Villa rugby was in great hands! Returning as a staff member to Villa in 2008, my passion for Villa Park developed. Coaching cricket and rugby, I was fortunate to spend many days alongside students, parents and friends cheering on the boys in the green and gold. On one cool May morning in 2008, I headed to the Cor Unum canteen for a warm meal. To my surprise, I was served by Fr Michael Morahan osa and I sampled one of his famous pasta dishes! Fr Mike was servant leadership in action, and upon viewing this, I knew that I was home. More recently, I oversaw the development and construction of the new grandstand after the devastating destruction of the Cor Unum Centre. This project reaffirmed my passion for this special place and what it represents. It is a place of community, love and truth. I wish all the students playing Round 1 in Chess, Rugby and Football all the best against St. Laurences College this weekend." Steve Bremner - Villanova College Deputy Principal Please note that, unfortunately, no Old Boys are permitted to attend Villa Park for Rugby and Soccer. Even coaches need to leave immediately after their game. Instead, all 1st XI and 1st XV games are available to be live streamed at the below link at 1:30 and 3:15 respectively. https://vimeo.com/event/233955 Enjoy!

16.01.2022 On behalf of all Old Boys we thank and recognise those who have served our Country. Old Boy Terry Hendle was killed in action whilst serving in the 6th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam in 1966. This is a story about his ANZAC biscuit tin. https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/terrys-biscuits

15.01.2022 Great to see Villa Old Boy, Tim Franklin (2000), have his efforts rewarded in the Courier Mail yesterday, as below. "Talk about Saturday night fever. Imagine on a warm Brisbane autumn afternoon entering an eight story building fire escape and running 35,000 stairs over six hours and one minute? This is not a description of Superman, rather an insight into the life of new Brisbane Girls Grammar School cross country and middle distance coach Tim Franklin....Continue reading

15.01.2022 The class of 2020 CAN SING! Final sing-alongs after their graduation tonight. Welcome to the Old Boys.

14.01.2022 I just received this footage from Chris Gimpel who is at Brookvale Oval watching the Reds play 20 years after he played against Augie's there in 2000. Aussie rugby legend, Andrew Slack, was also named in the Reds Top 10 of all time today in the Courier Mail today, as per below link. Up the mighty Reds!!!

13.01.2022 Football vs Rugby, an age old battle. The First XI have set the bar high with the passing challenge. Hopefully we will see the boys in the Green and Gold playing sport again before too long. Carn the Cats! Vincit Veritas.

11.01.2022 I've had a few mates pass from my year (2003) and I expect it's been similar for you. With your help, we'll do a better job of regularly mentioning these deceased old boys here on a regular basis. "Richard Sayce (63') passed away on Friday 4th September after an 18 month battle with a Brain Tumour. Richard was much loved by his wife, Glenda, his two daughters, Elizabeth & Margaret, Brother - Bill (64'), Sister - Mary, son-in-laws Darren Richards (88') & Gavin Crooks and gran...dchildren Mackenzie Richards, Riley Richards (grade 10), Lilli Richards and Thomas Crooks." Please also keep the families of two 1955 classmates in your prayers - Terry McGlone and Paul Smeaton. Just a reminder, the Deceased Villanovans Mass is on this Sunday with the link provided in a previous post.

11.01.2022 We've had a few requests recently for change of address and contact information and we're looking to improve our communication moving forward, so any updates would be much appreciated. Please use the below link to update your information. Thank you. https://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/our-communi/update-your-details/

10.01.2022 Our Alma Mater circa 1955. Tolentine in all it’s glory with City Hall in the background. Photo via Lost Brisbane

10.01.2022 Little project with Susie Lawson coming soon courtesy of Shaun Smith (2001) at Grizzly Bear Media

10.01.2022 "Villa Park. There is something spiritual and earthy about Villa Park. My first memories are climbing on top of the green tin thunderboxes to watch the footy. The smell of the boxes will stay with me forever.... I remember riding in the back of the old tractor smoking my lolly fags and Ray Thomas driving the tractor smoking his Ruby Reds. I always ate mine - sometimes you could find one of Ray's Ruby Red butts in the wicket. I also remember the selfless work of Ray and Faye and their family looking after all things Villa Park. A huge task for one person with very limited resources. His sons Glen 69, Mark 73, and Shane 79 (three of Villa' s greatest backs) helping Ray to move the big heavy metal sprinklers over the 20 acres. I remember beautiful Faye always being so welcoming to the many visitors. I remember 1XI cricket lunches on their back lawn at the park. I loved sitting under the big pine tree, the working bees to plant trees, paint benches, build shelters and prepare the cross country tracks with many past and present parents, teachers, mates and Augustinians. I value the many hours of dedication given by Terry McPartland, Clyde, their families and team of groundsmen. Above all - I cherish, the laughs, the cheers, the celebrations and the friendships forged at Villa Park. It is a place of passion, gathering and love for all things real and natural. Many have many more memories - Ross Stiles, Peter Lyons, Marg Fisher, Sean Quinn, Graham Prange, Michael and Andrew Slack, Perrier Clan, Mick and Peter Mullins, Peter Cooper, Peter Lucas, Pete Wieneke, Gerry Dullard, Damien Carter, Mark Stokes, Jon Winsbury, Mick Twaddell, Jeremy Merridith, Steve Bremner, Damien Beeston and others - please add your memories." John Godwin (1986) Teacher 91 - 98 & 02 - 07 Amazing Photo courtesy of Villanova College Photography

09.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/380003382031250/posts/3137314686300092/

09.01.2022 Just in case you were wondering if the boys are excited about sport returning.. :)

08.01.2022 What a day for the green and gold! Our 12 Years to Open teams gave it their all at the AIC Cross Country Championships today finishing in second position by a s...olitary point - Villas best result in years. Look out 2021 - were coming for you. Afternoon session results: Overall Aggregate (12 Years to Opens) 15 Years 16 Years Opens - 4th 14 Years - 5th 13 Years - 6th Mitchell R - 15 Years Jaxon PW - Opens Huge congratulations to all our athletes. #villanovacollege #runningwildcats

06.01.2022 At the start of 2020 we had so much in store for the Villanova Old Boys calendar but COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works which has left us wondering how we can adapt. Last week, we, as a committee, decided we needed to focus our efforts more online this year with a few more stories that highlight the strength of the Villanova Community. We also plan to run a survey in 2020 so we know exactly what you want from us so we can adapt to suit. It's the first time we've run a surv...ey in 20 years so it will be exciting to see how expectations have changed. More on that later. In the meantime, please follow us at @villaoldboys on Instagram and we'll aim to start producing some great content like our 1st VI did yesterday!!

06.01.2022 We received a question from a 1991 graduate this week wondering if there is a Facebook group to connect 1991 graduates. Can anyone please let us know who would be the right contact for this request or send us a link to the page via message? Also, if you run a Facebook group, or similar online or offline group for your year level, can you please comment with your graduation year below or tag the right person for your grade?

05.01.2022 "I was there at the start. It was a great occasion for us when we got our own home grounds. Prior to that we had Little Langlands, Bottomley, Thompson's Estate. Kianawah Park etc. Finally we were going to have a home. I remember the working bees to erect fencing, building the very first changing sheds with my dad, Gerry Dullard and others. They were little better than garden sheds, had no water and bare concrete floors but the Villa family built them. There was always a barbe...cue and numerous beers to celebrate our achievements. We also spread many thousands of tons of crumbed tyre rubber that we would pick up at a tyre retreading place in South Brisbane (Gerry would have a better idea of where that was). We used to go in Dad's truck or other vehicles Gerry could scrounge from the community. It was a Friday afternoon detention event. The wonderful Thomas family was always a fixture. Glen was in my brother Geoff's class and they were a fantastic junior football team. My dad Les, Mick Lyons and Mick Gillespie were the scourge of referees at Villa Park. Many a ref refused to officiate if they were on the sideline, including Harry Davis, a Villa teacher who was my mum's cousin. I shed copious amounts of blood on Villa Park. I think I got a bloody nose in most games I played there. I always seemed to have my head in the wrong place at the wrong time. We fought some glorious battles there, generally against Lauries! I also have some fantastic cricket memories, particularly the 1966 2nd grade premiership team I played in. I still have lunch every few months with Villa class mates, some of whom shared that honour. Over 50 years ago and the exploits grow with the years! Then going back there with my son Phillip when he was at Villa. More working bees, more barbecues, more beers, same community and same family environment! I've seen my brothers, cousins, nephews, cousins' sons and many of my closest friends through Villa and soon my grandson will be there, no doubt running around on the wonderful Villa Park." Ross Stiles (66)

03.01.2022 Just in case you missed this story of a heroic Villa Old Boy from the Courier Mail yesterday, here's a quick intro. Full story in the QWeeekend section of the Courier Mail (23/5). "Brodie Ellis was at deaths door, unknown and unconscious in a Hanoi hospital, when an online post led to a recovery thats testament to his indomitable spirit, devoted family and medical innovation Does anyone know this person? A caption beside a passport photo and posted on Facebook by someone ...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Congratulations to Old Boy Michael Zullo (2005) on an amazing week. A fantastic A-League grand final victory with his Sydney FC team against Melbourne City on the weekend was overshadowed earlier in the week by the birth of twins Sam and Anthony. Congratulations Michael! #villanovacollege

01.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/380003382031250/posts/3728024140562474/

01.01.2022 Villa Cafes & Restaurants tell us where you are so we can support your business!