Footy Takes Root in Columbus, Ohio
July 15, 2008 by Chet Ridenour and John Fisher

Columbus, Ohio – Hundreds of emails, a city canvassed by fliers, Craigslist posts, Myspace bulletins, Facebook notes, rugby website announcements, countless phone calls, pleas to athletic friends, searches for local Australians, help requested from Nationals, six weeks of training, and dozens of post-practice beers have led to one dream becoming a reality; the Columbus Australian Rules Football Club.

Australian Rules Football, or “Footy” for short, is a hybrid mix of many sports that Americans have already grown up playing and watching. It incorporates the punting, blocking and tackling aspects from American Football; the kicking, passing and game play of soccer; the jump balls, boxing out and pick setting of basketball; the ball movement and toughness of rugby; along with some ultimate frisbee play and strategy. P_layer_s get the chance to be part of a team that will compete on a national scale, representing their hometown, against conference teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville & Milwaukee. Each October, they will vie for a National Championship against teams from across the country, including L.A., Boston, Louisiana, Florida, Atlanta and Denver. Games are competitive contests, as p_layer_s fight hard, more so than say your average adult coed sports league.

The social side of the sport is an integral part to the game as well, as p_layer_s will often bond over a drink at their local sponsoring pub after practice. On game day nights, the host team throws a social function, as opponents who battled on the field now share drinks together as friends. Club social members, supporters and friends alike come together as good times follow, and memorable moments unfold.

From meager beginnings the team has come a long way in a short time. Two Cincinnati Dockers p_layer_s began kicking around in Columbus, which led to recruiting interested in friends and four guys at their first practice. Practice attendance has jumped regularly to 10-15 p_layer_s, which as allowed them to have weekly scrimmages. They’ve even scheduled upcoming games against both Cincinnati and Louisville.

Even with the encouraging start, the team is far from standing firm on their own feet. They’re looking to get recognized by Nationals, and the Mid-America Australian Football League. The squad is seeking local Australians who might assist in supporting, participating or coaching the club, and they are still recruiting athletic p_layer_s. Ohio State students John Fisher and Rob Ward are trying to establish a club team with the university, that will hopefully become a separate team one day. Their website, www.columbusfooty.com, should be up and online soon as another recruitment tool. They are looking for sponsorship to help them become the first team ever to form and attend Nationals, this October in Colorado, in the same year.

The team is still searching for an identity in a team name, logo and design. An ideal name would reflect the foreign, exotic & toughness aspects of the sport. Names with a hard ‘C’ or ‘K’ to flow with Columbus, like the Crush, Convicts, Craze, Cougars and Cannibals are being considered along with others like the Jackelopes, Ruckmen, Ballers & Explorers.

Their work is far from over. Hundreds of more emails need written, phone calls need made, online petitions need posted, fliers need hung and sponsors need solicited if they are to realize another dream. “My goal is to bring a National Championship back to Columbus,” says Chet Ridenour. An ambitious goal, Chet refers to his father’s words of wisdom, “My dad would tell us kids nothing is impossible. He gave us Buzz Lightyear toys when were in high school to nail home Buzz’s saying, ‘To infinity… and Beyond.’ He’d say, ‘Your Grandpa Tom always said most men never dream big enough.’ ”

Noting the support he's already received, Chet adds, “I’ve come to realize that nothing great is ever accomplished without the help of others.” Maybe we can all find some way to help these boys make their dream a reality. If you have any name suggestions, are an interested p_layer_ or sponsor, or just want participate in the club, email Chet Ridenour at columbusfooty@gmail.com, you could become part of a team with something to celebrate come October.