John Harrell Memorial Cup
April 28th, 2012
The Jackaroos packed up and marched down to the home of horse racing for a big day of Midwest footy. After a cold morning drive, players were greeted with a hot and sunny Kentucky afternoon. The Jacks were set to take the field against the Chicago Swans, with the winner set to match up the winner between the Nashville Kangaroos and the Ohio Valley River Rats.
Five first year guys suited up with the returning veterans in the red white blue white red jerseys for their first USAFL game. After lining up, shaking hands, and getting a fiery speech from Coach John Fisher, the Jacks leapt to an impressive lead against the perennial MAAFL monster. It wasn't long before the older and more experienced Swans regained their composure against this strong, youthful team and by halftime the score was within 2 points.
Half-time score: Cbus 7.5.47 v. Chi-town 7.3.45
While the new guys were getting in a healthy amount of reps, best on ground attention grabbers David Wilson, Rob Ward, and Chet Ridenour really stepped up, bloodthirsty and demanding their first victory against the Swans in the team's short five year history. A lead change in the 4th quarter set the Swans squawking in celebration, but a big goal from Ward put the Jacks back on top for good and sent Cbus to the finals for a short two quarter shot at the cup against the Kangaroos.
Final score: Cbus 12.12.84 v. Chi-town 12.7.79
The long, grueling game had both teams sucking wind hard on the sidelines as they took a rest & absorbed the insightful monologues from their coaches. A short hour later the teams happily parted ways, it was championship time!
The Kangaroos hopped aggressively at the first bounce, but the Jacks held firm and took a 1 point lead into the half, Jacks 3.1.19 v. Roos 2.6.18. In the end, the blokes from Tennessee proved to be too much. The exhausted Jacks weren't able to keep up, and the trophy would return south for another year.
Final score: Jacks 3.2.20 v. Roos 8.8.56
At a press conference after the game, Coach Fisher shared these insightful words with everyone.
"It feels fantastic to get the monkey off our back and beat Chicago. Chicago showed absolutely no quit and continually battled back and answered every run we made on them. I couldn't have been more proud of the guts our guys showed in the fourth quarter holding off Chicago's late rally. A couple of our new guys really had great performances. Shawn set the tone early in the game with Oscar (an Aussie who has given us fits in the past) by going up and spoiling a tough contest. Mark had some great marks in the forward line and did a nice job rucking as well. Will (forever to be known now as Bruce Wayne or Batman) was extremely physical in the ruck and really put some hard hits on guys. Overall, the tournament was a great start to the season and something we can build upon."
Best on Ground: Rob Ward, Chet Ridenour, David Wilson, Andrew Jordan, and Alex Sleeper
Best Newcomer: Mark McClure
New Model Cannons Fodder for Jacks
April 7th, 2012
Fresh off the assembly line, the Cleveland Cannons, in their first ever footy match, trundled down I-71 to tackle the Columbus Jackaroos in the opening game of the 2012 USAFL season. The Cannons brought down a team teeming with athleticism and enthusiasm, but they were up against a tall order in the skillful Jackaroos side. Columbus was looking to make amends for a disappointing end to 2011, where the side languished at the bottom of the Division Three standings at the USAFL National Championships. A healthy crowd of about 30 people watched the Cannons win the toss and kick with a slight breeze towards the Olentangy River end. Unfortunately, it was to be a long first half for the newcomers from Cleveland...
The Jackaroos welcomed the Cannons to big time footy with ferocious tackling, hard running and outstanding communication. Midfielders David Wilson, Clyde Simpson and new ruckman Will Dudley were particularly savage in their attacks early. For the first quarter, it seemed like the game was played entirely in the Jackaroos attacking zone. High marking forward Rob Ward was on song early and Columbus opened up a sizeable lead at quarter time.
Quarter Time Score: Columbus 10.4 (64) vs Cleveland 0.0 (0)
The Cannons were beseeched to man up by coach Troy Mounts at quarter time. Early results were hopeful for the Cannons, as they managed to labor the ball forward for their first score, a behind kicked by AJ Olding. But the Jackaroos defense was stout, with champion defenders Chet Ridenour and Evan Gardiner clamping down on their opponents and rebounding the ball with ease. With Alan Gardner busy up forward and coach John Fisher and Alex Sleeper heavily involved through the wings, the scoreboard was unsympathetic to Cleveland at the half.
Half Time Score: Columbus 16.9 (105) vs Cleveland 0.1 (1)
All looked lost for the abecedarian Cannons at half time. But they came out to start the third quarter with renewed vim and a different strategy. Joe Karas tagged Columbus ball-winner David Wilson, Ross Vellacott switched back into a defensive role and AJ Olding swung forward. Young import Tyler Hughes started to get on top of Rob Ward and first gamer Mark McClure provided a nice marking option around the ground. The first of four goals for the quarter came from Andrew Jordan and the young Cannons inhaled a collective breath of fresh air. They continued to run hard and actually outscored the Jackaroos in the third quarter!
Three Quarter Time Score: Columbus 20.11 (131) vs Cleveland 4.4 (28)
Regrettably for the Cannons, their superior execution evaded them in the last quarter, as the superior fitness and experience of the Jackaroos became telling. Shawn Furlong finished off an excellent debut with a fine goal and Brandon Crowe continued to batten down the hatches in the defense. Despite the tough efforts of Cleveland defenders such as Ryan Reisiger, Columbus piled on five more goals to round out a comprehensive 132 point victory.
Final Score: Columbus 25.16 (166) vs Cleveland 5.4 (34)
Columbus coach John Fisher was very pleased with a first up win.
"I was pleased with the Jackaroos performance. In the first and second quarters, we were really talking a lot which allowed for quick, clean handballing and some open goal scoring opportunities. We were also playing well into space early in the game by making hard leads when they counted. As the game went on, the talk slowed down and guys got a little bit lazier on the leads. I think that relates to conditioning which is something that we will have to hammer in practice. Overall, I was very pleased to get a win against a Cleveland team that shows some real promise for the coming years.
"As we go forward with the Jacks' schedule, I'm expecting some real battles but a great season. We have the Harrell Cup in Louisville as our next set of games. That will give us some great tests against veteran teams. After that we have North Carolina which will give us a really good indication of where we stand compared to a very solid Div III squad. I think this year can be the best year yet for the Jacks (if the guys are willing to work)."
Goal Kickers
Columbus: Rob Ward 8, Alan Gardner 4, David Wilson 4, John Fisher 2, Scott Matheson 2, Phil Sisia 2, Clyde Simpson 1, Kevin Hoffman 1, Shawn Furlong 1.
Cleveland: Ed Nangle 2, Andrew Jordan 1, Troy Mounts 1, Chet Ridenour 1.
Best Players
Columbus: David Wilson, Clyde Simpson, Rob Ward, Shawn Furlong, John Fisher
Cleveland: Joe Karas, Tyler Hughes, Ross Vellacott, Mike Patterson, Mark McClure
Cleveland Cannons Coming to Columbus!
April 3rd, 2012
Have you heard a distant rumbling on I-71 this week, Columbus? Noticed any heavy artillery strategically placed northeast of town? These are signs of the newest team in the USAFL, the Cleveland Cannons, barreling into position to challenge the Columbus Jackaroos in the first game of the 2012 USAFL season. The Jackaroos will assume the wily veteran, a somewhat unfamiliar role, to the Cannons enthusiastic neophyte this Saturday afternoon, April 7th. The encounter begins at 1pm on the proverbial Aussie Rules battleground known as Tuttle Park.
Second year Columbus head coach John Fisher will command the troops with austere authority this weekend. Fisher feels confident with the Jackaroos relatively brief build up to the game.
"I've been really impressed with our preparation so far. We have had three trainings, all with solid turnout, and the guys have really focused on improving their kicks. I've also been impressed with the physicality some guys are displaying."
Columbus, beginning its fifth active season, has an established nucleus of hardcore Aussie Rules players with multiple years of experience under their very short shorts. Surprisingly though, Fisher is more energized about some newcomers to the team.
"I would watch out for the new guys in particular," admitted Fisher. "Shawn Furlong back in the defense and Brady Minich in the middle will bring us some new speed that we have really been looking for. All the new guys have shown some flashes of brilliance. Let's see what they can do in a real match. Also keep an eye on (second year player) Alex Sleeper. He has dropped some weight and really looks a lot more comfortable out there thus far."
The Cannons, meanwhile, enter the clash as somewhat of an enigma. The team has been recruiting feverishly on college campuses around the Cleveland area and their side promises to be fast and athletic but likely lacking in tangible game experience.
"I really don't know what to expect," Fisher confessed. "With any new club it's always exciting to see what a new city will offer."
The Columbus Jillaroos women's side will provide some hard hitting, curtain raising warfare at noon. Post game celebrations will progress to the spiritual home of Aussie Rules in central Ohio, Byrne's Pub, on the corner of Northwest Blvd and Third Ave in Grandview.
The Jackaroos have an exciting 2012 schedule lined up, taking on some of the best Aussie Rules sides in North America! Simply peruse www.columbusfooty/jackaroos/schedule to get an idea of some upcoming events and matches. The team is always actively recruiting players and fans with any level of experience or knowledge. We look forward to seeing you at a Columbus Footy event soon!
Movember Jackaroo Style
November, 2011
Jackaroos Derek Shannon, Kyle Jamison, Alan Gardner, Peter Taylor, Nate Jordan, Adam Peterson, Bill Joyce, Chet Ridenour, and Aron Tharp are looking to change the face of men's health this November by growing out their best MOustache!
This is an Aussie tradition that is now growing strong (on faces) here in America. The MOvement is to increase the awareness and support research for men's health (prostate and testicular cancer). Men will grow out their 'staches to the best cop, porn star, 12 year old, or just creepy look all to start the conversation and raise funds for men's health. Early pictures are already surfacing on facebook. Be sure to stay tuned for regular picture updates as the 'staches work their way out!
The rules:
You can support the Jacks fundraising here!
Some facts about men's health:
Some information about the project: Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men's health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, Movember is funding world class awareness, research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible. For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please click on the links below:
Prostate Cancer Foundation research
Movember is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity, donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Jacks @ North Carolina
Sept. 17, 2011
The Jacks came down to Raleigh, North Carolina eager for a rematch against the Tigers after last year's 5.1.31 to 4.7.31 tie on the 2nd day of nationals. 14 players arrived that day promptly at 2pm to the field…well technically 12 players did and Michael Krause and Chet Ridenour showed up around 2:15 without any explanation for where they were… The field was a small one by footy standards, measuring only slightly larger than an American football field. It would drizzle all day and the mud was lined with the sand blown in from the ocean. The Tigers gave the Jacks 3 players (Red, Steve, and Andy) and the teams played 16s. It was evident before the match that the Tigers had a height advantage (see the picture above) and the Jacks would struggle to overcome this until late in the game when Coach John Fisher's insistence on conditioning all year would prove a difference in the 4th quarter. For those of you who've known the team for awhile you probably just did a double take but it's true, for the first time ever the Jacks still had gas in the tank to burn in the 4th quarter.
1st Half
The Jacks would start out very quietly showing their lack of numbers and fatigue from the trip and after the 1st quarter the score would be 1.5.11 Tigers to 0.0.0 Jacks. Not ready to give up, Coach Fisher gave a heated and emotional speech at the quarter break and asked the team if this was all they had or if they were going to play like they wanted to win this game and wanted to win nationals. Sure enough, the team came back out on the field electrified and ready to go. With the exception of a last second goal by NC, this quarter was essentially a tie with a goal being scored by the Jacks new acquisition Red. The score at the half was 3.7.25 Tigers to 1.0.6 Jacks.
2nd Half
The Jacks remained quiet in the 2nd half until rookie Peter Taylor scored his first goal ever at the start of the 4th quarter. At the time this made the score 6.11.47 Tigers to 2.0.12 Jacks. The team would rally around Peter and the ball would spend almost the entire remainder of the game in the Jacks offensive side. Two great opportunities at goals were had by veterans Alan Gardner and Chet Ridenour, but neither were able to convert including an embarrassing attempt at a snap kick from skills preacher Chet that would sail at least 50 feet in the air and just miss the goal. Rob Ward would also add a 3rd behind from a mark from at least 40 meters away and the final score would be 6.11.47 Tigers to 2.3.15 Jacks.
Postgame
The Jacks shook hands and offered jeers with the Tigers for next year's match in Columbus. The teams both joined around the injured Steve Raimo for pictures, though he probably doesn't remember it as he stared off into the sky with a dazed half-smile on his face. After the pictures, the team sat around on the field, kicked back a few beers, and bragged over who had the biggest hit on the field. That is to say everyone except for the newly designated 'lone wolf' of the team Chad Welday who must've heard the call for his 1 man pack and slowly disappeared off into the sunset without a word…
That night the teams reunited back at Woody's at City Market in downtown Raleigh and partied hard. Best on ground was announced with the award going to Chet Ridenour, Phil Sisia, and Chad Welday (in that order). A new tradition was started that night with the presidents of each team choosing 3 members of the other team to come forward and be recognized for their performance in front of the rest of the team. This “recognition” i.e. being iced (picture above) would prove a potentially dangerous start for the night as 4 different Jacks were unable to hold their drinks that night. The night was completed with several rounds of bear fights (picture below).
Goals: Peter Taylor, Red
Behinds: Rob Ward, Alan Gardner, Chet Ridenour
Best on Ground: Chet Ridenour, Phil Sisia, Chad Welday
Notable: At the very start of the 4th quarter, before Peter's goal, Chet tipped a ball that was kicked by the Tigers and was called a tip on the field by the referee, but a scoring discrepancy occurred off the field and the Tigers were credited with a goal. Not to show bad sportsmanship the Jacks decided not to fight it and soldiered on.
Fall Metro Season Game 1
September 8th, 2011
The first game of the ever popular fall metro season showed just why players have been aggressively bragging about their teams at Byrne's for the past few weeks. From the first tip both teams went hard at the ball and tempers flared for the entire game. With all available members being on the field only 1 person, Aron Tharp, was left in charge as umpire with no help in the goals or on the boundaries. Early on players were complaining about calls made against their team, regardless of if they were fair (or not). At halftime Scott Matheson, the 2010 coach, took over as the main umpire yet the intensity of the players never ceased and he very quickly issued a 50 meter penalty for backtalk. Play was stopped 3 different times for injuries, with Eddie Nangle possibly being out for the season with a shoulder injury.
The biggest score differential was a lead by Chet's Vets at the end of the 3rd quarter at 50 to 41. The game was called after 10 minutes into the 4th quarter with the final score being a tie, and the players were forced to take their aggression to Byrne's and turn their energy into a huge party as 25+ held it strong with KD and the boys.
The next match in the metro season is September 22nd.
Jacks vs. Ohio Valley
Aug 27, 2011
On a Saturday afternoon in August, the footy players of Cincinnati, Louisville, and St. Louis all travelled to Columbus to wrap up the Jackaroos 2011 MAAFL season. None of the Jacks had forgotten the loss to Ohio Valley in 2010, and the opportunity for redemption served as a strong motivator all season. Chet Ridenour had put a seemingly disturbing amount of time into planning this game, with preparations including a gate for the team to run through and a pa system for announcers Scott Matheson and Rob de Santos to present the game to the approximately 100 fans that day.
Despite the unfortunate early return of Ohio Valley's 2 Revolution players due to the US losing in the semi-finals, the River Rats were unable to travel a full team and veteran Jackaroos Wes McCorkle and Bernie Frankl donned Purple for the day to even the teams. The teams coaches John Fisher (Jacks) and Kyle Strenski (OH-V) agreed to play 14s (starting lineup below) and joined up at the center of the pitch for the national anthems and the coin toss. The coin toss was done by none other than Pat Byrne, owner of the Jacks' sponsor Byrne's Pub (picture at top).
1st Quarter
The Jacks began the game immediately showing that they were the stronger and more motivated team. After a long and scrappy fight in the midfield, Phil Sisia finally got the ball in open space and was able to kick a mark down to Rob Ward off to the right side of the goal. This would prove not to be a challenge for the experienced goal kicker as Ward would make his first goal of the day. Within the next 5 minutes the Jacks scored 4 more goals, 2 of them by Ward, and were out to a big 5.2.0 to 0.0.0 lead. This was all despite starting ruckman Adam Peterson being on the disabled list (along with quite a few other Jacks this year). Rookie Chad Wedlay was forced to try and step into the role and give it his best against the River Rats ruckman who was a starter for the Revolution in Australia. Ward would go on to kick 2 more goals this quarter making it a total of 5. The picture below best sums up this quarter and much of the rest of the game. The score after the quarter was 7.3.45 to 0.0.0.
2nd Quarter
At the start of the 2nd quarter the River Rats decided to remember that they were playing footy and began showing signs of life. 2 attempts on goal were made from 40 to 50 meters but 1 fell short and the other trickled out of bounds. Then finally, on the 3rd attempt, Ohio Valley was able to score a goal and erase any chance for a Jacks shutout. The River Rats remained much more competitive for the remainder of the quarter and the rest of the game. The Jackaroos began to lose focus and were unable to convert nearly as well this quarter. Rob Ward was only able to kick 3 goals this quarter and the score at the half was 11.7.73 to 3.0.18.
3rd Quarter
To start the 3rd quarter the Jacks were forced by team president and co-captain Chet Ridenour to run onto the field through a makeshift gate (picture above). The quarter would continue in much the same fashion as the 2nd with the Jackaroos fumbling a bit yet still putting points up on the board. The 3rd quarter featured the only 50 meter penalty of the day, called by referee Brian Turpie, for a Jackaroo being 'too near' to a player taking a mark. Another highlight was Michael Krause trying to cleanse his soul of the burden he'd carried since last year's MAAFL match vs. Ohio Valley. For his sake I won't go into detail, he's only been reminded of it several hundred times by players and fans alike, but he was finally able to earn a goal against the River Rats by picking up the ball 2 feet in front of the goal and putting it through the center posts. Phil Sisia would add 2 more goals for the Jacks and Rob Ward his 9th. As the quarter came to a close players were yelling at each other and only 13 Jackaroos were even on the field. The score after the 3rd quarter was 15.8.98 to 6.1.37.
4th Quarter
Between the 3rd and 4th quarter announcer Scott Matheson was able to fully gain his confidence at the mic and brought the crowd to laughter. A few minutes into the quarter Rob Ward took yet another mark right in front of the goal. As he was lining up his kick Matheson let out his true feelings about this man. Ward was unperturbed however, most likely because this wasn't the first time Matheson had professed his love for him, and made the goal for his 10th on the day. The 4th quarter would bring rookie Alex Sleeper his first goal ever as well as Nate Jordan's second goal on the day. Despite the Jackaroos 70 point lead, Matt Beeghley still showed he had heart when he dove on a full sprint to try and catch a kick from Phil Sisia. He would end up falling just short and Sisia's kick rolled in for another behind. The final score was 19.12.126 to 8.4.52.
Best On Ground: Rob Ward, Phil Sisia, Eric Politz, David Wilson
Goals: Rob Ward 11, Michael Krause 2, Nate Jordan 2, Phil Sisia 2, Eric Politz 1, Alex Sleeper 1
Spotlight Player: Rookie Alex Sleeper kicked his first goal for the Jackaroos
Behinds: Phil Sisia 5, Rob Ward 3, Michael Krause 2, Nate Jordan 1, Ed Nangle 1
2011 Fall Metro season Draft
Aug 18, 2011
On a warm August evening the Jackaroos all sat around at Byrnes, kicked back some brews and argued vehemently over who had the biggest boot, the biggest hit, and the biggest ego. When all the dust had settled, a line had been drawn in the sand and the members were lined up on either side shouting verbal jeers at each other over which team would win this years annual Jackaroo Metro Championship.
The teams were decided as follows:
The two teams will face off at Tuttle Park @6pm on Thursday September 8th and Thursday September 22nd. Depending on the results a rubber match may be necessary to allow one team to solidify their championship status and go down as the 2011 Jackaroo Metro Champion.
Camp Recky
Aug 2nd & Aug 4th, 2011
On August 2nd and 4th 2011 Columbus Footy hosted the children of Ohio State's Camp Recky day camp for two footy camps. Footy stalwarts Kujo, Scoota, Alan, Polly and Sinatra were ably assisted by apprentices Robbie and Raph as they taught the kids the basics of the greatest sport in the world. There was about fifty campers on both days of the camp ranging in age from six through to 12 years old. By the end of the sessions, the campers were saying 'G'Day Mates' like fair dinkum Aussies.
The first morning temperatures were hot as Alan walked the campers through some stretches and taskmaster Kujo demanded they warm-up properly. Scoota explained the history of Aussie Rules and Australia to the campers and it turned out one of the kids mothers' was actually an Aussie! This young man had a leg up right away! The Jacks and Jill took the campers through a series of drills teaching them how to kick, handpass, mark and most importantly score goals. By the end of the first day, the Columbus Footy leaders were sure that the campers were ready to take on the counsellors in a full on game in two days time!
As the second day got underway, there was a real anticipation in the air. The counsellors were ready to layeth the smacketh down on their antagonist campers, while the campers were ready to play David against the Goliath of the massive counsellors. The campers aged nine and older were split off ready to take on the counsellors, while the young children (eight and younger) played a competitive scrimmage on the second field. In the younger game, Abby was clearly emulating her footy idol Kujo with dashing speed from the backline. Raph's experience watching Alan served him well too as his kicking was outstanding. Meanwhile, on the main field the counsellors were being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the campers. It was about thirty campers onto eight counsellors. But as the heat took its toll, the campers began to drop one by one. With umpire Polly keeping order, the game came right down to the wire. But late in the game an athletic camper took the ball into the open field, had a bounce and a shot on goal. As the siren sounded, the ball sailed into the net and the campers had snatched away an unlikely victory. As the campers celebrated, the counsellor rued many a missed opportunity. Afterwards the campers, counsellors and Columbus Footy legends came together and an overwhelming "THANK-YOU" from the campers rewarded the footy players for their hard work.
Thanks to Kristin and the Camp Recky staff for having us out and the outstanding footy legends who came along and helped. In the immortal words of Pat Patterson, we were all "ONE TEAM, MATES!"
