Louisville Australian Rules Club History
~ 1996 to present

The Louisville Cats Australian Rules Football Club came into existence in the summer of 1996 when Louisville resident and Aussie Rules enthusiast, John Harrell, found a spark of interest on the internet from the Cincinnati area in terms of playing a game of Australian Football. Little did 'Papa John' know what was ahead of that first communication. Papa John posted flyers around the Louisville Metro area, and built enough interest to have a 15 man squad ready to play the Cincinnati team in the first ever game of Australian Football played in the United States. Played in Louisville at Cherokee Park, Cincinnati defeated the Louisville team 19-19-133 to 1-5-11.

That spark first started by 'Papa John' has now swept the country with over 50 Australian Football Clubs in existence. The United States Football League has formed and the Louisville Cats now compete in the Mid American Australian Football League. The Louisville Cats formed a sister relationship with Australian Rules Professional Club, the Geelong Cats, who have supplied the club with team jerseys and the sister name of the 'Cats'. The Cats have seen success starting with a 1997 National Championship Runner Up – teaming up with the Nashville Kangaroos. In 1998 the Cats competed regionally, and again qualified for the 1998 Nationals. In 1999, the Louisville Cats club consolidated itself nationally with a strong 8 match schedule, with the highlight of the season beating the Cincinnati Dockers, their arch rivals.

The Cat's 2003 team and season never fully materialized due to the tragic sudden death of their founder/organizer John Harrell. In 2004 the Louisville Cats will be reorganizing, recruiting players, securing several corporate sponsors and training for competitive 2005 season. Below are pictures of John Harrell's Aussie trip and his commentaries that started the Louisville Cats and eventually the USFooty society.

First Five Years 1996-2001

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