By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

Test your skills and get a good deal.

Local high school football players who are looking to measure their athletic skills for college scouts can do so at a bargain rate thanks to the first annual Tri-State Rehab High School Football Combine.

The combine will be held Saturday, July 9, at Ironton High School and will also feature former Ohio State Buckeyes fullback Tyler Whaley as the midday guest speaker.

The combine is being offered to area schools in Lawrence and Scioto counties as well as Kentucky. The fee is just $25 by May 23 and $50 after that until June 1. There is no registration after the June 1deadline.

National underclassmen combines are conducted across the country. However, most combine fees are $90 and $120 for walk-ups and does not include any travel costs.

“We wanted to offer something that could be done locally and make it affordable,” said Dave Coburn of Tri-State Preferred Fitness.

“We’re doing this more as a service to the local players. There are a lot of combines out there and some have big names or corporate sponsors, but this combine does the same tests and drills.”

Combine tests and drills used in NFL combines will include: measurements, 40-yard dash, broad jump, flexibility test, 3-cone drill, L-drill, vertical jump, power throw, and bench press.

The bench press will test players on the number of repetitions they can do. Freshmen and sophomores will bench press 155 pounds while juniors and seniors use 185 pounds.

Freshmen and sophomores will be tested beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch will be available to all grades at noon and include Whaley’s informational speech. The juniors and seniors will begin testing at 1 p.m.

College coaches are not permitted to attend combines. However, results are made available to the players as well as colleges.

“We’re hoping to make this an annual function. We’ve got some great sponsors who are making this possible at a minimal cost. The response and support has been unbelievable,” said Coburn.

For more information, contact Coburn at davecoburn37@yahoo.com