Prodigy Sports Maritime Combine to take place in February 2012

The Prodigy Sports Maritime Combine is set to take place on Saturday February 11, 2012 at Citadel High School in Halifax.

“The Combine is a great way for Maritime football players to get exposure to university coaches across Canada,” says Citadel co-head coach Jeff Lawley, who is organizing the event. “Our combine is a win-win for all involved.”

“The university coaches get to scout the entire Maritimes in one afternoon under one roof.”

It is open to any grade 12 football players from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Additionally, if there are grade 11 players interested, they can take part so long as they have a coach’s recommendation.

So players may be asking, what is a combine?

“Athletes will be tested in five skills: Vertical Jump,Shuttle Run, Standing Long Jump, Bench Press Repetitions at 185 lbs (or 135lbs) and 40 yard Sprint,” explains Lawley. “Following the testing will be a session of one on one’s with helmet and shoulder pads.”

All tests will take place inside the school. At the combine, registration begins at 11:00 am. Testing starts at noon while the one on one helmet and shoulder pad sessions take place at 2:00 pm. The day will finish at 4:00 pm.

Some notable CIS players have benefitted from taking part in previous Prodigy Sports Maritime Combines.

“Western starting QB Ben Rossong of Sackville High was scouted at our Combine,” says Lawley. “Linebacker Ryan Farrell of Citadel made a connection with Queen’s.”

“SMU starting QB Jesse Mills had a huge impact.”

Lawley says coaches from universities embrace the opportunity to be part of this event, which is in its fifth year.

“During the football season, university coaches are focused on their own programs and don’t have time to catch many high school games,” comments Lawley. “At the Combine, their whole focus is on building their future team.”

Representatives will be in attendance from the following universities: Acadia, Saint Mary’s, Mount Allison, St.Francis Xavier, Toronto, Western, McGill, Calgary, Guelph, McMaster, Waterloo, Champlain, Dalhousie and the Saint John’s Sea Wolves.

“Most universities will bring a display table and recruiter to the event along with multiple coaches from staff,” adds Lawley. “Parents and spectators are welcome to attend and ask questions.”

Any players that are interested in taking part in the combine must register in advance at www.citadelfootball.net

There are only 130 spaces for event and Lawley recommends that any interested players register as soon as possible. This event is expected to sell out.

(twitter: [URL]http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)