2023 Husky Combine

The Husky Combine has been a staple of the Eau Claire North Strength & Conditioning program for many years. Each year, hundreds of athletes register and compete in the Combine, making it North’s premier athletic showcase. In order to build on the rich history of the Combine while continuing to improve the event, several changes will be made starting in 2023 and are outlines below:

Rule Changes & Clarifications

• Athletes have one week to complete all events. If an athlete is not able to complete all events within the timeframe, they will not be eligible for any awards within the competition.

Strength-Based Events

• For the Power Clean, Bench Press, and Back Squat, an athlete can register as many entries as necessary to get their best possible score, but all entries must be completed within the same day. An athlete cannot come back later in the week to try to beat their previous scores in the lifts.
• All lifts must be coach verified, with standards outlined below:
  • Power Clean: bar comes to a rest on the athlete’s shoulders in a front rack position. The athlete must be standing tall and demonstrate control of the completed lift.
  • Bench Press: bar must touch the chest and return to a locked out position. Any of the following will disqualify an attempt: bouncing the bar off the chest, lifting up the feet off the floor, lifting the hips off the bench, spotter touching the bar at all during the lift.
  • Back Squat: athlete must descend to a minimum depth of the hamstring being parallel to the ground. Any of the following will disqualify an attempt: questioning if the squat was deep enough, spotter touching the bar at all.

Athletic-Based Events

• For the 40 Yard Dash and Pro Agility (5-10-5), athletes may only register two total times. These times may be completed on separate days if necessary.
• For the Vertical Jump, athletes only get 3 attempts to get their highest jump. All 3 jumps must be taken during the same trial.
• All athletic-based events must be coach verified, with the standards outlined below:
  • 40 Yard Dash: athlete starts behind the start line and finishes through the end gate. All times are fully automatic (laser-timed). Any error in the laser operation will give the athlete a re-run for their trial.
  • Pro Agility (5-10-5): athlete starts within the laser in a 3-point stance and runs 5 yards in the direction of their down hand at the start, 10 yards back the opposite direction, and 5 yards through the original laser gate. Athlete must touch the line with their foot and hand. Any missed lines or attempt to use hands/arms to stop the laser early will disqualify the attempt.
  • Vertical Jump: athlete’s standing reach height is subtracted from their highest jump height of 3 trials to obtain an official vertical score. Stepping into the jump at all will disqualify the attempt.