Athletic Teams and Information

Athletics Staff

Mike Griffith (email)
Athletic Director
(480) 882-3540
Ext. 3548

Kim Kelley (email)
Athletic Secretary
(480) 882-3548

Jayson Nielsen
(email)
Athletic Trainer
(480) 882-3548
Ext. 7532

Sports by Season & Ticket Purchasing

Select a tab below to view the Sports played during that season and to purchase tickets to all home games.

Badminton

Welcome to the Combs Badminton Team!

Coaches: Leah Paterson (email) & Heidi Bush (email)

Schedule (AZ Preps website)

Here you'll find information about our team, our upcoming matches, results, and more. Whether you're a player, a parent, or a fan, we hope you'll find this website a valuable resource.

We're dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all our players, while striving for excellence both on and off the court.

Let's smash it! 🏸

Cross Country

Welcome to Cross Country!

Boys Head Coach: Rena Baldenegro (email)
Girls Head Coach: Loreen Zapata (email)

Girls Schedule (AZ Preps webpage)

Boys Schedule (AZ Preps webpage)

Our program is built on hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Over the past few years, several of our runners have qualified for state championships, and we celebrate all athletes reaching new personal records.

We practice in the mornings before school, running between three and seven miles each session. Our regular practices are Monday through Friday, with occasional afternoon or Saturday sessions when needed. We take great care in training our athletes to build mileage effectively while avoiding burnout, ensuring that each runner develops at their own pace.

What truly sets our team apart is the sense of family we cultivate. We support one another both on and off the track, celebrating each other's successes and encouraging one another through challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, you’ll find a welcoming community here.

We’re all focused on continuous improvement and striving for success, and we can’t wait to see you out there running with us! Join us and experience the camaraderie that makes our team special.

Flag Football - Girls

Football

Combs Football Website (website)

Head Coach: Levi Hoaglund (email)

Vision - What We Want to Produce

This staff and program want to produce young adults with Ownership and Leadership (AWOL). They possess responsibility for themselves in their academics, athletics, and personal lives (ownership). They have the ability to take themselves and others where they cannot always envision or may not want to go (leadership).

Combs football player

Mission - How We Get There

This staff will produce young adults with ownership and leadership through daily and constant training in athleticism, academics, and leadership through challenges, training, and learning on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, and in life, based on the program's core values of attitude, love, loyalty, integrity, and now (ALL IN).

Golf

Welcome to Boys Golf!

Head Coach: Drew Johnson (email)

S chedule (webpage)

The Combs Varsity Golf team prides itself on quality academics and athletics. We strive to be number one in the classroom and on the golf course. Teamwork, honor, ethics, and friendliness exemplify the Coyote Golf Team. The team looks forward to the 2024 season and hopes to add wins during its next iteration. The team practices and plays at Las Colinas Golf Course in Queen Creek. The team is excited about beginning the season and looks forward to August.

Welcome to Girls Golf!

Head Coach: Matt Raish

S chedule

Volleyball - Girls

Girls Volleyball Website (website)

Head Coach: Ed Allen (email)

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: Our main philosophy is that of training our athletes to be ‘HIP’ in every aspect of their lives. We encourage and try to train them to play with H-onor, live with I-ntegrity, and lead with P-assion. Our main philosophical belief is that we want players to be better people when they walk out of here, in addition to being great volleyball players. High school athletics provide student-athletes with excellent real-life situations and guidance without real-life consequences. We believe this is a fundamental element of participation in the volleyball program. We subscribe to the theory that the competitive athletic experience can enhance social development, contribute to mental and physical health, as well as teach the values of teamwork, goal-setting, responsibility, self-discipline, and self-motivation.

Winter

WINTER SPORTS

Cheer

Basketball

Welcome to Boys Basketball!

Head Coach: Garron Brown (email)

Boys Basketball Website (website)

Teamwork: This great game of basketball demands that you put the best interest of your teammate before yourself. Learning to work with others as a team in pursuit of a common goal

Trust: Trust is the glue that bonds us together and allows us to achieve more together than we could on our own. Players have to trust in their own abilities, their teammates, and their coaches

Discipline: In the classroom and on the court, we must follow the rules that we agreed to for the sake of the team

Accountability: Every action has a consequence, and everyone will be responsible for their actions. We will hold each other accountable for the sake of the team.

Sacrifice: Student-athletes play for their team, their school, their community, and themselves.

Hard Work: In the classroom, at practices, in games, and during the off-season. Never stop working to improve your talent and skills to compete at a high level. Never blame anyone for your lack of effort or use excuses to cover it up.

Welcome to our Girls Basketball!

Schedule (webpage)

Head Coach: Heidi Bush (email)

Soccer

Wrestling

Welcome to Combs Wrestling!

Head Coach: Travis Ducray (email)

Our Achievements So Far...
11 years
6 State Champions
17 State Placers
23 Sectional Champions
77 State Qualifiers
4 College Wrestlers
7 Top-10 State Team Finishes
2 Sectional Team Titles
11 Team Tournament Titles

Practices
Monday- Friday 3 pm - 6 pm
Saturdays- 8 am - 10 am

Fundraising
Each athlete is responsible for $100. (This money is separate from the $100 athletic fee that goes to the general athletic program to pay for school buses and referees.)

Three options for doing your $100 part!

Pay $100 directly to the bookstore in the form of a donation to the wrestling club.
Sell a minimum of 10 bags of holiday popcorn.
Coach every night of the youth wrestling club during the months of December and January.

Why $100?

Perry Puma Duals $400
Nate Johnson Duals $450
McClintock Invitational $400
Mile High Challenge $500
Apache Junction Invite $400
John Carlson JV/Frosh Jamboree $10/ athlete ($200-$300)
Mesquite Big 15 $250
Sunnyslope JV/Frosh $250
Hotel at Mile High $375
Hotel at State Championships $375

Record Book (webpage)

FAQs

FAQs

Athletes must provide their own wrestling shoes (preferably school colors).
Athletes must provide their own workout clothing (athletic shorts and shirts, running shoes).
Competition gear will be provided by the coaching staff (headgear, warmups, singlet).
If your athlete has braces, they MUST have a mouth guard that covers both top and bottom teeth for practice and competition.
All athletes are expected to wear clean clothing to practice.
Athletes are expected to shower immediately following practice.
It is recommended that the athletes have a bottle of Lysol Spray for their lockers, shoes, and head gear.
Athletes are to report any suspected infections at all times to a coach/trainer.
If an athlete has any type of infection they must be cleared by a doctor using the appropriate skin lesion form.
If an athlete has an inhaler they are required to have it at all times and notify the coach about it.
If an athlete has a condition, such as diabetes they are required to notify a coach and have the necessary kit, or food ready in case of an emergency.
All athletes must be passing all classes to compete.
The school check grade eligibility is every other week.
The coaching staff will check grades the week the school does not check.
Athletes are required to communicate IN PERSON with their coach if they are to miss a practice or be late.
If an athlete misses a practice without communicating, they could be held out of competition that week.
Athletes/Parents are asked not to text or call coaches directly, please use ParentVUE. Varsity athletes may use the "Varsity Chat"
Athletes must communicate all injuries to the coaches and training staff BEFORE visiting their general family physician.
Athletes are prohibited from using plastic sweat suits, diuretics, and laxatives or other unhealthy practices to lose weight.
Non-varsity athletes are NOT expected to cut weight. They may wrestler their natural weight.
Varsity wrestlers will follow the prescribe weight class of the coaching staff and recommended weight loss of the OPI Weight Management System.
All athletes are expected to stay fully hydrated at all times.

What is Shark Bait?

Shark Bait is the name of a controlled training exercise that we use in wrestling to help our athletes learn the importance of proper behavior while a representing member of the Combs Wrestling Program. If an athlete is swept late to class, placed in ISS or OCS, or has a behavioral issue during class or even outside of school at home, they will participate in Shark Bait. The team will be notified that an inappropriate behavior has taken place and we will be participating in Shark Bait. The offending athlete will watch as his teammates participate in a grueling leg workout. At the conclusion of the leg workout, the offending athlete will go to the center mat, and wrestle to a takedown the lightest wrestler on the team. Once a takedown happens the next lightest wrestle will come forward and wrestle the offending athlete to a takedown. This pattern will continue as the offending wrestler will wrestle to a takedown each member of the team as they go up in weight class, or until 6 minutes (the equivalent of a regular wrestling match) has been reached which ever comes first. That concludes the training exercise.

What is "Throwdown Thursday" or "Get Tough Friday"?

These events are tough, grueling, team bonding activities that are meant to teach teamwork in the face of adversity. We will play a series of wrestling-style games, that test both the toughness as an athlete in a physically tough sport like wrestling as well as their readiness to support their teammates in a moments notice. We play several intense competitions such as "Queen Bee", "Wrestle Ball", and "Piranhas". All activities are like any sport where injury could occur, but all activities have strict rules and guidelines for athlete safety and are strictly supervised by the coaches.

What is Pima?

Pima is the name of one of the local neighborhood roads that we send our athletes down for cardio condition at the beginning of practices. The route is the same route used by Combs Cross Country team for competitions. There are no sidewalks on this route so we are careful to instruct our boys to be alert and aware of traffic. Coaches will always accompany the wrestlers on this run in some manner to help with the supervision of the athletes.

Spring

SPRING SPORTS

Baseball

Softball

Welcome to Combs Softball!

Manager: Marco Migliaccio (email)

Schedule (AZ Preps webpage)

As we look forward to this upcoming season, we are filled with both excitement and high expectations. Each year the program has made improvements. The future of softball is looking bright for Combs High School over the next few years. The program took a big step forward with the hire of two experienced coaches for freshman and junior varsity teams. Laura Workman began working with the freshman and Tyson Morales with the junior varsity. Both coaches bring knowledge and discipline that fits into the philosophy of the varsity head coach.

Tennis

Track

Welcome to Combs Track and Field!

Head Coach: Loreen Zapata (email)

Combs Track and Field is a competitive team program that develops and promotes the ideals of responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork and character. These goals will be accomplished by providing motivation, specific and individualized instruction through coaching and participation in the track and field program.

Girls Schedule (AZ Preps webpage)

Boys Schedule (AZ Preps webpage)

Sand Volleyball

Volleyball - Boys

Schedule (AZ Prep Webpage)

Facebook (webpage)

Instagram (webpage)

Head Coach: Jessica Overall (email)

The Combs Varsity Boys' Volleyball team is a growing program instilling the values of fundamental play and the work ethic required of student-athletes of the highest caliber. Coaches encourage their athletes to acquire virtues such as fortitude, temperance, perseverance, self-control, and sportsmanship in the face of adversity. The motto for this year is “Grind Over Matter” emphasizing that no matter what others say, you keep working until you get what you’re working for. This young and hungry Combs volleyball team has a bright future and hopes to see your support this season.

Tickets

For the safety and convenience of our fans, all J.O. Combs High School home athletic tickets are available for purchase exclusively through GoFan.

By moving to a cashless, mobile ticketing system, we ensure a faster, more secure entry process for everyone. You can easily purchase your tickets in advance by visiting GoFan.co or by downloading the GoFan mobile app. Once you have purchased your tickets, simply present them on your phone at the gate for validation.

Purchase Tickets

Calendar

Up-to-date Athletic Schedules for all Combs High School sports! Go Coyotes!

Parent/Athlete Resources

Click on the logo of the Resource to be taken to their website for more information.

Aktivate - Athlete Registration

Aktivate Registration Instructions for Parents/Guardians

(formerly Register My Athlete)

To ensure your student is eligible and ready for the upcoming season, parents must complete all athletic registration requirements through the Aktivate website. This streamlined, online platform replaces paper forms, providing a single, secure location to submit all necessary information, including physical examination forms, emergency contact details, and signed waivers.

Using Aktivate ensures that all student-athletes meet school and state eligibility requirements before they can participate in practices or games. It is an essential step to guarantee a safe, compliant, and well-organized athletic experience for everyone.

Step 1: Create a Parent/Guardian Account

Go to: www.aktivate.com (webpage)
Click Login
Click Create an Account

Important:

You only need ONE account, even if you have children at more than one high school or junior high.
Do NOT create a new account if you previously used Register My Athlete or Aktivate.

Enter your personal information. Be sure to select Parent/Guardian as your role.
Click Create Account.
You will receive an email with a 6-digit verification code.
Open your email in a separate tab and enter the verification code when prompted.
- Do not close your Aktivate tab.
- The email may take a few minutes to arrive.

Step 2: Register Your Student for an Activity

Log in using your email and password.
Under the Parents section, click:
Click here to start/complete athlete registrations
Select Start/Complete Registrations.
Click the New Registration (+) button in the upper right corner.
Click the red Select School bar and choose your student’s school.
Follow the instructions in each red section until registration is complete.
When finished, you will receive a confirmation email.

Need Help?

Click the orange Help button in the lower left corner of the screen for live chat support.
Email: support@aktivate.com

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA)

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs dedicated to championships in balance with the overall college educational experience. Each year more than 83,000 NAIA student-athletes have the opportunity to play college sports, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and compete for a chance to participate in 29 national championships.

NCAA Eligibility Center

Plan to compete in NCAA sports?
Create the Eligibility Center account that's right for you!

If you plan to compete at a Division I or II school (webpage), register for an Academic and Athletics Certification (webpage) account.
International student-athletes (webpage) enrolling at a Division III school (webpage) should register for an Athletics Certification (webpage) account.
If you’re not yet in high school or secondary school, register for a Profile Page (webpage) account.

AZ Preps 365

Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA)

The Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) is the primary governing body for high school athletics and activities in Arizona. Established in 1913, the AIA oversees most public and many private high schools in the state, regulating interscholastic competition to ensure fair play, sportsmanship, and the well-being of student-athletes. The AIA's rules and regulations are designed to supplement the educational goals of its member schools.

Key Eligibility Requirements for Student-Athletes

The AIA sets specific standards that students must meet to be eligible for competition. It's crucial for parents and students to be aware of these rules. They include:

Academic Standing: Students must maintain a minimum GPA and pass a certain number of credit-bearing classes to stay eligible. Academic requirements vary by school and are enforced each grading period.
Physicals: A current physical examination is required annually before a student can practice or compete. This ensures the student is medically cleared for athletic participation.
Age and Enrollment: Students are typically eligible for four consecutive years starting in the ninth grade. They must also be under a certain age by a specific date to compete.
Transfer Rules: There are specific rules regarding student transfers between schools. Generally, a transfer may affect a student's eligibility to compete immediately. However, there are exceptions and a hardship process for special circumstances.

Your Role as a Parent

As a parent, your support and understanding of the AIA's rules are vital. Here's how you can help:

Communicate with the School: Stay in close contact with your child's athletic director or coach. They are the first point of contact for any questions about eligibility, rules, and procedures.
Complete Paperwork: Ensure all necessary forms, including the annual physical and consent forms, are completed and on file with the school's athletic department before your child begins practice.
Review the Bylaws: The AIA's official website has a comprehensive set of bylaws. Familiarize yourself with them to better understand the regulations governing your child's participation.
Support Sportsmanship: The AIA promotes an "ethical culture" in all its activities. Encourage your child to practice good sportsmanship, respect officials, and be a positive representative of their school.

Student Accident Coverage

ACCIDENT ONLY COVERAGE: The Policy provides benefits for loss due to a covered Injury up to the Maximum Benefit of $25,000 for each Injury. Provided that treatment by a qualified, licensed Physician begins within 60 days from the date of Injury, benefits will be paid for Covered Medical Expenses incurred within 52 weeks from the date of Injury up to the Maximum Benefit.

View PDF > (PDF)

K-12 Student Accident Insurance

Enroll Online

Are you concerned about paying for your child’s medical care if an accident happens? K&K Student Accident Insurance may help.

Accident Plans Available Through Your School

At-School Accident Only
24-Hour Accident Only
Extended Dental
Football Coverage

How to Enroll Online

Enrollment is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Visit: www.studentinsurance-kk.com (webpage)
Click the Enroll Now button.
Enter the name of your child’s school district and the state where your child attends school.
Enter each student’s name and grade level.
Review the available plans and rates. Select your desired coverage.
Enter parent/guardian contact information (name and email address).
Enter the information for the child or children to be covered.
Provide payment information (credit card or eCheck).
Print and save the confirmation page for your records.