Combest returns as 'a regular Joe'
Big-time sprinter fell off track after starring in 1999 Challenge of Champions but has put his life back together
Thursday, April 05, 2007
By MIKE HERNDON
Sports Reporter
The last time Casey Combest came to Mobile, he was on top of the world. Known for his explosive start out of the blocks, the Owensboro (Ky.) High School star was one of the best high school sprinters in the country in 1999 and he lived up to his billing in the Challenge of Champions.
When Combest returns to Mobile this weekend, he will be at a much different place in his life. While other sprinters have gone on to Olympic fame and professional paydays, Combest never ran beyond the junior-college level. He's been through some ups and downs and has landed on his feet, falling into the roles of small-business owner and father.
And while he misses track and field, he doesn't regret leaving it.
"I don't feel like I threw it away. I just never made it to the Olympics," said Combest, who still holds the national record in the 60-meter indoors sprint. "I just think God has a plan for everything. I'm OK with being a regular Joe."
Combest was anything but regular when he competed in the 1999 Challenge of Champions, blowing away the field in the 100 meters with a hand-held time of 10.06. Because the meet's automatic timing equipment malfunctioned, Combest's time had to be adjusted and was officially reported at 10.34.
"You would have thought he was a rock star," Challenge of Champions meet organizer Steve Schoenewald said. "The fans were going crazy; they were high-fiving each other. It was just a magical night."
Combest said he went home and told his father, "I don't think I can run any faster than that right there."
It wasn't long after that night, however, that Combest's star began to fade. He missed the Kentucky state championships later that year with an injury and the down time led him straight into trouble. Combest, whose upbringing was far from lavish, was arrested for selling marijuana.
"I thought, my friends are making $800, $900, let me do that," he said. "The next thing you know, I'm making money. Then the next thing you know, I'm in trouble."
He spent two months in jail, got a couple of years probation and went off to Wallace Community College in Hanceville, looking to prove to the judge, the folks back home and himself that he wasn't a bad apple. He seemed to pick up where he left off, winning the junior-college national title in the 60 meters. But it wasn't the beginning of a promising career, it was the end.
Even today, he wishes he could have turned pro and earned some big paychecks. But he wasn't willing to risk his health to do it.
"I was good enough to run with the pros out of high school but I never got a chance to because of those guys taking steroids," Combest said. "I couldn't train any harder. I trained 'til I puked. ... I thought I might get on the steroids and get paid. They're only paying for first, second or third and if you're not on the 'roids, you're not getting paid. They're going from 10.4 in high school to 9.6 and 9.7 in the 100.
"My daddy told me, 'I want you around, instead of the money.' I think that's when my life changed."
Combest went back home to Henderson, Ky., and went to work in a plant that manufactures wheels for commercial trucks. The experience was an eye-opener.
"I really didn't know what working was all about," he said. "All I did was work on the track. When I left, I didn't have anything to fall back on."
Combest's track skills would help him in unexpected places, however. He helped his plant manager's son, a promising high school football player, bring down his 40-yard-dash time, and the manager was so thankful he helped Combest go into business for himself. Combest's company, JBJ Janitorial, now holds the contract to clean the plant where he once worked.
Combest said his life is good. He has a daughter, 3-year-old Naraya, and is expecting a son. His business is affording him a comfortable living. He doesn't regret leaving the stress of his training regimen behind, but there is one thing he misses.
"I miss the anticipation," he said. "I miss the feeling of getting it on. I'm trying to take the same goals and apply them to my business and my life."
Combest said he's looking forward to returning to the Challenge of Champions, where he'll present the medals for winners in the 100.
