Nike SPARQ challenges region’s high school athletes Dec. 13

ESPN RISE and Nike will host the 2nd annual New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the New Orleans Saints’ Metairie practice facility, 5800 Airline Drive, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The combine is free and open to high school football players in the bayou region.

For guaranteed spots for the New Orleans Nike Football SPARQ Challenge, online registration is available at espn.com/ recruiting. Click on the New Orleans Nike SPARQ Challenge icon on the web site. Players can also register Dec. 13.

“The combine is limited to about 300 participants, so we recommend that players register online first,” said Crystal Howard, director of communications at ESPN.

The SPARQ Challenge will give local athletes an opportunity to test and showcase their athletic ability, as well as learn how to train smarter.

High school players who aspire to play college football can see where they stand against their peers and get unbiased testing by professionals in the industry.

“There are more talented players [in the bayou region] than there are scouts,” said Andy Bark, vice president of events for ESPN RISE. “It’s a great opportunity for players to receive SPARQ testing and training and to expose their skills to college coaches. It’s an opportunity they may not have otherwise had. It’s a win/win for all.”

Athletes at the SPARQ Challenge will be tested in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump and kneeling power ball throw, as well as measured for height and weight. All athletes will also receive a Nike shirt and free admission to the Lake Pontchartrain All-Star Classic on Dec. 20, which pits the best of Jefferson Parish versus Orleans Parish.

Former New Orleans Saints players DE Joe Johnson, LB Pat Swilling, and RB Dalton Hilliard are scheduled to appear.