 A three-year letterwinner, Combes was also a star player for the Illini from 1935 to 1937 and helped lead Illinois to both its Big Ten titles in the 1930s.Combes began coaching basketball at Champaign High School, where he posted an astounding 254–46 record, including winning the state title in 1946.Beyond the single championship, Combes led Champaign Central to seven state tournament appearances in nine years from 1939 to 1947.