Jason Mannino

Jason Mannino (born January 28, 1975), is an American racquetball player. Mannino was the #1 player at the end of the 2002-2003 International Racquetball Tour (IRT) season, and was ranked fifth at the end of the 2008-09 IRT season.

Mannino's game style is unique, as he rarely drive serves, relying instead on a variety of half lob serves. Then during rallies he frequently dives to keep a rally going, hitting the ball to the ceiling while waiting for an opportunity to kill the ball.

On November 25, 2009, Mannino assumed the position of Commissioner on the International Racquetball Tour, succeeding Dave Negrete. He also announced that he will retire from competition at the end of the 2009-2010 IRT season.

Professional career

Mannino has won 22 IRT tournaments in his career, placing him 6th on the all time list.[1] His first win was in March 1997 when he beat John Ellis in the final of the Rochester, New York event, and the latest was in October 2009 when he defeated Jack Huczek in the final of the Kentucky Open. He's 3rd in IRT tournament appearances with 176 (through the 2008-09 season) behind only Ruben Gonzalez (196) and Cliff Swain (247).[1]

Mannino's career is highlighted by two US Open victories in 1999 and 2006.[2] Mannino's only one of four men - along with Kane Waselenchuk, Sudsy Monchik and Swain - to win the US Open more than once.

International career

Mannino won a World Junior title in Boy's 18 and under singles in 1994, and in Boy's 18 & under doubles in 1992 with partner Sudsy Monchik.[3]

Personal

Originally from New York, Mannino now resides in San Diego, where he's lived since the early 1990s. His accomplishments are all the more remarkable given that he suffered severe injuries following a car accident when he was 18.[4] Mannino won his World Junior title only two months after first beginning to play following that accident.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.bossconsulting.com/irt/ IRT Historical Data Archive
  2. ↑ http://usaracquetball.com/RecordBooks/USOpenChampions.aspx USA Racquetball's list of US Open winners
  3. ↑ http://www.internationalracquetball.com/juniors/01irfjrs.htm
  4. ↑ Sports Illustrated, March 6, 1995

External links

Sporting positions
Preceded by
Cliff Swain		 Number 1 Men's Pro Racquetball Player
2002-2003 		Succeeded by
Kane Waselenchuk