Jason Mannino
Encyclopedia
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.
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).
Mannino's career is highlighted by two US Open
victories in 1999 and 2006. Mannino's only one of four men - along with Kane Waselenchuk
, Sudsy Monchik
and Swain
- to win the US Open more than once.
.
, 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. Mannino won his World Junior title only two months after first beginning to play following that accident.
Racquetball
For other sports often called "paddleball", see Paddleball .Racquetball is a racquet sport played with a hollow rubber ball in an indoor or outdoor court...
player. Mannino was the #1 player at the end of the 2002-2003 International Racquetball Tour
International Racquetball Tour
The International Racquetball Tour is the professional series that features the world's best racquetball players and the most important pro events, mostly played in the USA....
(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
International Racquetball Tour
The International Racquetball Tour is the professional series that features the world's best racquetball players and the most important pro events, mostly played in the USA....
, 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. 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 HuczekJack Huczek
Jack Huczek is an American professional racquetball player. Huczek was the #1 men's professional player at the end of the 2006-2007 International Racquetball Tour season, and was #3 at the end of the 2008-09 season. Retired from Professional Racquetball on May 24, 2011...
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
Cliff Swain
Cliff Swain is the player with the most tournament wins in professional racquetball history. He began playing the pro tour - International Racquetball Tour - in the 1980s and continued doing so into the 2000s. Known for his great drive serve and on court intensity, the left-handed Swain was a...
(247).
Mannino's career is highlighted by two US Open
US Open Racquetball Championships
The US Open racquetball championship is widely acknowledged as the premier professional racquetball event. It is a Grand Slam event with men and women competing from the International Racquetball Tour and Women's Professional Racquetball Organization, respectively. It also includes divisions for...
victories in 1999 and 2006. Mannino's only one of four men - along with Kane Waselenchuk
Kane Waselenchuk
Kane Waselenchuk is a professional racquetball player from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Waselenchuk finished the 2010-11 season as the #1 player on the International Racquetball Tour for the 6th time. He was undefeated on court in 2010-11, with only a default loss due to illness. It was the second...
, Sudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik , is an American racquetball player. As a five-time Pro World Champion, Monchik is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport. Monchik was known for his power and speed, as well as his shot-making ability, especially his backhand, which many believed...
and Swain
Cliff Swain
Cliff Swain is the player with the most tournament wins in professional racquetball history. He began playing the pro tour - International Racquetball Tour - in the 1980s and continued doing so into the 2000s. Known for his great drive serve and on court intensity, the left-handed Swain was a...
- 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 MonchikSudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik , is an American racquetball player. As a five-time Pro World Champion, Monchik is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport. Monchik was known for his power and speed, as well as his shot-making ability, especially his backhand, which many believed...
.
Personal
Originally from New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, 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. Mannino won his World Junior title only two months after first beginning to play following that accident.