Jason Mannino

Career

Mannino was the #1 player at the end of the 2002-2003 International Racquetball Tour (Item response theory) season, and was ranked fifth at the end of the 2008-2009 Item response theory 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 Item response theory season. He"s 3rd in Item response theory tournament appearances with 176 (through the 2008-2009 season) behind only Ruben Gonzalez (196) and Cliff Swain (247).

Mannino"s career is highlighted by two United States Open victories in 1999 and 2006. Originally from New York, Mannino now resides in San Diego, where he"s lived since the early 1990s.

Achievements

• Mannino has won 22 Item response theory 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 Huczek in the final of the Kentucky Open. Mannino"s only one of four men - along with Kane Waselenchuk, Sudsy Monchik and Swain - to win the United States Open more than once. 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. 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.