Dave Negrete has decided to retire as Commissioner of the IRT after nine years at the helm. During his tenure, Negrete organized new Grand Slam events, increased the total prize money pool available for players and built lasting relationships throughout the racquetball industry. Negrete’s crowning achievement was the creation of a new portable court that will enable racquetball to be exposed to thousands of potential fans around the United States. Negrete will help transition the operations of the IRT through the end of 2009 and then plans to pursue opportunities outside of the sport. Negrete will continue to run the IRT Pro Nationals in Chicago.

Jason Mannino has been named as the new Commissioner of the IRT effective immediately. After a storied 15 year career, future Hall of Famer Mannino will retire from professional competition at the end of the 2009-10 season. In addition to his on-court accomplishments, which include over 20 professional titles including 2 US Open victories, and finishing as the #1 ranked player in the world in 2002-03, Mannino has run a successful racquetball camp series with Hall of Famer Fran Davis and has numerous business interests outside of the sport. The IRT Board of Directors is thrilled that Mannino has accepted this position. “I am extremely excited and honored to be representing the best racquetball players in the world. I look forward to building on the base that Dave had created and seeing where I can take it from here”.