Rolling it Out with 2006 US OPEN Champion- Jason Mannino

Jason, first of all congratulations on your victory in Memphis at the 2006 Choice Hotels US OPEN. What was the first thing that went though your mind when you hit the winning shot?

Euphoria! That pretty much sums up the feeling. The first think I said to myself is “twice”. I could feel the power of the fans, and my friends Suds, Eddie Alberty, and Tyler, as well as my father and Franny. It was like an explosion.

Your semi-final match with Huczek was described by many, as the greatest match ever played at the “big show” Where would you rate it in all of your career match victories?

Easily among the best. I felt I could have won the match in three games, and should have won the fourth. I just didn’t get the breaks at key points in those games. It was the final game that was the most exciting game of my life. Being down 8-10, with the crowd roaring, was awesome. I felt that I would win it right there and then.

You set the tone early with your match with Jack by raising your arms up lifting the fans to their feet as you entered the stadium court and getting the crowd behind you. Did you ever think that a racquetball crowd could be a “sixth man” so to speak in a racquetball match?

I’ve always thought the fans are the sixth man. I’ve been feeding off of them for my entire career. My fans especially. Jason Mannino fans know they can be as loud as they want, as much as they want, whenever they want. I’m that guy, and they’re my people. I love the noise. On the US OPEN stage, I felt it was my duty to get them involved, and keep them involved. With the fans on my side, I felt I was an overwhelming favorite.

Having your father in the crowd for your win was very special to you. Did he give you any words of inspiration before the final?

No. My father keeps to himself before I play. He knows I have it all under control. He knows how much time I’ve spent studying my opponents, and that I have very specific game plans, and strategies. I believe he and Fran may have spoken a bit while I was playing, and she may have relayed some info that she and my father spoke about. But even Fran knows that I usually have a plan in place, and she will simply give me something to tweak.

I can’t tell you how special it was having my father there. He’s a true racquetball fan, in every way. He loves the game as much as anyone, and nothing is more sweet than showcasing my talent for the man that’s responsible for it. My dad is the best! I’m very lucky…

Your played thru an injury at the event. How is your leg healing at this time and what do you think you did to it in the early rounds at the OPEN?

I was told that I had a severe muscle pull in my calf. Once they isolated the area, it began to spread to my hamstring and my lower back. It was very painful, but the guys at Campbell Clinic took care of me. Kevin, you’re the best! They worked on me for over an hour after each match, and for over an hour before each match. I can’t imagine playing without their help. I’m not sure how it happened. I just went for a ball in the round of 64’s, and after pushing off of my right foot, my calf began to hurt. Just one of those things, I guess.

My leg really hurt on Monday morning, when I got home. I didn’t walk much. Tuesday, and Wednesday, it began to feel better. I will just need some time, that’s all. I will be ready to go in January.

What inspired you to be the first one on the stage dancing at the party with the pros Saturday evening?

I was asked to get the party started. Shawn Royster and I are notorious for being those guys that are able to fill the room with energy, so we decided to do just that. I always want everyone to have a great time, and if I could do something to assist, the so be it. Besides, the girls were cute. J

Your first title in Memphis was a big one in your career. Will this win be bigger once you have time to reflect on it?

Well, I hate to just come out and say no, but…..NO! Even though I beat the #1 and #2 ranked players in both wins, I believe the one in 1999 was the bigger one for several reasons. Both Sudsy and Cliff were considered unbeatable at the time. They won almost every tournament back then, and they will go down as the two best players in history, and it was sweet to beat them both in decisive fashion to win the event. I was considered “the best of the rest” at that time, and with the exception of the players, people didn’t really know how good I really was. My career was considered valid after the 1999 win, and the entire racquetball world had to take notice. I was on my way to retire at the end of the 1999-2000 season, and that victory sparked resurgence in my career. To beat both Sudsy and Cliff in the same event, in the US OPEN of all places, was unheard of.

Having said that, being able to do it again, 7 years later, is an awesome accomplishment. But to tell you the truth, Sudsy and I talked about winning the event on Monday, before it even started. We felt that one of us would win it. The only time I doubted that was when I got hurt. Other than that, it just seemed that we would play in the finals, and one of us would take the crown. Also, it’s a great feeling to be the spoiler in the 2006 event. I love the fact that I stopped Jack from getting his first US OPEN title. Especially after watching his TV interview, which detailed how much he wanted it. Now he knows that the road to the top has to go through me, which is just the way I like it.

In your speech to the crowd after your victory on center court, you donated $500 to the US Junior National Team to help them out. How did that make you feel to be able contribute back to the sport at this point in your life?

There was an announcement at the banquet that said that the junior team would come around and accept donations, and they had $23,000 raised for their trip so far, but the trip cost $25,000. After they made their rounds, it was said that they raised an amazing $1500, which was awesome. But I saw it as coming up $500 short, which was unacceptable to me. So right then and there, I knew I was going to make up the difference.

Over the past few years, I’ve gotten to know some of the juniors, and they are very cool kids. They’re always smiling, and I can see their passion for the game. Helping them out is just the natural thing to do. Lets not forget, I played over 12 years of junior racquetball and feel it was the building block to my entire racquetball career. Also, those kids showed how much class they had by coming on the court after my match to thank me. I got hugs, and handshakes from them all. So it’s easy to see why I felt compelled to help. What a great group of kids.

If you had to pick one thing that you executed on the court better than everyone else at this event, what would that one thing be?

I kept the rallies alive, and didn’t give many rallies away. I felt like I could get any ball my opponent hit. There were so many rallies that the ref, the crowd, and my opponent thought were over, but I would somehow return the ball. I believe I dove about 80 times in my match against Jack. That’s 80 times the rally would normally be over, but wasn’t. That weighs on a man, and sometimes takes his will.

I also didn’t skip many balls. I know it sounds silly, but I concentrated on hitting the front wall and outworking my opponent. That really helped as well.

You described world-renowned racquetball coach Fran Davis as your YODA. What did you mean by this?

Well, as Star Wars fans know, YODA is “all knowing”. He is the teacher of “the force”, which is exactly how Fran should be described in racquetball. She can watch a match, and tell you just one thing, and it will make all the difference in the world. For instance, she noticed that my serves were not hitting far enough back in the court, which I hadn’t noticed. That little change could be the difference in a game. She also noticed that I wasn’t following through on my stroke in a particular game. That’ I was taking “tentative” swings, which I hadn’t really noticed. She is the most educated racquetball mind in the history of the sport. YODA!

Now that the first half of the season is over what will you be doing during the break in action?

I’m going to stay in shape. That’s the goal. I don’t really want to rest, so as soon as my calf is ready to go, I will start training hard once again. I have a camp scheduled in Aruba, so I will try not to get to fat there, and then I go and spend a few days in New York with my best friends, and will try not to get fat there as well. It will be difficult, so I may just have to train harder when I get home. I’m also looking forward to spending some time with my kids. Lots of museums, parks, sports, movies, and all sorts of other fun stuff planned. I can’t wait.

Jason thanks for your time and once again congratulations on your victory at the 2006 Choice Hotels US OPEN

My pleasure.

Special thanks to MY PEOPLE. Like I said, I have the best fans in the world. I love you guys.