Jack Huczek
Number 1– Jack Huczek
Rochester Michigan
Dob 1/13/83
Right handed
Single
Huczek has propelled himself from the most dominating junior player in racquetball history, to the number one spot on the IRT. Known for his hard work ethic and extreme fitness level. Look for his training articles on the IRT website. Jack will be the man to beat for number one this year. Jack has won the first three events of the 2006-07 season on the IRT , the Kansas City Open ,Kentucky Open , the Canadian Classic and continued his winning way taking the top prize at the New Mexico Pro Am, Orange County Open, Mexico Open, Boston Foxwoods Open, Dennis Rosenberg Pro Am in Allentown PA and capped of the season winning the Motorola Pro Nationals in Chicago and securing the year end number one ranking for the first time in his young career. This season Jack has two wins under his belt in the first half of the season in Kentucky and Toronto. Jack also was a finalist at the US OPEN.
Click here for more on Jack
Rocky Carson
Number 2 - Rocky Carson
Resides in Laguna Niguel California
Dob 5/21/79
Righthanded – Married with two children
Rocky has pounded his way to the top pro ranks. His rope-a-dope style of play has frustrated many of his opponents. He is always a threat on the court and has come into his own on the tour this season. He is the first player in recent IRT history to attain sponsorship from outside the sport when Motorola and Verizon Wireless signed Rocky this past summer. With six career tour victories under his belt Rocky is always a contender for another title. Rocky has three wins this season including two grand slam titles, the Motorola World Championship presented by Verizon Wireless, the Choice Hotels US Open and the New Mexico Pro Am.
Visit Rocky's website at www.rockycarson.com
Alvaro Beltran
Number 4 - Alvaro Beltran
Resides in Tijuana Mexico
Dob 10/15/78
Righthanded
Beltran has brought is “A” game across the border from Mexico to battle on the IRT . This gentleman’s gentleman is cool, calm and collected. with a stroke so smooth he makes the game look easy. Beltran has the respect of his fellow IRT peers being voted SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR two years straight in 2003 and 2004. A frequent finalist, Alvaro is looking for his first tour win and it will not be long. He is the best player to come out of Mexico in the history of the game. Alvaro was a finalist in Kansas City, New York, Colorado Springs last season. He also was a finalist in the first grand slam of the 2007-08 season at the Motorola World Championship presented by Verizon Wireless.
Jason Mannino
Number 3 – Jason Mannino
Resides in - San Diego California
Hometown - Staten Island NY
Dob 1/28/75
Right handed
Two children
Jason was the first player in 10 years to take the number one ranking from Swain and Monchik in 2003 and finished there at year’s end.His pinpoint lob serves and unbelievable diving ability force his opponents to roll the ball out. The most entertaining player and crowd favorite on the tour, will push for number one again this year. Look for Jason at one of his famous racquetball camps all over the country. Visit Jason's website at www.jasonmannino.com
Jason was in the winner's circle at the New Orleans and Stockton Satellite events last season and a finalist at the Kentucky Pro Am, the Canadian Racquetball Classic and Motorola Pro Nationals. Jason is the 2006 Choice Hotels US OPEN Champion and a winner at the New York City Pro Am and Lynmar Classic last year. This 2007-08 season Jason has a title at the Kansas City Pro Am.
Click here for more on Jason
Shane Vanderson
NUMBER 5- SHANE VANDERSON
RESIDES IN Fort Myers Florida
DOB 5/26/1981
RIGHTHANDED
SINGLE
“VANDY” 2003-04 “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR” HAS BROUGHT HIS RANKING UP FROM #92 IN THE 2003-4 SEASON TO #5. A DEVASTATING BACKHAND MAKES HIM TROUBLE FOR ANY PLAYER ON THE IRT. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THIS YOUNG PLAYER. SHANE HAS TWO FINALS APPEARANCES IN THE IN SAN DIEGO AND BOSTON IN 2004-05 AND HAS A SEMI-FINAL APPEARNCE IN THE RECENT DENNIS ROSENBERG PRO AM IN ALLENTOWN PA AND THE MOTOROLA PRO NATIONALS LAST SEASON. SHANE IS A 2003 COLLEGE GRADUATE FROM BALDWIN-WALLACE COLLEGE IN OHIO. VISIT SHANE'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SHANEVANDERSON.NET FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THIS IRT STAR. The 2007-08 SEASON HAS BEEN A GOOD ONE FOR SHANE AS HE REACHED THE SEMI FINALS OF THE US OPEN THIS NOVEMBER AND ALSO HAS RELEASED HIS OWN INSTRUCTIONAL DVD AVAILABLE ON HIS WEBSITE.
More on Shane click here
Ben Croft
Ben Croft
Hometown – Lake Bluff IL
DOB 2/11/1985
Righthanded - Single
Croft, born February 11, 1985 and hailing from Lake Bluff, IL, is the 2003 and 2004 18 and under Junior National Champion, the 2003 and 2004 Junior World Champion and, most recently, claimed the 2006 Intercollegiate Championship. Ben is attending college at the University of Colorado at Pueblo and is a member of the racquetball team. Ben will have a great career on the IRT after he completes his college education. Ben made his first quarterfinal of his young career in Colorado Springs in 2006 and has been a frequent quarterfinalist this season and made his first career semi-final appearance in the 2007 Mexico Open. Ben was voted "Rookie of the Year" by his peers for the 2006-07 season.
Sponsors include Howrad Miller Strategic Investments - Prime Financial Credit Union -Head Racquetball
Chris Crowther
Chris Crowther
Birthdate – 11/6/78
Hometown – Riverside CA.
Right-handed - Single
Chris is the tallest player on tour standing six foot five and covering more court with one step than most do in two. He is known for his extreme intensity and his desire to hit the ball as hard as humanly possible. Pure power with the ability to hit winners with lower percentage shots makes him a threat to upset anyone on the IRT. Trying to find the consistency with his game he is still playing with raw talent. Chris just accepted a job with E-Force racquetball which gives him a great future on and off the court. He is looking for his first trip past the quarterfinals.
Jason Thoerner
Jason Thoerner
Number 9
Residing in Peoria IL
Right-handed
Married with one child
After a year off the tour to spend time with his new son, Jason has comeback with a vengeance raising his ranking to it’s highest in his short career to number seven. A very entertaining player with his humorous talking, he is a force to be reckoned with. He also doubles as the IRT head referee. Look for good things from Thoerner in the future on the IRT.
Andy Hawthorne
Andy Hawthorne
DOB 9/7/1982
Resides - Akron Ohio
Righthanded
Engaged to be married
Hawthorne, has five Intercollegiate titles and numerous regional and state titles on his resume. Based on his fantastic semi-final finish at the 2005 National Singles Championships in Houston, he demonstrated why he is clearly one of the hottest rising stars in the sport. On top of Hawthorne’s great match play, he will take on the role of managing Ektelon’s presence at each IRT event. Andy had two IRT quarterfinal appearances in the 2004-05 season. Andy’s future is very bright on the pro tour.
Hiroshi Shimizu
Hiroshi Shimizu
Osaka Japan
Hiroshi has made his name known on the IRT bringing a technically sound game and precision shot making ability to the states. The best player to come out of Japan , Hiroshi has not let down his country with some stellar play in limited stops the past two years. Shimizu has a bright future on the IRT and makes the tour truly International.
.JPG)
John Ellis
John Ellis
Birth Date: 10/4/72
Birth Place: Stockton, CA
Nationality: USA
Year Turned Pro: 1992
Plays: Right
Height: 5'6
Weight: 168lbs
John was forced to retire from the tour in 2003 due to a shoulder injury but has since come back and played a few IRT events in the past year. A former top four player and pro national champion, John can be found promoting Ektelon products around the world. John has been active in the game coaching the US National Team with his father Dave. Keep you eyes on the IRT instruction page for tips from this great player.
John's bio:
Playing Tip: The most important aspect to playing RB is to get yourself ready to move for the ball. Stay low to the ground and watch your opponent prepare to shoot and react as quick as possible to the shot.
Player Quote: The More Attack is perfect for my gamestyle. It gives me the perfect combinattion of power and control that I need in a racquet. It's color patterns look great in my hand and that goes along way to making me comfortable on the court.
Odd Story: Nothing too much odd about my RB career. I can play left handed at an A level.
Marital Status: Married
Why I love racquetball: It's in my blood. I'll always love this great game. RB is the perfect combination of competition, exercise and creativity.
How I was introduced to racquetball: My Dad began playing in 1975 when I was three. I just tagged along and got on the court whenever he was finished. From there I just got better!!!
What else do I do: I like to hang out with Jennifer and Julius off course!! Alot of basketball and golf with friends. Many fun occassions with both our parents.
My Training Schedule: I practice on court by myself about three times a week, drilling setup opportunities from behind the five foot line. I do alot of speed training, doing drills, sprints and stairs. I use a Bowflex for my weight lifting. Works for me
My Website: www.ellistyle.com
Favorite Book: The Alienist
Favorite Band: Bob Marley and the Wailing Wailers
Favorite Song: Anything by Marley or DMB
Favorite Food: My Mom's enchiladas
Favorite TV Show: Law & Order Criminal Intent
Favorite Video Game: Tiger Golf '01
Favorite Car: Denali right now (I just like the name!!)
Favorite Color: platinum
Favorite Movie: Caddyshack
Lucky Number: 12
Favorite Sport: basketball or soccer
Check out "Elli's" website at
www.ellistyle.com
Javier Moreno
Javier Moreno
Chihuahua Mexico
Plays left handed
One of the best professional players in Mexico. Javier attended the University of Memphis. He is back at his home club Campestre de Chihuahua which hosted a full ranking IRT event in 2002. "Javi" is better known by his peers as the funniest player on tour. Javier still makes a few of the big events in the states and is always a threat for an upset.
Juan Herrera
Juan Herrera
DOB 09/25/1981
Hometown Cali, Colombia
Currently Residing in - Dekalb, IL
Sponsors E-Force
Juan began playing at age 12 back in Colombia. He won the Nationals at every level and reached the Open level when he was 15. He came to the States in 1999 originally to Miami but relocated to Orange County CA where he lived until June '05. He then relocated to Dekalb, IL to be with his fiance Krystal Csuk.
The biggest influence on his career is his family, especially his father who used to coach him and still does when he can make it to a tournament. He was the person who introduce Juan to the sport. Also his brother Andres who resides in California and was Juan's training partner everyday.
Juan has had some good wins on the IRT but the biggest one yet to come.
John Goth
JOHN GOTH
Hometown- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Resides-Minneapolis Minnesota
Birthday-8-26-1981
Sponsors-Gearbox, My business
John was introduced to the game by his father at the age of 10 and has been playing ever since.
The biggest influences on his career thus far have been his parents and family. John is an entrepreneur and has his own Gutter cover business . He is also currently attending night school at Northwester College in Saint Paul, Mn. majoring in Business Management.
He made his mark on the IRT at the 2007 Pro Nationals taking out the legend Ruben Gonzalez and losing in the round of sixteen to Jason Mannino and has played great ball ever since.
John has numerous state titles in South Dakota and Minnesota
Goth loves to show up at random pro stops and throw his name in the hat and see what happens
Andres Herrera
Andres Herrera
Resides in Orange County
Single
Sponsored by Grearbox Racquetball
Andres is one of three players on the IRT that hails from Cali Colombia. Andres grew up playing with his brother Juan who is in the top sixteen on the tour and cousin Alejandro Herrera who is also in the top sixteen. Andres's major influence on his racquetball career is his father and brother Juan. Andres has made is presence know on tour and has all the ability to push the top ten. When he is not on the court Andres working in the mortgage business.
Ryan Smith
sponsored by:
Ryan Smith
Hometown - Burlington Ontartio Canada
Plays righthanded
Date of birth - July / 24 / 1987
Biggest influence in the game - Mike Cersia
Ryan is a new upcomer on the IRT tour. Standing six foot four, he has all the talent to compete on the highest level. A very accomplished junior player from Canada Ryan will be testing his skills this year on the tour.
Kyle Veenstra
Kyle Veenstra
DOB – 9/4/1976
Hometown – Wausau Wisconsin
Righthanded – Married
Kyle surprised everyone but himself on his first year on the IRT defeating number three Jason Mannino in Milwaukee to make his first quarterfinal appearance in his first IRT stop then he kept it going and making a quarter final appearance in the 2004 US OPEN eventually losing to Jack Huczek. Kyle has all the skills to stay in the top ten on the IRT.
Brian Istace
Brian Istace
Date of Birth : Oct. 29 1972
Resides in : Calgary Alberta Canada
Plays for : Ektelon
Years playing the game : 24
Biggest Influences : father , Roger Harripersad and wife
Brian is a veteran on the IRT and reach a ranking of 13th in 1999. He has four Canadian National doubles titles, three with Mike Green and one with Kane Waselenchuk. He is a three time runner-up at the Canadian National singles and was crowned champion at the 2004 pan-am qualifier in Ecuador.He has played on three World Championship Teams for Team Canada 2000 2001 and 2002. Brian is married with two children, Madison with blue eyes and blond hair and daddy's little girl 6 Kanon, blond hair, blue eyes and nothing but trouble like her dad. Brian has had a semi final appearance at the Rochester Pro-Am in 1999. Istace has been playing select events for the past five years and always a force when he steps on the court.
Woody Clouse
Woody Clouse
Birthday- 10-19-65
Hometown- Highlands Ranch, CO
Sponsors- Myself! I'm not under contract with any company. I play with Head gear though.
Years playing- 29. First IRT pro match was 24 years ago.
Biggest influence- My Dad (Dave Clouse)
click here for Woody's bio
Eric Derochers
Eric Derochers
Hometown - Burlington Ontario Canada
Single - righthanded
Eric is one of Canada's bright young stars and has a great future on the IRT. Holding many national Canadian junior titles, Eric is looking to make his presence known on the IRT.
Agustin Tristan
Agustin Tristan
Home San Luis Potosi Mexico
Resides in Tuscaloosa Alabama
Righthanded - Single
Agustin is the best junior player to come out of Mexico in many years. He is currently attending the University of Alabama and playing on their racquetball team. A full-time student and part time IRT player Tristan is a threat to anyone on the IRT.
Mike Guidry
MIKE GUIDRY
RESIDES IN CARROLTON TEXAS
DOB 5/28/70
LEFTHANDED
SINGLE
MIKE IS A TOUR VETERAN WHO STILL HAS THE MAGIC. GREAT DIVING ABILTY AND SMART SHOT SELECTION ARE HIS STRENGTHS. MIKE IS ALWAYS A THREAT TO MAKE THE FINALS. WINNING HIS FIRST EVENT IN NEW YORK IN 2003 AFTER 13 YEARS ON THE TOUR FULLFILLED A VERY SOLID CAREER. MIKE IS A DOUBLES SPECIALIST WINNING NUMEROUS U.S. AND WORLD TITLES WITH LONGTIME PLAYING PARTNER AND HALL OF FAMER RUBEN GONZALEZ. VOTED 2004-05 SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE IRT PLAYERS. MIKE RETIRED FROM THE TOUR IN 2007.
For more on Mike click here
Josh Tucker
.JPG)
Josh Tucker
Hometown – Joplin MO.
Right-handed – Single
Birthdate – 5/17/80
2005-06 is Josh’s second full year on the tour. He has all the tools to break into the top ten this year. A recent move to Southern California should help his confidence while training with some top California tour players. His rocket serves will impress all that watch this young rookie play. Still working on the mental wear and tear of the tour schedule watch for good things to come in the near future from this rookie. Josh was voted “Rookie of the Year” by his peers for the 2004-05 season. Josh retired from the tour full time in 2007
For more on Josh click here
Cliff Swain
Cliff Swain
Hometown - Boston Mass
Resides - Naples Florida
Dob 3/21/66
Lefthanded
Single
The greatest player to ever play the game of racquetball will announce his retirement here at the Pro Nationals. An illustrious career spanning over 20 years, Swain has been in the top four for his entire career. Voted into the New England Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, Cliff’s career credentials are permanently displayed at the Fleet Center in Boston, his hometown. He was also inducted into the racquetball hall of fame in 2004. A six time number one and by far the most intense competitor on the IRT he will be missed as he moves on to his next career with his new restaurant, Lucky’s at 951 in Naples Florida.
Archived news article http://www.billbeuttler.com/work37.htm
Evan Ussery
Sponsored by
Evan Ussery
Hometown - Albuquerque New Mexico
Evan is playing select events while he attends the University of New Mexico where he plays on the UNM racquetball team. Look his ranking to move when he finishes his college career.
Kane Waselenchuk
Kane Waselenchuk
Birth place - EDMONTON CANADA
Resides in - AUSTIN TEXAS
DOB 9/11/81
Lefthanded
Married
Waselenchuk is the tour’s hottest young player, diving and ripping is way through the rankings to the number one spot for the second year in a row. His quick hands and exciting game style vertically and horizontally, have stunned players and fans alike.He will be in a battle for number one all season. WINNER of the 2003 , 04 and 05 CHOICE HOTELS US OPEN and 2005 MOTOROLA IRT PRO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Kane won the San Diego,Colorado Springs and 2006 Motorola IRT Pro National events last season and was a finalist in Toronto and Boston.