In recent months, Jason has crept closer and closer to a No.1 ranking with each tournament, and - at press time -- is less than 100 points behind Cliff. There was even a period of a few days earlier in the year (between stops) where Jason actually overtook Cliff's top spot. Because the IRT is on a year-to-day ranking system (points drop off on the same day they were earned in the previous year) - combined with a later Pro Nationals date — the IRT rankings will change somewhat, again, just before the Pro-Nationals. Going in, Cliff will have a slightly larger lead than is reflected in this issue.

Then there's the wild card — Sudsy. If he's fit enough and decides to play in the Pro-Nationals, the scenario can become much more interesting.

With a little help from IRT Commish Dave Negrete, we were able to predict (somewhat) where the players might fit into the draw. If Sudsy does play, and there are no more injuries to any other players, Sudsy and Cliff would play into each other in the round of 16. How hard do you think Sudsy would play to keep Cliff from earning the record-setting sixth title before he can? Cliff says he has no problem sleeping at night when he thinks of his place in racquetball history, but we're sure he wouldn't mind counting to six instead of five when he puts his head on his pillow. All in all, that playoff would make for the most exciting round of 16 match - possibly - in IRT history.

Of course there are many, many, many other variables — and matches — to be played out for a surprise season-ender ... 

• 1: Mannino would have to make it to the finals. Not an easy task with John Ellis and Jack Huczek in his half of the draw. 
• 2: The IRT rankings are set up to allow a player to miss one tournament and still earn the average points of all his previous tournaments, minus one round. Cliff could exercise that option and still finish No.1, but we don't think he'd even consider it. He's a gamer and not one to back down from a challenge, ever. 
• 3: Even Sudsy doesn't know if he is going to play yet and if he does come back, will he be able to take Cliff out after such a long time on "injured reserve"? 
• 4: If you look back at the season you will notice one thing — the tour has expanded considerably beyond just the "Big Four." Anyone can win on any given day and upsets have become the norm.

One thing is for sure … this should be one of the best, and closest, finishes to an IRT season in quite some time. By the time this issue hits mailboxes, it will be over … find out the answer at www.irt-tour.com.

World ProKennex recently announced the signing of Jack Huczek to a long-term professional contract. “I am extremely proud of my association with ProKennex throughout my amateur career”, said Huczek, “I am excited and look forward to continuing our long term relationship as a professional.”

Joining ProKennex’s highly talented professional racquetball staff, which includes #2 Jason Mannino, and #3 John Ellis (shown left & right, above), Huczek springboards from an unprecedented junior record highlighted by 12 Junior National singles titles, 10 Junior World singles titles, 2 National High School singles titles, and the 2001 U.S. National Singles Championship crown.

In his first year as a professional, Huczek has moved up the IRT rankings quickly with big wins over seasoned touring pros to reach the #6 spot with only one event remaining on the 2001/2002 season schedule. This announcement comes as Huczek winds down a junior racquetball career that has produced double wins at every age division and will be regarded as one of the best in the history of racquetball.

“I have enjoyed working with Jack during his amateur career, his work ethic and on-court professionalism are extraordinary”, said Mike Martinez, Director of Fall Sports at ProKennex. “ His talents will ensure our presence at the top of the professional tour for years to come.”