Proving a point can be a very satisfying thing. Just ask Sudsy Monchik. Prior to coming into the Paulaner Beer/Racquetball Catalog.com Pro Fest there were those who doubted Sudsy’s capacity to overcome his injuries from last year. There were those who wondered if he would ever be a consistent force on the IRT pro tour again. The people asking those questions were about to get an answer. 

The challenge started early. On arrival at the Family Fitness and Racquet Club in Broomfield, Colorado, Sudsy was pulled aside by a tournament director. There was a rumor floating round and it seemed only fair for Sudsy to hear it straight up. In a nutshell, some were saying Sudsy’s natural athleticism was working against him. His accomplishments had always come easily. That being the case, he didn’t have the desire, dedication, or work ethic to come back and be a champion. Sudsy conceded he’d heard inklings of the same remarks. Champions love a challenge. It was from this conversation that the “mission” began. The two agreed that Sudsy was to remember those statements before every match; a silent reminder as he stepped on the court. “Has-been” … “quitter” … “not tough enough.” Fightn’ words. Those who didn’t believe, might by the end of the tournament. 

Qualifying for the Pro draw is always interesting, as top amateur players vie for a spot in the main draw. Big names are a target and a chance for some recognition with an upset. The only one with something to lose is the pro who has to work his way in. And that’s where Sudsy had to start, since his ranking points had plummeted during his recovery through most of last season. Technically, his wins were upsets, but a better term might have been “feeder fodder.” Two qualifying rounds; two quick workouts. From there things got quite a bit tougher. 

Going into the round of 16, Sudsy had to deal with another early-round hazard of “starting at the bottom” in facing one of the toughest players on the tour, IRT Pro Nationals champ, John Ellis. As you can imagine, it was a grueling five-gamer — (8), 9, (3), 2, 7 — and one of the best matches of the tournament right off the bat. In the meantime the other top seeds, Jason Mannino, Kane Waselenchuk, and Cliff Swain advanced on cruise control. 

The quarters had Mannino, Kane and Monchik all taking care of business in relatively short order. Sudsy dispensed of Jack Huczek in a straight-game match for adults only. It would appear that Sudsy and Jack don’t bring out the best in each other, and there were as many personal shots taken as those with the ball. Jason took care of Derek Robinson in three, while Kane whupped up on Rocky Carson in much the same way. Where Sudsy had survived a big battle in the previous round, it was Cliff Swain taking on that chore in the quarterfinal. His nemesis was fellow-southpaw and USRA men’s open champion Mike Guidry, who showed that he has the skills to take anyone down in the right time and place. And it was darn near “right” in both ways, as he gave Cliff all he could handle. When the dust settled it was Cliff still standing with a 3, (8), (1), 6, 5 victory. 

At this stage of the game you’d think things would get much tougher. A semifinal with three solid Hall of Fame prospects, and a kid who might eventually be best of the lot? Yep, that’s what you’d think. Against Canadian wunderkind Waselenchuk (for the big match that wasn’t) Mannino took control early and often, to win quickly, 5, 6, and 3. On the other side Sudsy’s personal mission stayed on track. Sudsy and Cliff have only faced each other about a 100 times this century, and generally you can be guaranteed a dogfight. This time there was no abuse, no antics. Sudsy’s game had been picking up pace and Cliff appeared not to have recovered from the Guidry marathon. With the two vastly different approaches, Sudsy ran away with the win, 2, 8, and 6. 

Thus … the finals between Monchik and Mannino. Good friends, good players, neither wanting to give the other an inch. Both willing themselves to get seemingly irretrievable shots, both giving their all. It was a classic battle. The big difference? One was on a mission, one wasn’t aware that there was a mission. It was only fitting that it would go back and forth in the first four games, and end with the last game going down to the wire: the 13-11 final went to Sudsy. As friends will be, both were gracious in their assessment of the match and their opponent’s skill. The mission was over. Objective completed. Sudsy was back on top and he had done it the right way — he let his actions speak louder than words. 

Working Jason's backhand. Click on photos for larger views. Copyright © John Foust.

It had been early in the season for Colorado players, making the overall tournament smaller than most IRT events, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise. The OktoberFest theme gave things an intimate and fun feel (of course it didn’t hurt there was live entertainment in the parking lot, plenty of beer, and some great German food). Players could hardly ask for more, and hosts Jurgen Denk, Jo Shattuck and the FFRC staff put their all in to making this a quality, not quantity, tournament. It showed in the great response by both pros and amateur players, and should make a good start to a great tradition.