Sudsy Monchik
Sudsy Monchik (born October 12, 1974), is an American racquetball player. As a five-time Pro World Champion, Monchik is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport.[1] Monchik was known for his power and speed, as well as his shot-making ability, especially his backhand, which many[who?] believed was the best in the game. Sudsy revolutionized the sport with his electric personality combined with his tremendous shot power from both his backhand and forehand along with his jaw dropping shot making ability.
Contents |
[edit] Professional career
Monchik won the US Open, racquetball's most prestigious event, in its first year 1996, and then again three more times, in 1998, 2000, and 2002. He and Kane Waselenchuk are the only two men to win the US Open more than twice.[2]
Monchik's 41 tournament wins places him fourth in career tournament wins behind only Cliff Swain (71), Marty Hogan (60) and Kane Waselenchuk (52). He compiled those wins in 136 tournament appearances, 11th all time,[3] a tournament winning rate of 30.1%.
Monchik won at least one pro tournament in each of his first 8 seasons competing on the pro tour from 1993-94 to 2000-01. However, after failing to win for a second season, Monchik retired from the International Racquetball Tour (IRT) after the 2003-04 season. He came back in the 2006-07 season, playing 9 of 13 events, but only reached the semi-finals once, and retired again.
Sudsy continues to stay involved as a commentator and advisor to the top organizations and governing bodies in the sport.
[edit] International career
Prior to turning pro, Monchik won three consecutive World Junior titles in Boy's 18 and under from 1991–1993, as well as doubles titles in Boys 18 & under with James Mulcock in 1993 and Jason Mannino in 1992.[4]
Monchik represented the USA in the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina, where he played doubles with Tim Sweeney, winning the gold medal by defeating Canadians Chris Brumwell and Jacques Demers in the final.[5]
[edit] Post-playing career
In 2006, Monchik was forced into retired due to a back injury diagnosed as spondylolisthesis.[6] Also in 2006, he opened a bagel business on Staten Island, NY called "Sudsy's Bagels". Monchik sold that business in 2010. In 2011, he signed a contract with Ektelon to become a Senior Advisor.[7]
Monchik was selected as an inductee into the 2008-2009 Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame.[8]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Sports illustrated "Man Wielding A Dangerous Weapon: Fearless Sudsy Monchik has sliced and diced his way to the top of his sport"
- ^ http://usaracquetball.com/RecordBooks/USOpenChampions.aspx
- ^ IRT Historical Data Archive - www.bossconsulting.com/irt
- ^ http://www.internationalracquetball.com/juniors/01irfjrs.htm
- ^ http://www.internationalracquetball.com/parc/00panams.htm
- ^ http://www.teamektelon.com/nl/v.aspx?n=328
- ^ http://www.teamektelon.com/nl/v.aspx?n=328
- ^ http://www.head.com/racquetball/news.php?region=us&id=1156 Head Sports Press Release
[edit] External links
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Cliff Swain Cliff Swain |
Number 1 Men's Pro Racquetball Player 1995-1996 to 1996-1997 1998-1999 to 2000-2000 |
Succeeded by Cliff Swain Cliff Swain |
|
|||||
