Jim Austin | Cypress, Texas (Amateur Athlete/Contributor, Inducted 1992) Jim played for 27 years, 17 at the state/regional level, 16 at the national level. From 1970 to 1980 Jim won 15 Texas Open Singles and Doubles championships. In 1971 he captured the IRA Open Singles Championship and went on to win 21 national singles and doubles championships in age divisions. Jim was named the AARA Male Athlete of the Year in 1984. During his career he was selected as one of the top 16 players to play on the first pro racquetball tour in 1973. In 1969 he helped found the first national racquetball association - the International Paddleball Association and was founder and president of the Texas Racquetball Association in 1973. Jim served on the Board of Directors of what is now the AARA for six consecutive years and was the National Rules Commissioner for three years. Jim has made numerous other contributions to the sport and to clubs on both the local and national levels.