64
Page 10 -The Michigan Daily-Thursday, April 14, 1988
'M' NETTERS GET FRENCH CONNECTION
'Babbler'
By STEVEN GINNS
Becoming assimilated into American society
is never easy..,
However, Jean Roussel, No. 6 singles player
for Michigan men's tennis team, has been able to
adapt to his new environment.
Roussel, born and raised in France, had a
tough time adjusting to a new language and cul-
ture when he came to the United States at the age
of 18 in 1985.
ALTHOUGH ENGLISH was part of his
curriculum in high school in France, "it was hard
communicating with people when I first came
here," admitted Roussel in his French accent.
Despite earning the nickname "the babbler",
Roussel is now very comfortable speaking the
English language.
One change successfully made.
Roussel, now a junior, also had a hard time
adjusting to American culture. "The whole sys-
tem was confusing," said Roussel. "Things like
miles, yards, gallons, quarters, dimes, I didn't
understand."
That transition also has been made. One indi-
speaks wit
cation of his Americanization is his food prefer-
ences. Hamburgers and french fries are among his
favorite meals.
Another success in adapting.
It also took time adjusting to Americans.
"The people are more friendly here and more open
and more honest. I like that," said Roussel. "You
have very nice people in France, but contact is
hard to make. Here it's real open door and easier
to make contact."
R O USS E L, who came to Michigan via
Midland (Texas) Junior College, also had to ad-
just to tough academics. But that was never a
problem for him.
In France he was in medical school for two
years. But since the requirements are different
here, he decided not to continue that route.
Currently in his first year at the Business
School, Roussel has maintained a 3.8 GPA.
When he is not playing tennis, Roussel spends
his free time studying. "I do not have any hob-
bies except studying," said Roussel.
What can be more American than becoming a
business executive?
I racquet
But the most difficult transition has been in
his tennis game. In France, he developed a strong
baseline game, which is suited to the clay courts
of France.
Playing on the clay courts was easy for
Roussel. At the age of 16, he was the third-
ranked player for his age in his native country.
SINCE AMERICAN tennis is based on
hard courts and a fast-paced game, he originally
struggled. But with his desire to do well, he
adapted his game to the new style.
In France he was a top tennis star, but in the
United States he was originally a nameless tennis
player at a small junior college. He has become
an All-American in singles and doubles.
At Michigan, he has become a valuable addi-
tion to the tennis team that is ranked 7th in the
country. In addition to contributing to the team
on the court with a 10-5 overall record, Roussel
contributes off the court.
"He adds an extra dimension to our team," said
head coach Brian Eisner. "He has a way of look-
ing at things differently, which is refreshing."
Not only has he adapted, but he has thrived in
his new environment.
Daily Photo by ELLEN LEVY
Jean Roussel is 10-5 for the Michigan men's tennis team.
Wolverines take two from Michigan State
I yr I T AD I . 1 - - _ - - $ _ - r e t o n%" . .. ..i
By LKRY KNAPP
Michigan retained its hold on a
first-place tie in the conference by
sweeping a doubleheader from Big
Ten rival Michigan State yesterday.
The Wolverines improved their
conference record to 5-1 and their
overall record to 14-9.
"Most important, is that we're 9-
I since the spring road trip," said
coach Carol Hutchins.
Senior Michelle Bolster was the
winning pitcher in the first game, a
3-1 Michigan victory. She threw a
three-hit, one-run game. Bolster,
now 6-4, struck out seven and
walked only one.
The Wolverines got all of their
runs in the second inning. Bolster
walked, and Sara Dyksterhouse
sacrificed her to second. Andrea Nel-
son then walked. Nan Payne re-
sponded with an RBI single and
Bridget Venturi then hit a two-run
double to cap the Michigan scoring.
The Spartans threatened in the
seventh with a double and a run-
Payton involved in shooting of employee
scoring single. Then, with two outs
and bases loaded, Bolster struck out
the last MSU batter for the victory.
The second game proved to be a
much easier win for the Wolverines
as they shelled the Spartan pitching *
for nine runs and ten hits, including
a five-run second inning, while al-
lowing only one run.
Venturi was instrumental in sec-
ond-game scoring, too, as she hit
two doubles to the fence.
"Our bats came to town," said
Hutchins. "We even executed a nice
squeeze bunt with Nan."
Andrea Nelson was the winning
pitcher, allowing only one run, al-
though Spartan bats were hot.
"Andrea got hit, but she didn't get
rattled," said Hutchins.
Michigan travels to Ohio State
this weekend for a Big Ten series
with the Buckeyes.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (AP) -
Former Chicago Bears running back
Walter Payton was involved in the
accidental shooting of a man at
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WBBM-TV reported that the
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man handed the gun to Payton about
3 p.m. The gun reportedly was a part
of Payton's collection.
The station quoted the police
chief, Ken Alley, as saying that the
shooting was accidental and that no
charges would be filed.
Schaumburg Fire Capt. John
Fields said the victim was shot in the
left leg at the knee.
WMAQ-TV reported that the
victim was the restaurant's manager.
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