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 FIREFIGHTER Applicants: All the information needed to guide you thru the Written, Oral, and Physical tests to become a Firefighter. For information Send SASE to 1st Alarm, P.O. Box 16022, San Diego, CA 92116. CASA * *I 0 ' 0I I . i H APPY HOUR COCKTAIL BAR *Cocktails* beer* wine* Mon -Fri 4-1 Opm 812 Monroe Across from the Law Quad Payton's suburban Chicago restaurant yesterday, according to broadcast reports. WBBM-TV reported that the victim was shot by a gun that accidentally discharged when another 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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