By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

As a child, Purdue tennis player Jason Marshall was a ball boy for professionals such as Boris Becker and Jimmy Connors. In the near future, though, Marshall hopes his role in professional tennis will be reversed.

"It's something I just have wanted to do," Marshall said. "I have seen the best play; I have been a ball boy for the best and I wanted to be on television someday playing — it has always been a dream for me."

One pro that left a lasting impression on Marshall was Becker. Marshall said the speed of Becker's serves is what was most impressive.

"He is one guy that really stood out; he had the biggest serve and he was just a huge guy," Marshall said. "I could see the focus in his eyes — he was the only player that I was a ball boy for that was at another level."

Marshal said he hopes to make a living at playing tennis professionally, whether in the top ten of the world or the top 200.

Before becoming a pro, Marshall hopes to become a NCAA national singles champion. Marshall said he needs to make a breakthrough during the summer to accomplish that goal. Working on keeping a positive attitude and improving his consistency are two areas Marshall hopes to improve on.

"I have the game to beat anybody I play in college tennis, but then sometimes I can lose to anybody as well — I need to be a little more consistent at sustaining a high level," said Marshall.

Although the Dallas, Texas, native hopes to win a national championship, he said winning the 1999 Big Ten singles championship is his proudest achievement to date. Marshall became the first Boiler since Adam Abele, in 1984, to win the tournament.

Marshall's ability to be a force at No. 1 singles is critical to the success of the team for many reasons, according to Coach Tim Madden.

"Jason allows a young team to gain maturity and confidence," said Madden.

Madden said Marshall is vital because he is a threat to defeat any opponent Purdue faces.

"(Jason) can hurt people with his serve, forehand — he has a lot of firepower," Madden said.

Marshall has been hurting his opponents since he arrived at Purdue. During his freshman year he won 30 matches while dropping only 15. His stellar play continued his sophomore year as he compiled a 27 — 10 overall record.

Marshall hopes that continued strong play will lead him and his teammates to Georgia.

"I want to make it to the Sweet 16 in Georgia," said Marshall. "That’s definitely my biggest goal for the team."

Winning a Big Ten championship is also a goal for the team that Marshall hopes to accomplish. Continuing his solid play in the Big Ten will be one step to helping the Boilers achieve that goal. Marshall went 8-2 in the Big Ten his freshman year. And there was no sophomore jinx as Marshall went 7-2 during the Big Ten season.

Marshall said that he no longer spends time paying attention to his opponent's ranking or if they are talking trash.

"I just go out there and play the ball because I know with my skills, if I have confidence in my game it doesn't matter who I play," said Marshall.

Despite his immense talent, Marshall is a quiet player on the court who rarely talks to his opponents.

"It doesn't matter if you can look flashy, you have to be able to put it all together and that is the hardest part," said Marshall.

Purdue tennis fans are not the only people who hope Marshall keeps winning. Some local restaurants are prospering from "Marsh Man's" solid play.

"If I keep winning, then I go back and have the same meal and will go to the same restaurant," said Marshall. "As long as I am winning, I will have the same exact food or meal every day."