March 21, 2009
Session Five 
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Mark Ellis, Missouri
On what winning a National Championship means to him:
“It’s winning a Title. With where I came from and the people who believed in me and just gave me a chance, it’s amazing and God is just so good to me. There are so many things, Coach Smith coming through for me and just making me stay on the team.”
On previous thoughts of leaving the wrestling program:
“There were tough times when I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought about walking away a couple of when I first got there but people believed in me. I’m just so grateful for the people in my life. It’s amazing, God is so good. If it wasn’t for Ben [Askren], there’s no way I’d be here and be a National Champ. He pushed and pushed and pushed and never let me walk away. Even in practice and workouts he never let me quit. This is my dream come true.”
On the scrambles during the match:
“I felt like I was fine but I was afraid they were going to give him the two still. I felt like I wasn’t in danger, like I was fine. I had a leg secure but I’ve seen them call that both ways and I was a little worried that they might give him the two. I thought it would have been a bad way to lose.”
On opponent as a "dream stopper":
“You know, he’s another dream stopper. I didn’t let it happen. I’m just grateful for the win.”
On Missouri teammate and fellow heavyweight Dominique Bradley:
“We have another heavyweight in the room, Dom Bradley. I wouldn’t be able to do what he’s done. He’s the second best heavyweight in the country. The way he’s handled it, I’ll tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I don’t think I would have been able to stay on the team. I don’t think he’s a second string guy. We scrap every single day, he gets the best of me some days, I get him some days. He’s so hard to score on. He’s just helped me so much with my shots and stuff and I’m so grateful for him. The people God has put in my life and put in my path, I’m so grateful for. Dom is just a class act guy. We haven’t been able to become great friends because of this deal. But he’s amazing. I know he’s going to get a shot at it and I promise he’s going to be a National Champ.”
