Division I Championships - Session V Quotes
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Andre Gibson (USA Wrestling)
03/17/2001
After consolation semifinals Leroy Vega, Minnesota. 125 pounds "I didn't accomplish my individual goal, but the team needed me. If we take care of ourselves, we should win it." Mike Zadick, Iowa, 149 pounds "I planned on dominating (Lawrence) and I did. This race is close. The crowd was with me the whole time. I didn't reach the goal, but third will help the team." Garrett Lowney, Minnesota, heavyweight "I had to be patient and work to score, and keep my focus on my game plan. Last night was hard to deal with. I owe it to my teammates though to step it up." J Robinson, Minnesota head coach "It was a great round. We were favored in six of eight. We knew what we had to do. We can control our own destiny, and we like that." Seventh place matches David Douglas, Arizona State, 133 pounds "It feels great having the fans. I heard them. It is my first time wrestling (Brett Lawrence of Minnesota). My doubles worked. Next year is my last year, and the goal is to be No. 1." Robert Sessley, Ohio State, 141 pounds "The whole match, I had to force the issue. I wanted to go out and win. I knew the Iowa crowd would be with me and I'll take the fans support regardless of their motives." Third and Fifth Place matches Leroy Vega, Minnesota, 125 pounds "It's tough to come back after losing in the semifinals. You are one match away from your dream. It is the second straight year I lost in the semis. This year, it was a lot easier to come back because of the team race. This is a great group of guys. It's amazing. It takes 10 wrestlers to win the nationals, not six and not eight. (about opponent AJ Grant of Michigan) "Grant's tough. I had to stay in his face. I just had to go for it at the end. It was 'short time.' I had to go for it then." Eric Larkin, Arizona State, 141 pounds "I lost in the quarterfinals and didn't wrestle well. I was flat. After I lost the match, it took the pressure off me. It is stressful trying to make the finals. I wasn't flat-footed anymore; I got my groove back. It helps me for next year. I will be ranked No. 1 in the nation next year, because the finalists here are seniors. I want to be a two-time national champion. I wanted to be a three-time champion. Then I'll try to climb the freestyle national ladder." JaMarr Billman, Lock Haven, 149 pounds "My conditioning wasn't the greatest. The half a season off cost me. With two years away, I lost my conditioning and my mat sense. After being in it this year, I feel great about next year." Shane Roller, Oklahoma State, 157 pounds "It is great to be in front of this many people. It's very exciting. I knew I was ready. I knew I could compete with these guys all year. I finally did it. I picked it up a little bit. In knew I could do this all year. I never stepped it up like this. I knew I had it in me." Garrett Lowney, Minnesota, heavyweight "I came out this morning a little slower than I wanted to. The team score was on the line. I knew I had to do something big. I was disappointed about how I lost last night. It was a hard way to lose. It was hard to get motivated today. We are confident right now as a team. With a pin at 197 and heavyweight, we think we've wrapped it up."