Tim Elko has one of the best stories in college sports in recent memory, as the Ole Miss captain showed leadership and perseverance to led the Rebels to a College World Series title.

Ole Miss scored twice on wild pitches in a three-run eighth inning as the Rebels won their first national baseball title, and swept Oklahoma in the College World Series finals, 4-2, on Sunday.

After the win over Oklahoma on Sunday, Elko reflected on his decision to return, and what it meant to win the title.

“Ole Miss means the world to me….I prayed after the draft last year,” he said. “God told me that I am not done here at Ole Miss. I was like ‘alright, let’s do this thing then.’ It was the best decision I could have made.”

Many fans would like to see a statue built of Elko, but the first baseman deflected that honor.

“I don’t really want one,” he said. “I kind of just want one of all of us holding the national championship trophy. That’s all I want.”

The crowd made a difference, and it was noticed on the field.

“It felt like there were 20,000 Rebels there,” Elko said. “Having all that support makes it fun to play. Shout out to our fans for making it to Omaha and making it a really cool experience so far.”

H/T The Rebel Walk.