Five time state champion, Sam Ellis, always wanted to live his dream of being a Division I athlete. Throughout high school, Ellis accumulated 15 Division I offers.

After a long process he chose the school that met his desires.

On Nov. 16, his dream came true. Ellis signed his National Letter of Intent to run track at Princeton University on a full scholarship.

Track teammate Colby Clark credits the offers and the commitment to Ellis’ dedication.

“He’s a real hard worker, if he wants it and puts his mind to it, he gonna get it,” Clark said.

Princeton was Ellis’ last visit and didn’t consider them as an option. Ellis was attracted to the school’s competitive athletic and academic atmosphere.

“I will be training with a team that are all running to be great,” Ellis said.

The team’s eliteness starts with the man who recruited him, Jason Vigilante.

“The coach is an Olympic coach and he really wanted me to come to the team so that was a big incentive,” Ellis said

Academics was also a big deal breaker for Ellis. According to Forbes, Princeton is the No. 3 school in the U.S., and Ellis felt the school put him in the position to succeed.

“I don’t plan on running after college so a degree from Princeton will set me up with whatever I want to do in life,” Ellis said.

Clark believes Ellis is prepared for Division I track.

“He has the talent, the glamour, the swagger and he fits what Division I colleges want,” Clark said.

Ellis thanks highschool for preparing him for the academic and athletic pressure he will face at Princeton.

“IB Diploma is very rigorous and it that forced me to manage my time between practice and work,” Ellis said.

Ellis is college ready, and relieved by his decision but his career at Decatur isn’t over.

“I can breathe a little bit and not worry so much about winning every race but of course I’m going to try to,” Ellis said.