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Remarkable reign

Addison Chipoletti attains unequaled dominance as three-time champion, and teammate Windham Rotunda ends his Hernando career wearing a crown.

By JOHN SCHWARB
Published March 13, 2005

BROOKSVILLE - It seems absurd today, but a little more than two years ago Addison Chipoletti was an average wrestler at best.

After a 12-19 freshman season, Chipoletti as a sophomore held a 13-11 mark on the eve of the Springstead Invitational in January 2003. Then, something happened.

"He pretty much decided at that tournament that he didn't want to lose anymore," Hernando coach Matt Smith said.

A little more than two years since, Chipoletti pretty much hasn't lost. Now, his legacy is secure as one of the county's most successful prep athletes.

Since that epiphany two seasons ago, the 189-pound Leopard has bagged three state championships and amassed a 124-3 record. No area wrestler ever has enjoyed such dominance.

"I just worked hard at it, listened to my coach, and I guess over time I got good," said Chipoletti, among two Times wrestlers of the year.

That's putting it succinctly, like saying Michael Jordan went from being cut by his high school team as a sophomore to becoming one of the NBA's all-time greats.

But you're not going to get much more than that out of Chipoletti, who's slow to acknowledge exactly how he got so good but will occasionally provide a glimpse into his inner fire.

"There's still a couple of people (who doubt him), believe it or not," Chipoletti said. "It kind of motivates me. What have they accomplished, you know?"

Thursday, he toiled in the Hernando wrestling room for an hour, grappling with a rotation of teammates. He has competitions remaining, none bigger than a national meet in two weeks in Ohio that is popular with scouts. Chipoletti is undecided on a college. "Hopefully, I'll do some damage up there," he said.

When a teammate is a three-time state champion, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But Chipoletti's senior classmate, Windham Rotunda, had a season every bit as impressive.

Fourth in the Class A meet as a heavyweight last year, Rotunda started strong this season with a win at Hernando's Kiwanis Tournament. He followed with a strong tourney in Oviedo, then was halted by a loss to a two-time national champion. Rotunda also beat Parker Miles, a strong Countryside heavyweight who placed in the Class 2A meet.

In early January, Rotunda's season was derailed by an ankle injury. When he tried to wrestle on it two weeks later, he lasted only 40 seconds in a tournament. It could have been an excuse to throw in the towel. Instead, he hit the pool and stationary bike - anything to stay in shape despite a limit in his range of movement. Smith held him out until districts, then Rotunda returned to form in a three-week span that ended with a state title in the heavyweight division.

"In the first period (of state final), he threw his guy to his back," Chipoletti said. "I knew he was going to win right there. He's quick, he's strong. Those heavy guys are usually not too fast, but he has speed."

Rotunda, who spent time at Webber University in Babson Park on a visit, likely will have a college football career. But like Chipoletti, Rotunda leaves with a lasting memory from the mats.

[Last modified March 13, 2005, 00:22:15]