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Ex-football coach gives lift to athletes in weight room

in the Class A state meet.

By LARRY BUGG
Published May 20, 2005

Bill Browning has found a way to win without coaching football.

A former Hernando County head coach on the gridiron with a 92-85 record, Browning this season guided the Hernando High boys weightlifting team to a third-place finish in the Class A state meet.

Anthony Roberts captured his second championship in the 139-pound class, Addison Chipoletti won his first title at 199 and Browning was selected the All-Citrus/Hernando Team's coach of the year.

"Every award you get is nice, personally," Browning said. "I certainly didn't do it alone. I had excellent coaches and dedicated (athletes)."

The Leopards squad was sparked by several other standout lifters. Chad Sanders placed fifth at state in the 139-pound class, Jason Singer (119) finished fourth and Robert Smith (154) took 11th.

"It's an honor," the coach said of the area recognition, "but accolades need to go to more than one person."

Browning is no stranger to awards.

He was named the Times football coach of the year in 1989, 1993, '97 and 2002.

Last year, Browning had to leave the sport to take care of his parents, Maurice and Madlyn. Football was too time-consuming.

"I stepped down for family considerations," Browning said. "My parents' health declined. Something had to give.

"Some day, maybe, I will get back into football coaching."

Browning said he started a weightlifting program in 1986 when he was at Dunnellon. He coached the sport at Springstead before moving to Hernando. "He's great," Chipoletti said of Browning. "I learned a lot from him."

Chipoletti and Roberts bring football athletes to heavy lifting.

"It's two separate sports," Browning said. "They both were football players. You are teaching technique and making sure they are training properly. You get them on a routine with them responding.

"They are pretty much self-motivated once we got them interested in weights," he said. "It was just making sure they were here for the workouts. I was watching their regimentation as far as diet was concerned so they could make weight."

The Leopards came through under the glaring lights at state, and Browning continues to lead athletes to victory.

[Last modified May 20, 2005, 01:06:18]