Courtesy Photos. One of Bennie Dooley receiving his Hall of Fame plaque from WABDL president Gus Rethwisch.

The second photo is of Dooley behind the 641 pounds that he bench pressed.

By Mary Alice Murphy

In October of last year, Bennie Dooley, 63, formerly of Silver City, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony took place in Las Vegas, Nev., in October 2015. According to a friend, during the induction ceremony, he was introduced as one of the best Master Benchpressers of all time. The WABDL is the largest power-lifting federation in the world, Dooley said.

He graduated from Silver High School in 1970. After attending Western New Mexico University for one year, he went to work for Phelps Dodge. Dooley spent 17 years at PD, becoming an electrician.

"When I got a great offer, we, my family and I, moved to Kennewick, Wash., in 1987," Dooley continued.

In 1994, he started competing in power lifting as a bench presser, when he was about 44 years old, which qualified him for the Master level of those older than 39 years of age.

"I lifted with Team USA for a couple of years, but mostly I did it on my own, with a few sponsors," Dooley said. "Over the 14 years, I had some very good partners. One taught me most of what I know. I worked out with him for six years. I've been lucky to have lifting partners there with me every day. I retired in 2009 from competing as a bench presser."

During those years he competed, not only in the USA and Canada, but also in Finland and other European countries. He participated in five different weight classes during his competition days. Dooley moved from the 198-pound weight class to 275 pounds.

The heaviest he ever benchpressed was 641 pounds. "To this day, I can't believe I did what I did. I never dreamed I could press so much. I was very much dedicated to it for 14 years."

He won 10 World Championships and set 15 World Records in WABDL, some in world competitions and some in other competitions.

"I typically participated in three or four contests a year," Dooley said. "I've always tried to stay in shape. Even now that I'm not competing anymore, I'm trying to be as fit and agile as I can be."

"I want to make sure everyone knows I did not do this alone," Dooley said. "My family, lifting partners, friends and supporters were instrumental in my accomplishments."

He said he still has lots of friends in Silver City and tries to come back to visit every two or three years.