Casey Dunaway
Founder - Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame
Born: March 16, 1981
Hometown: Northport, AL
Current Residence: Northport, AL
What is your Alabama Connection?
I have lived here my whole life.
Current pursuits in life & powerlifting:
To be a trustworthy board member for the Hall of Fame.
Lifting History:
When did you start weightlifting and what inspired you to start weightlifting?
I started lifting at age 14 because I enjoyed it.
When did you get involved with powerlifting and what got you interested in the sport?
I started powerlifting at age 21 almost by mistake. I was working out in the gym one day and the Smith machine rail broke while I was squating on it. Rod Watkins and Jeff Ray, who I didn’t know at the time, were working out right beside me. The both came over there quickly and helped me get the weight up. From that day forward I started working out with them. They talked me into doing a competition. I was hesitant at first, but after that first meet I was hooked. It’s almost like the whole thing happened by accident. As I’ve said before, I didn't go searching out powerlifting, powerlifting found me.
What weight class(es) did you compete in? 181, 198, 220
What are your best lifts in each category in each weight class?
Best Lifts @ 181 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
363.8
518.1
P/P - 881.9
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 198 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
440.9
575.4
P/P - 1016.3
SINGLE PLY
Best Lifts @ 220 lb. Weight Class
TOTAL
EQUIPMENT
SQUAT
BENCH PRESS
BENCH PRESS
DEADLIFT
480
SINGLE PLY
How many years did you compete? 6
Between what year and what year did you compete? 2001 – 2006
List your favorite meet(s) you competed in.
WABDL Riverfest Southeastern Record Breakers, Gadsden AL
What’s the highest classification you achieved? Elite
What’s the highest score you achieved? 132.5 Wilks for Bench Only
What are some of your powerlifting accomplishments?
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I created the idea for the Alabama Powerlifting Hall of Fame.
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Have mentored other new lifters and helped them become involved in and compete in powerlifting competitions.
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My favorite gym moment was when I was training for a competition and bench pressed 315 for 18 reps at 220.
Who are some of the most memorable lifters/people for you in your career?
Jeff Ray, Rod Watkins and Dan Davidson
With your name as part of the history of powerlifting in Alabama, what would you like to be most remembered for?
As a lifter, for being a great bench presser.
As a person, for my faith in Jesus Christ.
What words of wisdom would you like to pass down to future powerlifters?
Stay out of your own thoughts.
What are some of your contributions to sport of powerlifting in Alabama?
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Founder of the Alabama powerlifting Hall of Fame.
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Current advisor to the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors.
Northport Crew 2001: Left to Right
Rod Watkins, Casey Dunaway, Bobby Snider, Jeff Ray
2002 WABDL World Championship 363.8 lb.
2004 WABDL Riverfest Southeastern Record Breakers 545.6 lb
2002 WABDL World Championship 518.1 lb.