Hall of Fame

ARKANSAS POWERLIFTING

2019 Inductees

Bob Ross

Accomplished lifter and founder of the

El Dorado Barbell Club

Bob began weight training in his back yard. The activity was prescribed by a doctor to alleviate arthritis he developed in his 30’s. When son Terry began lifting and others joined, the equipment was moved to the El Dorado Boys Club.The El Dorado Barbell Club was formed.

In 1972, the club began holding meets including the first of 13 state championships. It developed into a two-day event attracting 200 contestants, some being the best lifters in the country. Legendary competitors Ed Coan, Bill Kazmaiere, Don Rheinhoudt and Doug Young were just some of the highest caliber lifters at these meets. Events were held for 20 years before it all finally ended.

As a Lifter, Bob won six state, seven national and three world championships. He was named as the International Masters World Record holder for lifting almost 1,700 pounds during an international event – 429 pounds in the bench press, 617 pounds in the squat and 650 pounds in the dead lift.

Bob Ross joined the Merchant Marines in 1942, at 14 years old. He served in the South Pacific and Atlantic, where he earned the South Pacific Victory Medal, the Pacific War Zone Bar and the Atlantic War Zone Bar.

“I was just a kid. Actually, I had my 15th birthday in the South Pacific,” Ross said. “Just a different kind of patriotic atmosphere back then.”

Bob went on to become a local business owner.

Source: El Dorado News-Times

Dr. Daryl H. Johnson

A Professor of Powerlifting

Daryl began his career in Powerlifting at the age of 36 as a means of losing weight. Entering his first competition made him realized that he was stronger than most for his weight. At that time, there was no category for age. The next 35 years brought many accolades and many records that still hold to this day.

Daryl lifted originally with the AAU federation and then lifted with the USPF on the local, State, National, and on the World stage. Due to many internal problems, Daryl looked for a drug free venue in which to lift. In 1988, Rich Peters began the Natural Athlete Strength Association (NASA) and this appeared to be Daryl’s federation of choice.

While being employed by Mississippi County Community College (later renamed Arkansas Northeastern College) as Chairman of the Science Department, Daryl taught Biology, Botany and Zoology. He started a Powerlifting Club on campus and taught a class on the fundamentals of the sport. He mentored many State and National champions during his 19 year tenure at the college.

In 1990, Daryl was named Athlete of the Year for NASA and in 2000, he was named Athlete of the Decade. He has lifted in Canada, Budapest and Australia with the USPF federation as part of Team USA. He lifted in Russia in 1990 and again in 1993 in Russia and Finland with NASA as part of Team USA. In 1983, he lifted in the first World meet for any federation in Victorville, CA. He took 2nd Place to the great Jim Lem. Jim was the first person over the age of 60 to squat over 600 pounds.

Daryl holds many State and National records for his age and weight but probably his most prestigious award was his World Record squat. He squatted 601 pounds (272.5 Kg.) at age 71. He, to this day is the oldest man in the world over the age of 70 to squat over 600 pounds. This is a record that will stay in the books for a long time.

Daryl and his wife, Tobey hosted a powerlifting competition yearly for 20 years. When Bob Ross retired and the meet in El dorado needed another venue, The Big River Classic in Blytheville, AR became the place for Arkansas lifters to claim rewards for all their hard work.

Tobey Johnson

Powerlifting Referee

Tobey married into the sport of powerlifting. Marrying Dr. Daryl Johnson almost 39 years ago started her on a long career as a referee for the sport.

Not content being just a spectator to powerlifting, getting involved seemed the obvious way to participate. Steve Sparr, a protégé of Bob Ross in El dorado, offered to work with Tobey to get her certified as a USPF Referee. At that time (early 80’s), USPF was the only federation in USA powerlifting. Once she received her certification, her mentor became Bill Decker. Besides the Haley’s, Bill Decker was the premiere referee in the USA.

When the USPF began faltering due to the drug and internal issues, Tobey’s husband looked for a federation that was Drug Free and discovered NASA. Tobey has refereed for NASA since 1988 and has garnered the distinction of being named Female Referee of the Year for 7 years.

In 1990, the Russian team came to the United States for a Friendship competition. Tobey was head referee and impressed the Russians when she gave her husband a red light. When Russia reciprocated by having a Friendship Competition also in 1990, Tobey was asked to head judge their competition. Tobey became the first woman to have ever judged a powerlifting competition in the USSR. Since communism fell in 1993, her accomplishment stands to this day.

When Bob Ross and The El Dorado Barbell Club retired from holding competitions, Tobey and her husband Daryl hosted the Big River in NE Arkansas for nearly 20 years.

James "Big Jim" Hodges

Lifter and Legend

James Hodges met and began training with Dr. Daryl Johnson in 1977. With a bodybuilding back ground, James adapted well to the sport. A life long drug free lifter that has also spent many flights in a judges chair.

He has competed since 1978 and as recent as 2018. His 40 years of competition has taken him around the world including two trips to Russia. Most noted for a big deadlift, Big Jim has pulled a best 772. More notable numbers include deadlifting 705 at 71 years old and 755 at 60 years old.

A big personality with a strong desire to succeed. Powerlifting has helped shape his life as he has helped shape others training for their goals.

A long time USPF and NASA competitor and most recently WABDL. A great lifter and referee, James can still be found training and coaching in NE Arkansas.