As a married student attending Washington State University, Bendele, while married, simultaneously achieved high scholastic marks, held down a job and competed in football and basketball. By the time he graduated in 1933, he had lettered – three years in baseball and football, as well as receiving All-Coast honors in football.

In 1933, Bendele began his teaching and coaching careers at John Rogers High School in Spokane, where he led the team from the “other side of the tracks” to a football championship in his first year and placed second in the subsequent 1936 and 1937 seasons.

In 1938, Bendele was called to teach and coach at his alma mater, Ballard High. In addition to teaching Physical Education, Health and Psychology, he coached both the football and basketball teams. His football teams won City Championships in 1940, 1947, 1951 and 1956. His basketball teams won City Championship in 1943 and 1950.

During his 25 years of coaching football, Bendele had a record of 125 wins, 49 losses and 9 ties. He held the record for the most wins of any coach in Seattle School District’s history.

Bendele retired from coaching in 1960 and was named to the position of Metro League Assistant Athletic Director. He was promoted to Athletic Director but passed away in 1962 before he could assume the post.

Bendele has been honored at both Washington State University, where he was inducted into the Washington State Football Hall of Fame, and at Ballard High, with the nametag of the Henry A. Bendele Weight Room.