THE HEART OF AQ BOXING Coach Dom’s journey with boxing began as a fifth grader at Most Precious Blood Grade School, when Father Biondi introduced him to the Aquinas Mission Bouts. “I thought not only were the Aquinas kids tough, but also kind,” he recalls. That early impression inspired a lifelong connection. From his own boxing years at Aquinas under the guidance of coaches like Hunk Vadas, Leo Hand, and Al Broccuto, to assisting with the program in the late ’70s, Dom returned in 1980 as Head Coach—a role he would hold for 45 years. Over those decades, Coach Dom has witnessed extraordinary moments: lifelong friendships formed in the gym, the rise of the first female boxer, thrilling matches against rival schools, and even a visit from Muhammad Ali in 1994. Ali’s advice to Dom, “You’re the coach. Don’t screw it up,” became his guiding principle. “Whenever alumni boxers visit me and say the program was the best thing they ever did, I know we got it right,” Dom says. “Watching the program get inducted into the Aquinas Hall of Fame, or seeing alumni rally together to revive the Mission Bouts during Covid—that’s what made this all worthwhile.” But more than victories or accolades, Dom measures success by the lives shaped outside the ring. “I’ve watched boxers grow into good fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and citizens. That’s the true achievement of this program.” “It’s not about the destination, but rather the journey.” – COACH DOM PASSING THE TORCH The decision to transition leadership to Josh and Henry marks a bittersweet moment for Dom. “I’m proud watching how Henry and Josh have interacted with the kids over the years. Both display tremendous knowledge of the sport, passion for the success of the program, patience, kindness, and love for the kids. They are perfect for leading the program into the future.” Henry describes stepping into this role as “scary—but mostly exciting. Coach Dom changed lives for 45 years. Now our goal is to grow this program and keep it thriving for another 45 years.” Josh adds, “Being a part of this program has given me a sense of purpose and fulfillment I didn’t even realize I was searching for. Stepping into this role is truly a dream come true.” Both share deep personal ties to AQ Boxing. For Henry, it was a way to continue a family tradition—watching his father and siblings grow through the sport. Josh recalls his senior-year fight against Ohio’s Golden Gloves champion: “Even though the call didn’t go my way, I still felt like I won. That fight shaped me. It taught me not to fear the unknown, to give my best no matter what.” “Lead with your heart—the heart knows what’s right, and if you truly listen to it, it will never lead you toward malice.” – HENRY KAESTER A VISION FOR THE FUTURE Henry and Josh are determined to honor the program’s legacy while building its future. “We want to introduce kids not only to the sport of boxing, but to the family that is Aquinas Boxing,” Henry says. “Our goal is to carry forward the same passion Dom poured into this program and use it to help these athletes become the best versions of themselves.” Both emphasize the lessons boxing teaches beyond the ring: perseverance, responsibility, humility, and the importance of community. Each practice ends with a student selecting a historical boxing quote to reflect upon— connecting the sport’s rich heritage with personal growth. “Boxing is a metaphor for life,” Josh explains. “You’re going to get hit. You can’t avoid failure, disappointment, or heartbreak. Getting hit doesn’t mean you lose—staying down does.” “Coach Dom taught me con dence, patience, grit, and—most importantly—to be kind and respectful to everyone around me.” – JOSH LEONARDO HIDDEN STORIES & LASTING IMPACT For both new coaches, AQ Boxing is about mentorship, leadership, and giving back. “We get to help these kids navigate a tumultuous time in their lives,” Josh says. “We give them context, guidance, and a safe space where they can think, grow, and discover what they’re capable of. I’m living a real-life dream.” Passing the Gloves For over four decades, the Richard A. Corbett ‘56 Boxing Program has been more than a sport—it has been a tradition, a community, and a proving ground for character, perseverance, and resilience. At the heart of it all has been Coach Dom Arioli ‘73, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering mentorship have shaped generations of students. This fall, a new chapter begins as Coach Dom passes the gloves to two of his own former students, Joshua Leonardo ’10 and Henry Kaester ’09, ensuring the spirit of AQ Boxing continues to thrive. athletics in action 14 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2026
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