For nearly half a century, Aquinas Boxing has had one constant in its corner: Coach Dom Arioli ’73. The steady voice behind more than 45 years of Mission Bouts, Arioli has shaped generations of student-athletes, defined the culture of the program, and built a legacy that stretches far beyond the ropes. Now, the man who devoted his life to AQ Boxing is passing the gloves to the next generation—two former standouts he once coached himself.
Coach Dom, who will remain involved as needed, announced he is turning over leadership to alumni Joshua Leonardo ’10 and Henry Kaester ’09, marking one of the most significant transitions in The Richard Corbett '56 Aquinas Boxing Program’s storied history.
A COACH WHO BECAME A TRADITION
Long before Coach Dom ever wore AQ maroon as a student, he was a fifth grader sitting in the stands at the Mission Bouts, watching Aquinas boxers display the toughness and kindness that would define his life’s work. That moment sparked a connection that only deepened with time.
He boxed for Aquinas, returned as an assistant coach in 1975, and became head coach in 1980. Over the decades that followed, Coach Dom became the heartbeat of the program. He welcomed the Cincinnati Boxing Team, hosted Muhammad Ali in 1994, and watched generations of students grow in confidence, character, and courage.
His influence isn’t measured in wins or titles—it’s measured in alumni who return to shake his hand years later, grateful for lessons that carried them through life.
When asked what he hopes the program continues to teach, Coach Dom kept it simple: “Show up on time. Put in the work. Be kind. And remember—it’s about the journey, not the destination.”
THE FIGHTERS WHO RETURNED TO LEAD
The two men stepping into Coach Dom’s shoes describe AQ Boxing with the same word: home.
For Josh Leonardo, boxing is woven into family history. His father, Bill ’80, introduced him to the Mission Bouts at age seven, and Josh and his brothers all followed the tradition. As a senior captain, he learned that leadership meant elevating others—an experience that drew him into coaching and eventually back to Aquinas.
For Henry Kaester, boxing began as a whim and became a calling. He trained alongside his sister, Aarika ’13, and was buoyed by his father, a longtime AQ groundskeeper and loyal supporter. Henry continued coaching long after graduation, unable to imagine life without AQ Boxing.
Both men credit Coach Dom with shaping who they are today. As Henry reflects, “Coach Dom has taught me more than I can put into words. From boxing to coaching to running a business, so many of the lessons I carry came from him. Most importantly, he taught me to be kind, to listen, and to understand people. He is the most Christ-like person I know, and every day I strive to live up to the example he set.” Josh adds, “Dom taught me confidence, patience, grit, and—most of all—to be kind and respectful. He showed me how to be a better boxer and coach, but above everything, he taught me how to be a good person.”
Stepping into leadership, they agree, is humbling—and exhilarating. And it comes with a shared mission: carry forward the heart, discipline, and family spirit that defined the program under Coach Dom.
CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD
Josh and Henry enter their new roles with a clear vision for AQ Boxing’s future:
- Growing the program and giving more students the chance to shine at the Mission Bouts
- Passing on lessons rooted in kindness, perseverance, and character
- Teaching students that boxing—like life—is about showing up, working hard, and rising after you fall.
- Continuing the AQ Boxing legacy built by Coach Dom and generations of alumni
Their own shared memories include a back-to-back Mission Bouts showdown that earned “Fight of the Night” honors—each holding a trophy also won by a family member. Now, instead of meeting in the ring, they’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder as leaders of the program they grew up in.
Coach Dom sees no better successors. “Henry and Josh are perfect for leading the program into the future,” he said.
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
As AQ Boxing enters its next era, the story remains rooted in the values Coach Dom championed for more than 45 years: show up, work hard, be kind, and embrace the journey.
The Aquinas community now celebrates a coach whose influence spans generations—and welcomes the two alumni who will carry the tradition forward.