SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — In a small boxing gym on Syracuse’s South Side, the sound of gloves hitting heavy bags is not just about competition. For gym owner Joe Stray, it is a symbol of growth and a way to honor the legacy of his late mentor, Hall of Fame trainer Ray Rinaldi.
Stray opened his gym a year ago, determined to carry forward the lessons Rinaldi taught him. Those lessons centered on three words: motivational, fundamental and fun.
Rinaldi was enshrined in the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 after more than 50 years as a coach and trainer with the Golden Gloves Association of America, according to the hall’s website. He started running the Golden Gloves youth program in Syracuse in 1994 and worked extensively with the North Area Athletic Club, providing boxing training alongside counseling services for urban youth.
“Ray’s kids were from all walks of life,” Stray said. “Athletes, troublemakers, good students — he was like a father figure.”
Now, Stray is working to restore the original boxing ring Rinaldi once used, one that is showing its age after decades of training sessions. He is preserving the ring’s historic wood and structure while replacing worn ropes, poles and turnbuckles.
“Somehow, you know, figure it out as I have with the traditional same ropes, same wood, same poles,” Stray said. “But yeah, as time allows, they just take their course.”
For Stray, the restoration is about more than equipment. It is about maintaining a connection to the mentor who shaped his approach to boxing and community work.
“People don’t care about what you think is good,” Stray said. “The world cares about what you actually do.”
Parents who spoke with NCC News but asked not to be identified said the gym gives children a safe place to spend their time and build discipline.
Stray said that as a Syracuse native who grew up on the South Side, his purpose is to help young people see beyond their circumstances.
“My grandparents had a house over here on the South Side,” he said. “If you look at crime rates, you know it’s tough here. But once you understand how where you’re from shapes you — what are you going to make of yourself?”
Boxing taught him how to stay focused and give back to his community, he said.
“I choose to stay a good course and spread boxing — and have a good time,” Stray said.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Boxer carries on mentor’s legacy by restoring Syracuse gym’s historic ring
Kaitlin Campbell: In a place built for punches, what’s being passed on here isn’t pain — it’s purpose.
Joe Stray: “Alright, use that double jab, cross to the side…”
Campbell: For Joe Stray, the ring has always been a classroom.
Heather Martin: “He has an obvious passion for it. He meets kids on their level”
Campbell: Joe’s owned his gym for a year now — but the foundation was built decades ago by Hall of Famer Ray Rinaldi.
Stray: “Motivational, fundamental, fun…”
Campbell: Those three words still echo here — in a ring that’s a little older, but still full of fight.
Stray: “Somehow, you know, figure it out as I, as I have with the traditional same ropes, you know, same wood, same poles, same turnbuckles. So but yeah, as time allows, you know, they just take their course, so. Yeah.”
Campbell: Joe says having outlets like boxing is essential for Syracuse.
Stray: “You have to look beyond the obvious things and kind of evaluate how your social location has influenced you…. And once you understand that, what are you going to make of yourself? So, you know, I choose to try to stay stay a good course and, and spread boxing and, and, have a good time.”
Campbell: He’s always making sure his students feel stronger with each punch Stray: Let’s go five seconds…four…three…