Boxing
Geneva High School Class of 1969
Although Ray first made his mark in the boxing ring, his lasting legacy will be the contributions he made outside the ring. Ray was a very skilled and highly regarded boxer. He compiled a record of 31 wins (13 by KO) 9 losses and 4 draws as an amateur before leaving New York State to box professionally. Today however, Ray suffers from the effects of multiple concussions which he sustained during his boxing career. Although he was never knocked out or knocked down during his career, the irreversible damage was due to concussions that did not properly heal before he resumed training and the subsequent fights. He never took time to rest and heal. Today this is known as second-impact syndrome.
Today Ray is doing everything in his power to make sure young athletes do not end up like him. He formed The Second Impact, an organization aimed at teaching student-athletes, coaches, parents, and trainers about the consequences of not addressing concussions properly. Ray worked with NYS Senator Mike Nozzolio to get a law passed, “The Concussion Management Awareness Act”, which prohibits any student who may have suffered a concussion from participating in athletic activities until they have gone twenty four hours without showing symptoms and have been authorized to return by a licensed physician. Other states are modeling the law to fit their own head injury legislation. Ray brings his important message around the state speaking for free for junior programs, high schools, colleges, and has been interviewed on both radio and television. Most notably are RBN National Radio, YNN, CBS, and ABC. ABC News recently featured a national story about Ray that was discussed on Good Morning America. The stories that ran in the Finger Lakes Times, "Looking for Gain from a Lifetime of Pain" and "Every Fight Was a War" won top honors in the Sports Department; the 2011 NY Associated Press Award and the 2011 NY News Publishers Association Award.
Ray has received many awards including the Golden Glove Heart Award in 1970, the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame Jerry Flynn Courage Award in 2011, the Geneva City Council Recognition Award in 2011, and the Rochester Community Hero Award in 2012. In 2011 the New York State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing Ray for his efforts in the passage of the Concussion Management Awareness Act. He also received the State of NY Executive Chamber Award for his efforts. Ray’s greatest reward however is in knowing that he is making a difference in the lives of young athletes.