For more than three decades, Vin Savastano has taught young athletes how to succeed on and off the field. Now, the longtime coach is hoping to share those lessons with a wider audience.
Savastano, known to generations of players as “Coach Sav,” has published his first book, “More Than Wins: Life Lessons from a Coach’s Journey,” reflecting on 36 years in education and athletics, the people who shaped his life and the experiences that taught him success is measured by more than a final score.
The recently retired Brewster physical education teacher said the book is about more than championship seasons. It is also an opportunity to inspire future teachers and coaches while leaving something meaningful for his family.
“After all the things I've been through in my life, the ups and downs, and 36 years of making connections with kids, I really wanted to give back and tell my story,” Savastano said.
The idea began with his sons, Vinny and CC, who encouraged their father to share more about his experiences.
“I wanted to leave my legacy, hopefully to my grandkids," Savastano added.”They could look back and see what their grandfather was all about.”
What started as a few notes during quiet periods gradually grew into a 26-chapter manuscript.
Savastano was assigned to a room where students could take short breaks from class to decompress. When nobody needed the space, he began putting his memories on paper.
“I just started writing every single day about it,” he said. “And it was amazing how it came together.”
The process, including working with a publisher, took approximately two and a half years.
The finished book has already generated considerable interest. Savastano said he sold approximately 200 copies in its first two weeks, with former players, colleagues and friends reaching out from throughout his career.
That response has been particularly gratifying for someone who has always valued the relationships developed through sports.
“That's why I said more than wins,” Savastano said. “I still have connections with my players. It’s a bond for life.”
A lifetime of lessons
Savastano's coaching journey began at Hendrick Hudson, where he helped build the lacrosse program before moving on to Brewster, John Jay and Kennedy Catholic.
At John Jay, coaching alongside his brother, Nick, the Wolves reached six consecutive sectional championship games, winning four titles. The program also made its first appearance in a state championship game.
One memorable victory came when John Jay defeated Huntington, a Long Island powerhouse riding a 63-game winning streak, in double overtime to advance to the state final.
Later, at Kennedy Catholic, Savastano helped build a program that captured eight consecutive Catholic High School Athletic Association championships.
Savastano was also part of the coaching staff that saw two Brewster football teams reach the state championship game.
Most recently, he spent two seasons coaching North Salem's varsity lacrosse team.
Despite those accomplishments, Savastano emphasizes throughout the book that championships tell only part of the story.
He also recounts difficult experiences, including the death of former Hendrick Hudson player Dave Palmisano in a car accident. Savastano delivered the eulogy for his former player, an experience that left a lasting impression.
Other chapters explore his upbringing and playing days at Lakeland High School, including a difficult senior football season that ended with Savastano scoring the winning touchdown against Yorktown after stepping in at quarterback.
The lesson was one he would eventually pass along to countless athletes: Keep working, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
“I had a lot of failures along the way too,” Savastano said. “So I want people to know if one thing goes wrong, you don’t step away from it.”
A family legacy
Family also occupies a central place in the book.
Savastano devotes chapters to his parents, whose influence shaped his coaching philosophy.
His father, a longtime physical education teacher and gymnastics coach at Yorktown High School, compiled a 124-9 record and led teams to multiple state championships.
Together with Savastano's mother, he established Gymnastics City, a family business that has introduced generations of young athletes to gymnastics.
Savastano credits his father with teaching him discipline and commitment, while his mother demonstrated the importance of compassion and supporting others.
Those family connections will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 21, when his parents host an invitation-only book signing and reception at Gymnastics City.
Looking ahead
Beyond sharing memories, Savastano hopes the book encourages young people to consider careers in education, a profession he believes remains deeply rewarding despite its challenges.
He also hopes readers recognize that setbacks are opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.
And retirement has hardly slowed him down.
Savastano is working with friends on “Captain Willy's Adventure,” an interactive family treasure hunt designed to get children away from electronic devices and encourage outdoor activity.
The concept has been in development for approximately 14 years, with the group now exploring manufacturing opportunities.
For now, however, Savastano is enjoying reconnecting with former players and sharing the experiences that defined his career.
“Hopefully they take a couple lessons the same way I took lessons from them,” he concluded.
After 36 years and hundreds of victories, Coach Sav has plenty of stories to tell. As his book makes clear, the most important ones have little to do with the scoreboard.
“More Than Wins: Life Lessons from a Coach’s Journey” is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
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