Dom Savastano Draws First Blood at Springfield College

Preseason Photos are at end of Article

Being a high school student/athlete takes dedication on two fronts. Commitment on the field and commitment in the classroom. Of course, taking it to the next level requires an exponential elevation, and Dom Savastano has made the leap. But the Springfield College lacrosse player cites one John Jay coach with really giving him the foundation.

Referencing Jimmy Clark, the football coach emphasized sticking to a schedule and executing a stringent attention to detail. “That was really an eye opening experience about how organized you have to be as a student/athlete,” said the Springfield sophomore.

Hitting the road, the obvious jitters of leaving home were mostly supplanted by the prospect of adventure. “A lot of emotions going on, I was so excited to make new friends and meet my teammates,” said the 2024 John Jay grad.

He also had a familiar face on the field to help smooth matters. “Having my brother there made it easy,” said Savastano

Classes beginning on September 3, players acclimated to the academics, and ten days later, the start of lacrosse gave the little brother a second in a lifetime chance. “We played together in high school,” said the former Wolf. “I didn’t think we’d be able to play together again.”

Of course, the lineage didn’t exist in a vacuum. The upperclassmen took it upon themselves to toughen up the young Savastano upstart. But any ribbing was really about camaraderie and building team chemistry. “They love having us together,” assured Savastano.

Not just for practice, Savastano did take the center of the field 80 times for the draw. A 40/40 proposition, Savastano was proud of his 50% win ratio.

Bettering his goal of just getting on the field, the tussle was an upgrade from high school, where guys are a lot faster and stronger. The age difference was also greater than expected. “Because of the Covid year,” he revealed, “some of the kids are like 24 years old.”

No excuses, the learning experience paid off. In the match up versus Emerson, he won 11-14 draws, picked up nine ground balls and notched an assist. “I ended up getting MAC player of the week,” he said.

No season goes completely according to plan, and the fortitude to rebound is paramount. So in those moments Savastano simply fell back to the basics. Staying on schedule and practicing even harder, the draw man was able to reset his focus in down times. “You got to rely and trust yourself and trust the guys around you,” he said.

He successfully used the same mindset in the classroom. “I realize I’m struggling,” Savastano recounted. “I got to work harder, schedule extra time in the library and get more help from my professors.”

And his teachers were able to come through on the latter. “The professors are great, and they are always there for you,” he said.

The Springfield teachers aren’t the first, though, and Savastano was quick to thank his John Jay math teacher for her dedication. “Ms. Gaudio, she really helped me. I had her all four years of high school. She was excellent and helped me figure out my stuff,” said Savastano.

Dean’s list in the fall and a GPA of 3.70 said as much. On the other hand, he came up slightly shorter in the spring, which has him already thinking about the long game for September. “I want to do a little better in the spring next year,” said the business major.

Outside the lines and away from the curriculum, the freshman got it done too. Every Thursday after practice, the guys hit Mo’s for some Mexican Food and spiced up the discourse. Still more, the added time of living together lets them dig deeper than the high school experience. “We make it so much fun. It’s awesome,” Savastano said.

At the same time, he’s glad to not be completely on his own. A phone call away, his Dad’s 30 year of lacrosse experience has the answers. “He’s awesome. He’s helped me and my brother so much,” said Savastano.

Academics and everything else, mom’s expertise has no bounds. “My mom, she's the best. By far my biggest supporter, we love her so much,” Savastano concluded.

Click Image for Football Preseason Photos

Click Image for Preseason Field Hockey

Click Image for Preseason Volleyball

Click for Preseason Girls Soccer