Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1976
- Class:
- 1942
Ernest T. Savignano '42
Hometown: Newton, MA
Sport: Special
Year Inducted: 1976
Ernest T. Savignano ’42, captain of the 1941 football team, was one of the most versatile athletes in Brown’s history. “Sav” had seven letters in three sports at Newton (Mass.) High and eight letter in five sports at Morristown Prep in New Jersey. During his freshman year at Brown, Sav won numerals in football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and track. “Hockey was played in the afternoon in those days and that’s how I was able to play both sports in the same season,” Sav says. “I had plenty of time to change and get back to Marvel Gym for the basketball games in the evenings.” Sure, and he probably even had time for dinner, once in a while! He then won eight letters in three varsity sports, playing quarterback in football, guard on the basketball team, and catcher in baseball. The 5-11, 190 pounder is best remembered for his exploits on the football field, where he was All-New England and honorable mention All-American. He was a good runner and passer, an outstanding punter, and a rugged linebacker. In 1940, his junior year, Sav directed the Bruins to consecutive victories over Holy Cross (9-6), Yale (6-2), and Army (13-9). His drop-kick field goal provided the winning margin against the Crusaders and his pass to John Marsolini nailed down the victory over Army. Against Lafayette in 1941, Sav averaged 48 yards on 10 punts and set a University record with a 65-yard boot. A campus leader with charisma, he was class president, class marshal, vice-president of the Brown Key, and chairman of the undergraduate Athletic Council. Sav coached the Bruin Cubs in 1947 and served as assistant athletic director of the undergraduate Athletic Council. Sav coached the Bruin Cubs in 1947 and served as assistant athletic director from 1948 to 1953. He’s now president of the Black Hawk Paper Company of East Providence.
