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06/17/2019 12:00 AMDave Augustine became the head coach of the East Haven High School golf team in 1977. That’s when Augustine took the reins from Frank Crisafi as the second head coach in program history. Augustine spent the next 42 years leading the Yellowjackets on the links, garnering plenty of accolades while making a plethora of friendships along the way. At the end of the recent spring season, Augustine announced that the 2019 campaign would be final one as East Haven’s head coach and that he was retiring from the position.
An avid golfer, Augustine was a member of Yellowjackets’ golf squad who went on to compete in college at Sacred Heart University. After becoming East Haven’s head coach, Augustine figured that he would be in that position for a few years. However, Augustine loved coaching so much that a few years turned into a few decades.
“When I took over for Coach Crisafi, I thought, ‘This is a neat thing. I love to play golf.’ So, I thought I’d coach for five, maybe eight years, and then I’d get tired of it. But I never got tired of it,” Augustine said. “It’s something I lived for. I went back to school every September as an English teacher, but I was looking forward to March for golf season.”
Augustine guided the Easties to five SCC divisional championships and was selected as the SCC Division II Coach of the Year in 2014. Two years ago, he was inducted into the East Haven Alumni Association Hall of Fame. Augustine really enjoyed working with the athletes on this year’s team, and he wanted them to be his lasting memory from his tenure as East Haven’s head coach.
“I had a great group of kids. I love these kids. It was a unique mixture, and it was the right group of kids to finish up with, because I’m going to remember these kids for the rest of my life,” said Augustine. “The last team you field is going to be the one that will always stand out in my mind. I really wanted to remember these kids, and I will forever.”
East Haven’s Director of Athletics Anthony Verderame said that it hurts to lose a coach like Augustine. Verderame knows that Augustine is not only an excellent mentor, but also a tremendous rode model for all of the Yellowjackets’ student-athletes.
“He’s retiring at the top of his game. When you retire at the top of your game, you have the ability to still be relevant and wanted by your peers and your kids,” Verderame said. “Dave is the kindest, most caring, and genuine guy you can meet in your life. He’s the coach you want around your children, because he’s professional and teaches our kids in the most ethical manner. Dave has built a legacy over 42 years that has been nothing but prideful, joyous, and successful.”
Augustine retired as an English teacher at East Haven in 2007. While it was hard for him to say good-bye to the classroom, Augustine thinks that it will be even more difficult to step down from his coaching post after forming such strong relationships with the nine players on this year’s team.
“Every year, the kids will always say, ‘You have to come back, because next year is my senior year.’ No matter when you leave a job like this, there is always somebody coming back,” said Augustine. “You’re never going to field an entire team of seniors so that we all go out together. You’re always leaving somebody, and that’s the hardest part.”
Verderame and the East Haven athletic department did right by Augustine when they honored him at the team’s last home match of the season on May 21. East Haven recorded a 201-204 victory against North Branford at Alling Memorial Golf Club that day.
“He didn’t ask for this, but we made T-shirts, had a cake for him with some water and sodas. It was nice,” said Verderame. “It was something, but low key enough that he was happy. It was a nice event for everybody.”
Augustine played his final round on the Easties’ home greens with his son Brian, friend and former Career golf Head Coach Buddy Chernovich, and current North Branford Head Coach Andrew DaCorte, an East Haven golf alum. It meant a lot to Augustine that he got to play alongside DaCorte, who was member of his first SCC divisional championship team in 2001. DaCorte said that hitting the course with his beloved coach was an amazing experience.
“When I started playing golf when I was 12, he was my first coach. I had an unbelievable high school golf experience because of him, and being a part of his first division winning team was special,” DaCorte said. “It’s been so nice being connected to Coach Augustine. It was only fitting to play with him in his last group playing at [Alling]. I know he isn’t coaching anymore, but he will be hanging around the golf course for a long time to come.”
Augustine soaked up every minute of his last round, especially since he got to share the experience with family, friends, colleagues, and former players. Things got emotional for Augustine when he approached the final hole.
“It was really emotional. As each day drew closer to that last home match, the reality of the end coming really set in,” Augustine said. “When I decided this was my last year, I made up my mind at the beginning of the season, but there were still a lot of matches and practices. I had time. Then, all of a sudden, there was no time.”
Verderame said that it won’t be easy to replace Augustine, but added that he wants Augustine to be on the interview committee when the Yellowjackets search for their new coach. Augustine said that he’s looking forward to forming a bond with the person who steps into that position, while strengthening his concrete bond with East Haven’s golfers.
“Whoever they give the job to, I’m going to be there for them,” said Augustine. “I have no problem as long as they welcome me on the golf course, because I want to play with these kids that I’ve built a great relationship with.”