When Bret Durossette was playing sports in college during the early 1990s, teammates joked with him about becoming mayor of his hometown.
The former Ceres High School multi-sport athlete didn’t put too much thought into running for office.
“I said, “No way.”
Durossette, who has served as a member of the Ceres City Council since 2008, will run for mayor on the Nov. 3 ballot.
“I love Ceres,” said Durossette, 52. “It would be a great honor to be the mayor. I’m the longest-tenured person on the council. I have experience. I’ve done a good job representing the citizens of Ceres.”
Durossette has lived in Ceres for 47 years.
A longtime P.E. teacher at Ceres High, Durossette coached sports at the school for 29 years.
“I’m the fourth-longest tenured person at Ceres High School,” he said.
Durossette served as head coach of the varsity football program for 13 seasons (2011-17, 2000-05).
The Bulldogs amassed a 46-86 overall record, claimed one conference title and participated in the postseason twice under Durossette’s guidance.
Ceres High won a share of the Modesto Metro Conference title—its first league championship in 18 years—and secured its second straight Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth in 2004.
The Bulldogs finished 7-4 on the year, placed third in the Central California Conference (7-2) and returned to section playoffs following an eight-year absence in 2003.
Ceres High had a combined record of 20-50 from 2011-17.
Durossette also coached baseball, basketball and track and field at his alma mater.
He was promoted to head coach of Ceres High’s baseball team in 1996. He filled that position for eight seasons (1996-99, 2007-10).
“That was a defining moment for me,” Durossette said. “Art McRae let me take over the program. He trusted me.”
Durossette graduated from Ceres High in 1986.
He earned five varsity letters during his prep career, including two in both football and baseball and one in basketball.
Durossette developed into a standout athlete with the Bulldogs after experiencing a major growth spurt. He stood just 4-foot-11 and weighed 95 pounds as a sophomore.
“I was tiny,” he said. “People picked on me. Sports were my saving grace. They kept me out of trouble.”
Durossette starred at quarterback as Ceres High compiled a 9-4 record, captured the Golden Valley League title (5-1) and advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II championship game during his senior year.
“Scotty Smith called all the plays in the huddle because I had stutter,” Durossette stated. “All I had to say was hut. I still have a stuttering problem. If I think about it, I’ll stutter.”
Durossette played baseball at Stanislaus State for one season (1991). The Warriors posted a 31-7 record.
He excelled in two sports at Modesto Junior College (1986-88), including baseball and football.
“Sports are what drove to me go to school,” he said.
Bret and his wife Angela will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in December.
They have three children: Cheralyn (17), Dalton (18) and Dominic (24).
“I’m 52 years old,” he said. “I’m still in contact with the people I graduated with. We had a special class. We have a lot of great people in this town.”
