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A new beginning
CHS multi-sport standout Dalton Durossette transfers to Central Catholic
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Ceres High sophomore Dalton Durossette transferred to Central Catholic earlier today. Durossette starred in football, basketball and baseball with the Bulldogs. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Sophomore Dalton Durossette posed for a group picture with family, friends and supporters following the Ceres High varsity boys basketball team’s season-ending 56-46 win over Central Valley on Feb. 9.

It marked the final time Durossette put on a Bulldog uniform.

Dalton transferred to Central Catholic this week.

The private school will be a better fit for Durossette, socially and academically.

“Obviously, this isn’t what we thought was going to happen,” said Bret Durossette, Dalton’s father. “But he’s excited for a new beginning. He’s going to a school with a smaller learning environment. It matches his needs. It’s the best setting for him.”

Dalton enrolled at Central Catholic on Feb. 13.

“He took a tour and met some people,” Bret said. “It’s one of those moments you think you’re never going to have. Things happen in life. You got to be able to move forward. We just want what’s best for him and for him to be happy. He’s content with what his next journey is.”

Dalton was a multi-sport standout at Ceres High.

He earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors for his outstanding play in varsity football during the fall.

Durossette completed 135 of 247 passes for 1,709 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions at quarterback.

He was also the Bulldogs’ punter and kicker.

A standout pitcher and infielder in varsity baseball as a freshman, Dalton was selected to the WAC First Team.

Durossette batted .410 from the plate with one homer, three doubles, 22 RBIs, 34 runs and 11 stolen bases.

He compiled a 7-4 record with a 2.53 ERA, one no-hitter, one shutout, three complete games and 56 strikeouts on the mound. 

“Dalton made some great friends and good memories at Ceres High,” Bret said.

Bret (physical education) and Angela (special education), Dalton’s parents, have taught at Ceres High for more than a combined 40 years.

Bret was varsity head coach of the Bulldogs’ varsity football program for a total of 13 seasons (2011-17, 2000-05).

Ceres High amassed a 46-86 overall record, claimed one conference title and participated in the postseason twice under Bret'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.

Ceres High’s varsity softball program posted a combined record of 45-14, captured one section title, annexed two WAC crowns and qualified for the playoffs twice under Angela’s direction from 2015-16. The Bulldogs won 21 of 24 conference games.

Cheralyn Durossette, Dalton’s younger sister, will continue to attend Ceres High. She plays softball, basketball and volleyball.

“I’ve been around Ceres since I was born and I’ve always dreamed of playing at Ceres and graduating from there,” Dalton stated in an Instagram post on Feb. 9. “I know it’s hard for my mom especially me leaving the school she’s always wanted me to be at, but it’s what is best for me and my future.”