Former Ceres High School multi-sport standout Dalton Durossette will play baseball in college.
The 6-foot-3 Central Catholic senior signed a national letter of intent with Santa Clara University.
He celebrated the milestone with family, friends, teammates and coaches on Nov. 13 inside CC’s gymnasium.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Durossette, who will pitch for the Broncos. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity. I’m glad I’m part of the small percentage of kids in the country that get to do this. I’m wanted somewhere. It’s a special feeling I’ll never forget.”
Durossette committed to Santa Clara after visiting the NCAA Division-I school for three days in October.
“I just feel it’s a great fit for me compared to the other schools I talked to and visited,” said Durossette, who will receive a full-ride scholarship. “It’s a good academic school. The campus is beautiful. It’s close to home. The amount of money they gave was hard to pass up. I’m going to get an education. Playing baseball is a bonus.”
Durossette will be coached by Rusty Filter at Santa Clara.
Prior to being named the Broncos’ new leader in 2017, Filter was a pitching coach at Stanford for eight seasons (2010-17) and helped out at San Diego State for 21 years.
He mentored two top overall picks in the MLB Draft, including Stephen Strasburg (San Diego State/Washington Nationals) and Mark Appel (Stanford/Houston Astros).
“Not many schools have a head coach that’s a pitching coach,” Durossette said. “That was a big factor in the recruiting process.”
“Dalton brings a competitive mentality on the mound and is backed up by his heavy fastball,” Filter said. “We project Dalton to become a true workhouse on the mound for the Bronco Boys.”
Santa Clara posted a 12-40 overall record and finished in last place in the West Coast Conference (5-22) this past spring.
“My plan is to play (as a true freshman),” Durossette said. “His (Filter’s) plan is for me to play. I’m going to work harder. After three years, I’ll be draft eligible. Every kid dreams of being a pro athlete.”
Durossette posted a 3-1 record on the mound with a 2.10 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 40 innings for Central Catholic’s baseball team this past spring.
He batted .311 from the plate with one triple, one double, 11 RBIs, 12 runs and 10 stolen bases as the Raiders went 18-13, reached the finals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV playoffs and finished second in the Valley Oak League standings (8-4).
Durossette earned first-team all-VOL honors for his outstanding play at quarterback and punter this fall.
He passed for 1,773 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions as the Raiders compiled a 6-6 overall record, advanced to the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II playoffs and finished in a three-way tie for first place in the VOL standings (5-1).
Durossette had six punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
“The love I have for baseball is a lot different from the love I have for any other sport,” he said.
Durossette attended Ceres High prior to transferring to Central Catholic in February 2018.
He earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors in varsity football his sophomore year with the Bulldogs.
He threw for 1,709 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine picks.
A standout pitcher and infielder in varsity baseball as a freshman, Durossette was named to the WAC First Team.
He batted .410 with one homer, three doubles, 22 RBIs, 34 runs and 11 stolen bases.
Durossette amassed a 7-4 record with a 2.53 ERA, one no-hitter, one shutout, three complete games and 56 strikeouts on the mound.
“It’s nice to be able to go through senior year relaxed and know I have a home for the next four years,” he said. “I’m thankful and blessed I get to represent Stanislaus County, my family and everyone that’s helped me. If it wasn’t for my family, I probably would be lost right now. They’ve supported me no matter what. It’s been quite a journey.”
