Stanford University Athletics

By Ray Hamill — Nick Dugan hasn’t taken long to impress his new college team.

The 2022 St. Bernard’s graduate will make his debut for the Stanford Cardinal on opening weekend after being named one of three starting pitchers for the season opening series at Cal State Fullerton.

The Cardinal open the new season on Friday, with Dugan set to take the mound for game three of the series on Sunday.

Dugan helped lead the Crusaders to a NorCal State championship last spring with a legendary performance in the championship game.

During his high school days he was one of the top pitching prospects in all of California.

He was rated the seventh-best right-handed high school pitcher in California, according to Perfect Game, and the No. 17 overall player in the state.

And Dugan could be in line for more success with the Cardinal, who are the favorites to win the 2023 Pac-12 championship, according to a preseason coaches poll.

Local fans can check out the action, with Sunday’s game set to be broadcast live on ESPN Plus.

First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

Another former H-DN star, Eureka’s Jackson Giacone, is a freshman at Cal State Fullerton, but won’t see any action against Dugan.

Unfortunately, Giacone has been forced to redshirt this spring after suffering a neck injury in the fall, although he is reportedly well on the road to recovery.

Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Nick Dugan in action for the Crusaders during last year’s NorCal state championship game.