Baseball Announces 2026 Schedule; Young Roster Looks to Build on Third-Place Finish
The Dawson Community College baseball program has released its schedule for the 2026 spring season, as Head Coach Kyle Fultz and the Bucs prepare for a year defined by youth, growth, and high expectations.
Dawson enters the spring with a young roster featuring 34 freshmen, complemented by a core group of five returning sophomores who served as the heartbeat of last season's team. Those returners have helped lead a talented freshman class throughout the fall as the program looks to take the next step after a third-place finish in the Mon-Dak Conference a year ago.
"We have a young team this spring, but our sophomores have been great leaders," said Fultz. "They've really set the tone for our culture and helped guide this freshman group. We're coming off a third-place finish, and our goal is to improve on that and continue moving this program forward."
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2026 season is the balance between proven production and fresh talent.
"The most exciting thing about this season is the unknown," Fultz said. "We have a strong group of freshmen and key pieces returning, and it's going to be a fun ride watching this team grow."
The Bucs emphasized game experience throughout the offseason, a focus reflected in a schedule loaded with nonconference opportunities early in the year.
"Our schedule is set up to get these guys a lot of innings and at-bats," Fultz added. "Between our fall games and a strong nonconference schedule, we want our young players to feel like they've played a full season by the time conference play starts."
Dawson returns two major offensive contributors from last season's lineup. Jace Jarrett, the team's leadoff hitter in 2025, hit .330 and stole 21 bases, setting the table for the offense and creating constant pressure on opposing defenses. Hitting behind him is Dominic Phillips, who led the team in home runs last season and returns to the heart of the lineup with a chance to challenge the school's career home run record.
"Jace does a great job setting the tone at the top of our order, and Dominic brings the power in the three-hole," said Fultz. "We expect both of them to be big pieces for us again."
Several newcomers are also expected to make immediate impacts. Teagan Reisdorfer projects as both a top-of-the-order bat and a member of the starting rotation, bringing a strong blend of talent and work ethic. Behind the plate, Francisco Arias has impressed defensively, controlling the run game and handling the pitching staff throughout the fall.
"Francisco has a catch-and-throw skill set you see at the next level," Fultz said. "He's done a great job with our staff and brings a lot of confidence to the field."
While youth and talent headline the roster, Fultz believes the team's biggest strength lies within the clubhouse.
"Our culture and chemistry are our biggest strengths," he said. "In my 11 years of coaching, this is probably the tightest group I've been around."
The Bucs will open the 2026 season on the road, beginning in Dodge City, Kansas, before traveling to Enid, Oklahoma, for games at historic David Allen Memorial Ballpark, home of the NJCAA Division II World Series.
"That trip to David Allen is going to be a special experience," said Fultz. "Any chance our guys get to play in that ballpark is something they'll remember."
Conference play begins on March 28, when Dawson hosts North Dakota College of Science in both the conference opener and home opener for the season.
"Our first goal is to win a conference championship," Fultz said. "That hasn't been done here since 2016."
Dawson will also continue its emphasis on community involvement, highlighted by the return of its Easter weekend egg hunt, an event launched last season in partnership with the softball program.
With a young roster, a challenging schedule, and a strong foundation of culture and chemistry, Dawson baseball enters the 2026 season focused on growth, competition, and taking the next step in the Mon-Dak Conference.
