2023 CHSAA Season Preview: Nucla HS

The Colorado high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we'll publish our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Colorado Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team: Nucla
League: San Juan Basin
2022 Record: 13-8 / 3-3 Conference
Classification: 1A
Head Coaches: Randy Gabriel and Kelly Arnold
Years at the Helm: 16

OUTLOOK:
The Nucla Mustangs are coached by Randy Gabriel and Kelly Arnold in the 1A San Juan Basin league where they have had success over the years. This is a young group for these coaches in 2023, but they could still be led by upperclassmen PJ Hulst and Steele Arnold. Both of these players flashed upside on the mound last year and they each hit over .530 with over a 1.350 OPS. This program is excited to see how the young talented players mix in with their strong upperclassmen coming into the 2023 season. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Seniors:

PJ Hulst: P/SS
18 GP, .531 BA, 1.360 OPS, 16 RBI, 3 2B, 3 3B
5 APP, 3.82 ERA, 1-2, 11 IP, 12 Ks

Juniors:

Steele Arnold: OF/UTL
20 GP, .561 BA, 1.375 OPS, 22 RBI, 8 2B, 2 3B, 19 SBs
2 APP, 0.00 ERA, 0-1, 5.1 IP, 8 Ks

Joseph Casillas: OF
20 GP, .233 BA, .662 OPS, 5 RBI, 1 2B

Impact Underclassmen:

Brycen Rummel: P/INF

Owen Tackett: C

Make sure to follow @pbrcolorado on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2023 season.