THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University senior punter Patrick Dolan played in the Dixie Gridiron Classic on Saturday, punting away two kicks for a 46.5 yard average in his team's 17-13 defeat in the inaugural collegiate All-Star classic.

Although Dolan's team; the Pacific All-Stars, suffered the loss against the Mountain All-Stars, he felt the experience was immeasurable.

“It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Dolan. “Being able to compete with some of the most talented players from all over the nation was such a wonderful experience. It was also a great way to create exposure and to have a couple of good kicks on film.”

Dolan, who leaves Nicholls as the career-holder in punting average (43.2 yard/punt), hopes to prolong his career at the professional level as he continues to train for pro day in mid-March. Along with working out, his regimen will consist of attending kicking camps and specialist combines.

For his career, the 2010 All-Louisiana honoree accounted for 7,101 punting yards while pinning 54 punts inside the 20-yard line.