Barton softball signs all state pitcher from Topeka
The Barton County Community College softball team signed an all-state pitcher recently as Grace Toelkes inked to play for the Cougars and Coach Tom Curtis next season. Toelkes just completed her senior season at Shawnee Heights in Topeka, leading her team to the Class 5A state tournament where the Thunderbirds fell in the 1st round to the eventual champion.

Toelkes was tabbed as a 1st team All State Class 5A for the 2nd straight season following her senior year, after she posted an impressive 10-2 record with a 0.21 ERA. In her 79 innings of work Toelkes struck out nearly 100 batters. In the opening round of the Class 5A state tournament, Toelkes didn't allow an earned run, but Arkansas City was able to plate a run for a 1-0 win.

In addition to her all state honors, Toelkes was named 1st Team All City in Topeka by the Topeka Capital Journal as well as selected 1st team All Centennial League. She was also picked MVP of her team for the 2nd straight season.

Her junior season, Toelkes finished with a 14-1 record and a 0.36 ERA. She struck out 77 batters and threw 10 shutouts, leading the team to a runner-up effort at the Class 5A state tournament. That earned her those 1st Team All City, All Centennial League and Class 5A All State honors.

During her high school career, Toelkes was an impressive 51-3. She also earned academic honors with a 3.06 GPA at Shawnee Heights.