Photo courtesy of Chris Rath.

A Highland senior will continue his baseball career after graduation at a community college in the state. Chase Rath, a Class 1A first-team all-state pitcher last summer, signed a letter of intent last Friday to play baseball for the North Iowa Area Community College Trojans in Mason City.

Rath was the ace of the Highland staff this season, throwing 73.2 innings, 33 more than anyone else for the Huskies. His 116 strikeouts ranked seventh in the state regardless of class and were the third most in Class 1A. Rath recorded an earned run average of 1.05, allowing 11 earned runs all season. Rath is among eight starters projected to return from last years 24-7 campaign.

Rath’s offense was notable, too. He recorded five triples, the fifth most in Class 1A baseball. Rath’s 33 runs batted in was second most in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference, and his 29 steals was the fourth most in the league. His efforts helped Highland make the state baseball tournament for the first time since 1984.The team lost their quarterfinal game against the eventual state champions, the Remsen St. Mary’s Hawks, 10-5.

The Trojans posted a 47-16 record and made it to the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II baseball championships.