In a signing ceremony in the packed media center at Mid-Prairie High School Wednesday, Golden Hawk senior Karson Grout signed his letter of intent to play baseball at the University of Iowa.

The Golden Hawk star has been a verbal commit to coach Rick Heller and the Hawkeyes for some time, but his signature yesterday in front of family, friends and the community made it official.

Grout has been a stalwart with the Golden Hawk program since his eighth grade season. In his time with the Hawks he has appeared in 104 games, starting 102. At the plate, he sports a career .409 average in 330 plate appearances with a .513 OBP and .588 slug. Grout has amassed 135 total hits, 115 RBI, 108 runs, walking 56 times and belting six homers. On the mound, he has made 18 appearances, 13 of those starts, with a 6-1 overall record. In 53 innings, he has racked up 77 strikeouts, allowing a .180 opponent average with a 3.30ERA.

Grout spoke with KCII Sports Wednesday at the ceremony about his decision, “The coaches are just awesome! Being close to home, I have younger siblings. I want to be able to see them grow up. I’ve always been a Hawkeye fan. There’s nothing better than going to Iowa. They like my bat, the left-handed power swing. My feet and glove can play third base, second base, corner outfield, wherever they need me really so they can get my bat in the lineup.”

In four years for the Golden Hawks, Grout has been named All-River Valley Conference and All-District three times each. He was a 2023 All-State selection. Grout has been a part of three Mid-Prairie RVC Championship teams and two state tournament squads. Over that time the Golden Hawks have an 80-30 overall record. During his time in Iowa City, Grout plans to study Enterprise Leadership. Iowa was 44-16 a year ago, earning a bid to the NCAA Regional Tournament.