Danville's Bartok signs with Rio Grande

Growing up in Danville, Ruby Bartok has learned to appreciate the appeal of a small community.

In looking for a college, she knew she wanted the same hometown family atmosphere and camaraderie that comes with someplace smaller.

That’s why the decision to go to Rio Grande University was so easy. The Danville senior made it official Sunday, signing a national letter of intent to play college softball at the NAIA university in southern Ohio.

“Everybody was really nice (there). The coach was great to talk with, and I loved the players there, too,” Bartok said. “Whenever I went down there and watched them, they were very much like a family, which is nice. I really liked how small the campus is and how small the classes are.”

Bartok earned her trip to Rio thanks to a huge bat and an ability to play infield and pitch. She hit .500 last spring with seven home runs and 34 RBIs for a Blue Devils squad that won the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference and advanced to the Div. VI district finals. She expects to mainly play first base for the Red Storm, but it not averse to toeing the mound and pitching, if needed.

She plans on majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Rio Grande. While at the Knox County Career Center, she discovered a taste for helping others in the medical field. An uncle who is an X-ray technician told her about his side of the medical field and the idea of being a tech of some sort intrigued her.

But before heading south, she is gearing up for her senior year with the Blue Devils. Her years there under head coach Charlie Duncan and his staff have pushed her to be the best she can be, and she’s taken it all in.

“(Coach) Duncan is always pushing me, always. He does not cut me slack, at all. He makes you take accountability. He’s honest, but really amazing. I enjoy having him as a coach,” Bartok said.

The other coaches around the KMAC and area may be ready to see the hard-hitting first baseman graduate, but Duncan is looking forward to a huge senior year from her. He said she’s really taken on the leadership role with the team and is hoping that pays off for his squad.

“Ruby has been solid since day one. As a freshman she came in on a loaded team, obviously, and her bat was in the lineup right away. It’s funny to hear other coaches say, ‘is that kid graduated yet who hits the bombs?’” Duncan said. “She’s always been great at the plate. This year, I’m really proud of her. She’s been at the majority of our off-season workouts. She’s texting underclassmen and making sure they’re being accountable. That’s next level. Every year we ask more of her and every year she delivers.”