Lacrosse standout Cole Carns '13 committed to coach Jon Torpey and High Point University this week.

The 5-8, 150-pound midfielder poured in 41 goals and dished out six assists as a junior in 2012, helping the Saints to the state semifinals in his first year at STC.

"I really wanted to play Division 1. That was my main goal," Carns said. "I love the school. I'm going down [Friday, July 27] to visit again."

The Panthers will play their first official year of NCAA lacrosee in the spring of 2013 after playing an exhibition schedule in 2012.

Carns also received interest from Washington College, Jacksonville and Ohio Wesleyan before deciding on the North Carolina school located 20 minutes away from Greensboro. He has another year at St. Chris to sharpen his skills.

"I'm going to work on my off hand as much as possible," said Carns, who will receive a partial scholarship (amount to be determined), "and work on making the smartest decisions on the field."

Carns will have a very busy senior year.

He's the top returning receiver for the state finalist football team - in terms of yardage - gathering in eight passes for 260 yards (a whopping 32.5-yard average) in 2011, good for second on the team. The big-play man had touchdowns of 97 and 80 yards, both touchdowns.

In the winter, Carns is a top sprinter in indoor track. Coach John Burke and the lacrosse team will count on his leadership and many returnees to make another trip back to the state tournament in the spring of 2013.

"He came on the scene late because he had only played one year of organized high-school lacrosse," Burke said. "His speed, his athleticism, his coachability are going to make him a really good college player. 

"Not many kids come here for one year and are voted a captain for his team the next year. He's clearly a leader and a great kid."