Cardinal Gibbons plans to play on a new artificial turf when it opens its 2011 high school football season Aug. 19 against Clayton.

Gibbons principal Jason Curtis said the school had considered going to a turf field for a few years and decided the initial investment of about $750,000 is worthwhile.

"There is an initial investment, but the maintenance is nothing compared to a grass field," Curtis said. "There is no fertilizer, no water, no cutting. And this will allow us to accommodate the 400 students we have that participate in athletics."

Gibbons' stadium field is used by 12 varsity and junior varsity teams in addition physical education classes.

Several schools in western North Carolina have installed turf fields. They are all pleased with the results, Curtis said.

As part of the installation process, a new drainage system will be installed and another practice field will be created.

In the past, athletic events at Gibbons, and most other area high schools, have been postponed because of playing conditions.

The new turf is expected to cut down on the number of postponements.

Two years ago, Harnett Central played some of its football playoff games at Campbell University's stadium, which has a turf field.

The Central field was considered unplayable because of recent cold and rainy weather, but the field at Campbell was in perfect condition.

Holly Springs in top 20: Holly Springs, the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-A baseball champion, is No. 20 in the latest ESPN Fab 50 high school baseball rankings.

The Hawks finished 27-2 after sweeping Asheville Roberson in the best-of-three championship series at Five County Stadium in Zebulon.

NCISAA Wachovia Cup standings: Cary Christian and Cary Academy each placed sixth in the final N.C. Independent Schools Wachovia Cup competition that rewards the top all-around athletic programs for each classification.

Cary Christian competes in 2-A while Cary Academy is 3-A.

The competition is based on advancing in the NCISAA playoffs in each sport.

Grace Christian of Raleigh finished 27th among 2-A schools.

Catamount signs for volleyball: Volleyball is not a boys sport at N.C. High School Athletic Association schools, but that didn't keep Brennan O'Connor from landing financial aid from Barton College in Wilson to play men's volleyball.

Barton is starting a men's volleyball team this fall, and Barton coach Jim Freeman spotted O'Connor at tryouts for the High Performance club program.

O'Connor had played for the N.C. Elite club team for the past year and had been involved in club volleyball for three years.

"I had no idea that he'd like volleyball when he started, but he loves it" said Bonnie Lee O'Connor, his mother and the coach of the Panther Creek girls team. "He was admitted to seven colleges, but Barton was at the top of his list."

Lady Jags make Conference 3 list: In girls lacrosse, Athens Drive gets split apart from its usual Tri-Nine Conference rivals and is placed in "Conference 3" along with Cap-8 schools plus Cardinal Gibbons.

The all-conference girls lacrosse team was recently released, and the Lady Jaguars placed three players - Sarah Odom, Bianca Boieru and Morgan Habig - on the first team. Jennifer Hiteshew and Haley Lohmiller made second team.