Garrison Baylor is about as well-rounded of a kid as you’ll meet.

The Chisholm High School sophomore plays soccer and bowls; plays the clarinet in the CHS band; and competes for the academic team and in scholastic meets, where he qualified for state in algebra and chemistry this year.

“I’d rather be known for many things, rather than one single thing. Whether it’s soccer, music, academics or the friendships I’ve had,” Baylor said.

Baylor is driven by one ideal:

“I like the ability to improve, so I work towards improvement in both sports and academics,’ Baylor said.

Bowling is a fabric in Baylor’s family tree. All who played before him: “Both grandfathers, one partaking in the pro tour, and both of my parents who bowled in leagues.”

But it wasn’t always in the cards for Baylor himself.

“They brought back bowling at Chisholm this year, so I took the opportunity,” Baylor said. “I didn’t play when I was growing up, but I’ve already achieved a 200 in a year.”

Bowling a 200 is something that had been on his mind.

“It was exciting to achieve the goal I set for myself,” Baylor said. “My end goal is to bowl a perfect game, but until then, I’ll have to work my way up.”

Unlike his bowling career, Baylor’s soccer career began at a young age. He plays defense for the Longhorns varsity team.

“I have always had an interest in soccer starting at the age of 4. It has taken a lot of practice to get to where I am now,” Baylor said. “I like the ability to improve, so I work towards improvement in both sports and my academics.”

Baylor joined the middle school academic team 5 years ago.

“There was an audition process where a mock academic meet was done. Your performance determined if you made the team,” Garrison said. “I like competing and wanted to challenge myself academically.”

It takes intelligence to compete in both academic bowl games and scholastic meets, but it’s a whole different ball game to possess knowledge in multiple subjects.

“Being well-rounded is necessary in both academic and scholastic club, because they require different levels of knowledge in a wide variety of subjects,” Garrison said.

Playing an instrument requires a different intellect, another which Garrison was blessed with.

“Music is another language for me where I can have fun with others who have a similar passion,” Garrison said.

That’s what it’s about for him. In his athletic endeavors, academic competition and music, Garrison is rooted in the bonds he forms with his classmates.

“Those bonds turn into things like friendships, new experiences and ways to express different personalities,” Garrison said.

After high school, Garrison plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to become a doctor.