Northshore graduate Wesley Baylor was a three-sport athlete his senior year with the Panthers, playing football, soccer and tennis.

In football, he made first-team all-district as a punter and place kicker in his final year. Baylor averaged 37 yards per punt with a long of 53. As a place kicker, he made all 14 of his extra points and hit on five of 10 field goal attempts with a long of 47 yards his senior year.

He also played in the Lake Pontchartrain All-Star Classic football game in the Louisiana Superdome. In the Northshore’s 27-6 win over the Southshore, Baylor connected on a pair of field goals from 32 and 37 yards.

Wesley Baylor

During his junior year, Baylor earned first-team honors for his punting.

Baylor showed his ability to get it done in the classroom also, posting a 3.8 grade point average. That helped him become one of 12 players to win the All-State Sugarbowl Chapter Scholar Athlete award, given through the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Baylor also won a $1,000 scholarship from Northshore’s Gridiron Club.

Panther football coach Mike Bourg said it will be hard to find another kicker as good as Baylor.

“He was a big part of the team,” Bourg said. “Losing him really hurt. We were dependent on Wesley for our kicking game. The thing about it is that he is a good athlete. If there was a bad snap on a punt, we were taken care of. If we decided to punt the ball, he could kick it into the corner. It was almost taken for granted having Wesley there. It was comforting to know he was there and he’d get the job done.”

In soccer, Baylor received honorable mention all-district recognition his junior and senior years.

Northshore soccer coach Ryan Lazaroe said Baylor did well for his program.

“He was a huge impact. He was a big motivation on and off the field,” Lazaroe said. “He is truly an all-around student athlete. He did well in the classroom and contributed in all three sports.”

In his first season of tennis, Baylor and his doubles partner Bobby McGuiness went 8-1 this year. During the regional round, the two fell in their first match following a bye in the first round.

“He was one of my starters,” said coach Scott Cammack. “He only played for me one year, so doing as good as he did, showed what kind of athlete he is. He brought a lot of energy to the team. He was always there for practices and the matches. He showed a lot of leadership.”

What do you enjoy most about playing your sports? It’s like my sanctuary. I can be myself when I’m out there playing.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? I like representing my school.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, the younger kids look up to the people they go to see play on Friday nights.

Most memorable game in sports? The homecoming game against Hammond. We were tied 3-3 with 3 minutes left, and I made a 44-yard field goal in the pouring rain. (The Panthers won the game, 6-3. Baylor added that his 47-yarder against Slidell this year to give his team a 10-7 lead was a very close second. NHS lost that game, 34-10.)

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Coach Bourg because he taught me a lot about myself on and off the field. He’s a really big role model. I can go to him for anything I need.

Who is your favorite athlete? Major League Soccer player David Bechham of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Favorite team? New Orleans Saints.

What is your favorite subject in school? Math.

Plans after high school/college major? Attend LSU and major in accounting. I’m debating on walking on for football.

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? “Friday Night Lights,” “SportsCenter,” Katt Williams and Jessica Alba.

Favorite type of music? Anything on the radio. I’m not picky.

Favorite food dish? Steak and baked potatoes, but anything can be good with A-1 steak sauce.

Best vacation? Graduation night in April in Walt Disney World because it was the last time my friends and I got to hang out before we departed for college.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like the people and the nice friendly atmosphere. It’s safe, and it’s cozy. You know a vast majority of the people.

Hobbies/interests: Any summer activities in the water and hanging out with my friends.

Parents: Jay and Cindy Baylor of Slidell.