(Arlis, in high school, far left; wrestling at U of I. Photos courtesy of Scott Bayer)
Clint Arlis, a Batavia wrestling star and 2005 graduate of Batavia High School, has passed away.
The death was announced on Twitter by Batavia wrestling coach Scott Bayer.
“It is with a heavy heart and a sense of profound loss that we announce the death of one of the Batavia Wrestling Program’s All-Time greats, 2005 graduate, Clint Arlis.”
No cause of death was given.
According to the announcement, Arlis is currently 2nd in Batavia Wrestling Career victories (147) and #1 in Career Takedowns (437). He earned 41 wins in his senior campaign, was a 3x Conference Champion and a 3x IHSA State Qualifier. He went on to wrestle at the University of Illinois, where he worked his way into the starting lineup at 157, went 14-7 and finished 7th in the Big Ten Tournament.
Arlis, an architectural engineer, lived in Chicago and made something of a splash with his 2015 appearance as a contestant on ABC’s popular “The Bachelorette.” While he made an impression by drawing the show’s trademark rose on a triceratops to get a laugh (which he got), he didn’t make it to the finals.
The son of retired head coach Tom Arlis and his wife Jamie, Arlis is survived by his parents, and younger sister and brother.
“His legacies as a fierce competitor, tireless worker, a caring influence to younger Batavia wrestlers, a devoted friend and a loving son and brother will resonate far beyond his days in our presence,” Bayer commented.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been announced.
