Batavia man to appear on 'The Bachelorette'
A Batavia native will be a contestant on this season of ABC's “The Bachelorette,” a family member confirmed Wednesday.
Clint Arlis, 27, now an architect living in Chicago, learned he'd been chosen for the popular reality show earlier this year, said his sister, Taylor Arlis. He can't comment on the show until it airs, but he was spotted by several spoiler/fan websites going on one of the show's “group dates.”
On “The Bachelorette,” a group of men compete for the bachelorette's heart with the goal of falling in love. This season, for the first time, there will be two bachelorettes.
Clint Arlis is the oldest of three children (sister Taylor is 24, and brother Logan is 23). Clint was a high honors student and star wrestler at Batavia High School, where his father Tom is still a wrestling coach. Tom Arlis also teaches photography at Naperville North High School. His mother, Jamie, is an interior designer.
Clint Arlis earned double master's degrees in architecture and civil engineering from the University of Illinois, and was on the college's wrestling team. He now works for Lend Lease, the international construction and development firm that helped build many Chicago landmarks, including the Harold Washington Library, Navy Pier and the Trump International Hotel & Tower.
Even though Clint's good-looking, smart and successful, he's never been a “player” when it comes to women, his sister said.
“He's always had a serious girlfriend. All through high school he had one, and then he dated another girl up until two years ago, or a year and a half ago. He's a good boyfriend. He's easy to get along with,” said Taylor, who is finishing up her first year of veterinary school at the University of Illinois. “His girlfriends have been some of my closest friends. He doesn't go after bimbos. He doesn't like the dumb ones.”
Clint's work friends encouraged him to audition for the show, and everyone is both amused and thrilled that he was chosen. The family expressed concern that Clint might be portrayed unfairly on TV but ultimately trusted that he's smart enough to behave appropriately, his sister said.
“His personality is very funny, and a lot of people will like to see him on TV. I know I will,” she said. “I can't wait until it airs. We're all so excited. My grandma is so excited.”
“The Bachelorette” premieres May 18 on ABC.