Lynn’s Watler goes ‘Good School Hunting’

LYNN – Most high school kids would be thrilled just to know that a school such as Harvard or MIT deems them worthy of admission.But Classical senior Alex Watler has the luxury of being able to choose between the two. Not only that, he can also weigh the two against the likes of Worcester Polytech and Dartmouth.Watler, who was the starting quarterback for last fall’s Classical football team, seems to have the choice whittled down to either Harvard or MIT, and he’ll be visiting both schools within the next two weeks.Watler, who wants to major in either computer or electrical engineering, said it’s always been a dream of his to get into both schools.”It’s been my goal ever since I started getting good grades in middle school,” Watler said. “I wanted to go to the best schools, and Harvard and MIT are the best schools.”He said he has several criteria for choosing a school.”Obviously, I’m looking for a good environment,” he said. “But I also want to have a good time, since I’ll be living there. But most of all, I want a school that will enhance my academic experience.”Besides being honored by all these acceptances, Watler has found out he’s been picked for the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame. He’ll receive his award at a ceremony May 12 at Lombardo’s in Randolph.”I don’t know many of the details yet,” he said, “except that coach (Matt) Durgin says it is very prestigious (he’s one of 22 players in the country to receive the honor).”I just know that I’ll have to make a speech.”Watler says his father, Harold, a computer engineer, has had a huge influence on him.”His work ethic is inspiring to me ? and to many others,” Watler said. “He gives me the will to work harder in the classroom and the athletic field, and it’s really paid off.”One thing that could affect Watler’s decision: He’ll likely play varsity football if he goes to MIT, but would play intramurals at Harvard.