William Heikkinen’s Childhood

1. WILLIAM HEIKKINEN’S CHILDHOOD WILLIAM HEIKKINEN’S CHILDHOOD As a child, William Heikkinen started his sports career with a stint in the baseball Little Leagues of Andover, Massachusetts. Not much taller than the bat at that time, baseball taught William a great deal about the value of teamwork, competition, and practice. Once William started eighth grade, he began his football career and even had a slight setback due to elbow surgery yet barely missed a step. Nothing will stop a determined Will from getting back to play. During his high school football career, Heikkinen amassed 126 catches and 1,960 receiving yards (both school records) and 22 touchdowns.

2. At Andover High School in Massachusetts, William Heikkinen was a straight A student and skilled football player which made him quite attractive to colleges. Once an Ivy League school contacted him, he felt the need to step up his academic standards even more. He was described by a fellow team member as “a tremendous player, he’s a Division 1, 1A talent.” While some may have been taken by surprise at this young man’s meteoric rise to elite receiver status, many recognized his capabilities years ago. Now everyone will. WILLIAM HEIKKINEN’S HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CAREER The Andover Golden Warriors football team benefitted greatly by having their 6 foot 1 inch 195-pound wide receiver, William Heikkinen; especially since he seemed to be quarterback, CJ Scarpa’s, main focus during much of the 2013 season. Heikkinen was a senior that year and a two-time Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star. He caught 67 passes for 1,162 yards and nine touchdowns his last season to add to the 7 interceptions from his cornerback position. In his junior year, Will was a receiver for the Golden Warriors and it was then teammate Andy Coke predicted that William Heikkinen was a player to watch. Will knows how to use his size and speed to his advantage. Heikkinen made a scene stealing catch during a game against North Andover, and practically monopolized a game against Haverhill. His prowess during that

3. game was what made people stop and realize what Andy Coke was saying about Heikkinen was true. He was definitely one to watch. In January of 2013, William Heikkinen committed to Brown University. His coach, EJ Perry said of the choice, “Brown’s excellent football reputation, combined with its academic prowess convinced Will.” Perry also thinks the Andover-Brown connection played a big role in Heikkinen’s decision. The town of Andover has sent a slew of great football players to Brown over the years including Bobby, Mark, Paul and Buddy Farnham, James Perry (EJ’s brother), Bill O’Brien, Brendan and Neil Finneran, and Andy Coke. For more information see on here https://www.williamheikkinen.com/