Although summer quarter classes have only just begun, students should begin studying now – but not for finals week. “Jeopardy!” is coming to Ohio State.
The syndicated game show and its sharp-witted host, Alex Trebeck, are coming to Columbus in search of contestants for its collegiate tournament.
From Oct. 4-6 “Jeopardy!” will be taping 10 shows at the Schottenstein Center. The facility’s large size was one of the reasons OSU was chosen, Harry Friedman, the show’s executive producer, told local media.
“In a college or university setting, we can count on an audience of several thousand,” Friedman said. “That adds to the excitement.”
Although the Schott was a major incentive for the show to come to OSU, it is not the main reason. Matt Couch, Ohio Union activities board adviser, said OSU was chosen because “Jeopardy!” producers thought it an “exceptional school.” Couch said this is the fourth year that the collegiate version will outside the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.
Contestants will be chosen during Welcome Week with the stipulations that applicants must be full-time undergraduates with no prior bachelor’s degrees. About 1,200 students will be pre-tested with a series of multiple-choice tests.
Tryouts are Sept. 26 from 3:30-6 p.m. and likely will take place in the Ohio Union, Couch said. The tryouts will be part of a large “Jeopardy!” event featuring the “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew and Brain Bus, Couch said.
While tryouts are open to any OSU undergraduate, some are hestitant to take part in the contestant search.
Megan Detrick, a junior in architecture, said she would not try out because she thinks she is “not smart enough.”
Couch admits some of the questions will be tough, but he thinks OSU students will be up for the challenge.
Saul Cornell, associate professor of American history, thinks the chances of OSU producing a “Jeopardy!” champion are good but also subject to chance.
“The great thing about Ohio State University is that the range of students’ interests are vast. Who wins depends on factors beyond our control. Are you having a good day or a bad day? Does the question just happen to be about a hobby of yours?” Cornell said.
The winner will automatically be invited to participate in the annual collegiate tournament of champions, and their school will also receive a scholarship of an undisclosed amount.
The show, which airs weekdays at 7 p.m. on Channel 10, will broadcast the collegiate competitions Nov. 11-22. Tickets to the taping of the shows are free and will be given away at participating Wendy’s restaurants.
