Contestant Blogs
This Week's Contestant
Doug H.
| Theme: | Great Outdoors Portland |
|---|---|
| Hometown: | Eugene, OR |
| Week of: | 05-21-2012 |
POSTED on 5-21
I started watching "Wheel" back when the contestants bought prizes after each round. My Mom was a crossword puzzle "junkie", so my love for word games came easy! Even after I moved away, we would call each other when Wheel was on to see if the other one knew the answer. I was a football player and coach for thirty years, but if Wheel was on I would watch it over all sports, even the "Super Bowl." My Mom and I would always talk about going on the show but never committed to it.
Last summer, as I was driving to work, I saw a billboard advertising the "Wheelmobile" coming to the Three Rivers Casino in Oregon. My Mom has since passed, but I thought this was my (our) last chance!! So, off I went to the audition. I sat through the first round and didn't get picked. My friend was going to leave, but I talked her into going to the next round. I'm glad I did because my name was the first one picked in round two! They said that those picked from our group would get a letter in a few months. Waiting for that letter was nerve racking!
Finally, it came. I was picked for the next audition in Eugene, Oregon. I tried out, and made it through all the elimination rounds. We were told the possible shows available to those lucky people to be selected. Now, one last "anxious" waiting game.
Then, three weeks later, a call, inviting me to Portland for "Great Outdoors Week"!! I had made it!! Please, someone pinch me! I'm going to meet Pat & Vanna on National Television!! A dream come true - Mom would be proud!!
I called all of my Kids and Grandkids! Reserved suites in Portland for everyone!! Then, I spent three of the greatest days of my life, with the most cherished people in my life, playing the greatest game in the world!! Is that "Cool" or what?
Everyone can see me on Tuesday, May 22nd, as I compete during "Great Outdoors Week" on Wheel of Fortune in Portland, Oregon!