FUN WITH WHEEL
Area man gets oncein-a-lifetime chance to compete on TV’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.» It can only happen once in a lifetime, participating on “Wheel of Fortune”.
It’s rare for it to even happen, but on Thursday night Saratoga Springs resident Bryan Geary competed in the show’s 36th season.
Back in July, Geary and his fiancé, Mo Dahl, and Dahl’s parents spent a day at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. The group signed up and Dahl was lucky enough to play the Wheelmobile that day.
Even more luck came to the couple two weeks later when Geary received an e-mail. After three hours of written tests and interviews, he found out he’d be flying to Los Angeles at the end of July.
Geary and Dahl flew out on a Wednesday. “Wheel of Fortune” filmed six shows the following day and they returned to Saratoga Springs on that Sunday.
“It was surreal,” Geary said minutes before the episode aired. “I met Vanna White at 7:30 a.m. and that was a good way to start the day.”
It was teacher’s week at “Wheel of Fortune.” Geary instructs 20 second graders at Lynwood Elementary School in the Guilderland School District.
“They’re excited,” Geary said. “It’s funny, I walked in the cafeteria and you just hear, Mr. Geary, Mr. Geary! It’s cool. It’s been fun.”
Thursday afternoon he showed his class some best of “Wheel of Fortune” clips to get them pumped up, he said.
Geary’s friends and family gathered on the patio at The West Side Sports Bar on Congress Street. There were 75-cent wings, beer flowing and anticipating for the show to begin.
“I cannot believe that he has known since the end of July and he has not shared any of this with us, which is killing me as his mother but at the same time I also understand that the fewer people you tell, the less chance of it getting out,” said Kathy Geary moments before the 7 p.m. start time. “I get it 100 percent, and I’m proud of him for keeping that secret.”
Bryan Geary was all smiles as his family and friends reacted to the times he correctly guessed the puzzle and the times his spins landed on the dreaded bankrupt card.
“I texted a few people,” he said of the crowded atmosphere. “It’s just cool that people can come out and celebrate and watch and have some fun.”
Geary and Dahl are getting married in November. They recently purchased a house in Saratoga Springs. He graduated from Shenendehowa High School.
Geary watched “Wheel of Fortune” when he had the chance. Sometimes it’s on as he’s making dinner. He’s played puzzle-like games before. Competing in the real thing was definitely a challenge.
“It’s very different playing there. It’s so much different. The speed [was most difficult],” he said. “It went by so fast. There’s a lot of pressure and there’s a lot of nerves.”
Geary might not have won any lavish vacations, but he did come back with some extra money and a lifetime of memories.
“Pat Sajak and I actually have the same birthday, so I told him that and shook his hand,” Geary said. “Everyone was super friendly. I really can’t say enough about everyone. They were all very, very cool.”
It was a special night for everybody involved.
“We’re just so excited and proud,” Kathy Geary said.