Pocono News Section

Local Man Appears on "Jeopardy"

Local Man Appears on "Jeopardy" - Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 4:52PM EST

Williamsport, Lycoming County-
A South Williamsport man got to live out a lifelong dream Wednesday night when he appeared as a contestant on the popular hit game show, “Jeopardy.”

Family, friends, and patrons at Rivals Sports Bar cheered as Erik Krauss’ name was announced.

Krauss says he’s been trying to get on the show for more than 20 years, and he made the most of it.

But he got off to a bit of a rocky start.

Krauss recalled, “Single jeopardy, it was pretty bad. I was having trouble with the signaling button- the timing. You have to hit it just exactly right. If you hit it too early, you get locked out.”

But Krauss came roaring back in the double jeopardy round- to the delight of all his supporters in the crowd.

He even held a slim lead over the returning champ heading into the final jeopardy question. And that’s where things got interesting.

Krauss answered right, but unfortunately he wagered wrong.

He explained, “I wagered very conservatively, because I don’t know much about English history. I knew right away I’d lost, because I felt the question was too easy and that someone else would get it right. So I knew it right away.”

And although he didn’t walk away with the victory, Krauss says it was an experience he’ll never forget.

He added, “To do that is something I’ve always wanted to do. And so for me it’s just been a fantastic thing and a goal that I’ve always wanted to do and a lot of people want to do it too. And it was just fun and I’m glad I had a chance.”

Only about 400 people in the entire country make it onto a “Jeopardy” taping each year. Erik’s episode was taped in February.

Along with his family and friends, we’d like to congratulate Erik on a job well done!