The Peru Gazette

L-R Tony Andrews, friends Christa Covel Reyell and Keith Kemp

By John T. Ryan

At 7:45 a.m. (PST) today Peru resident Tony Andrews entered Sony Studios, in Los Angeles, California to compete on the Wheel of Fortune. The program will be aired between mid-April and late-May; Andrews is legally committed to keeping the outcome secret. Aware that many people will be attempting to read his mind Andrews said, “I’ll have to put on the biggest poker face of my life!’

Andrew’s journey to the Wheel of Fortune began last June 27^th when he and about 250 others auditioned in Burlington, Vermont.   On September 27^th, Andrews and about 60 others returned for a second audition. Two weeks later he was notified by phone that he would be appear on the show. A few days ago he was able to announce that taping would take place on March 3rd.

Known for his witty word associations, Andrews seems to be an ideal Wheel of Fortune contestant. Andrews said, “I often thought that if a game show opportunity ever came to this area, I’d give it a try. If I was lucky enough to be selected that would be great. If not, it would be a good experience.”

The Burlington audition included solving 16 puzzles in five minutes. Andrews said he solved eight. He’s also been watching the show to see if he can beat the contestants in solving the puzzle. Yes, he does usually beat them!

Andrew’s many friends have been wishing him well in person, by phone and on Facebook. Last weekend the St. Augustine’s parish community, led by his friend Lana Knight, the Catholic Daughters and the Knights of Columbus, raised a few extra dollars to ensure that Andrews has an enjoyable trip.

While being a game show winner would be wonderful, Andrews seems almost equally excited about being reunited with college friends who are traveling from Washington, DC and South Carolina to join him in Los Angeles. Twenty years ago, while students at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, they traveled to Florida together. Andrews refers to this week as “The Ship of Fools Reunion.”

Andrews’ friends everywhere are extending wishes that he has luck with “the wheel” and a fantastic reunion with his friends.