The Vista Sept. 25, 1997

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University of Central Oklahoma

TUESDAY September 25, 1997

The Student Voice Since 1903

UCO journalism student to compete on popular game show By Stacy Thomas Student Writer

O

ne UCO student will be choosing her vowels and consonants very carefully when she appears as a contestant on the Sept. 26 taping of NBC's game show Wheel of Fortune in Los Angeles, Calif. Cory Lindley, a senior journalism major, left for Los Angeles yesterday, along with two other Oklahoma City contestants. Lindley said she was in a state of disbelief when the show's producers called her at work earlier this month. "My secretary told me Wheel of Fortune was on the phone," said Lindley. "I started laughing and told her to quit messing with me. "She told me she was dead serious." Lindley said representatives from the show placed boxes in Grandy's restaurants around the Oklahoma City area beginning the first week of August and she put her name in. Her name was chosen in a random drawing two weeks later. Lindley, along with 150 other prospective contestants attended tryouts at the Marriot Hotel in Oklahoma City. The prospective contestants were given tests to find out their playing level and knowledge of the game. Lindley said when a Wheel of

Fortune representative announced the 10 semifinalists, she was sure her name wouldn't be included. "I felt like I did so bad on the tests that there was no way I would be picked to stay," said Lindley. "I had my purse around my shoulder ready to head for the doors. When they called my name my knees began to shake." The semifinalists played a mock game of Wheel of Fortune and gave a verbal bibliography about themselves—a similar scenario to the real show. She said she is thrilled about going but was a little surprised to find out the show does not cover any of the contestants' expenses. "I just look at this as an opportunity of a lifetime," she said. "So the money I am spending doesn't really bother me." Lindley says she really does not care if she is a big winner, but admits winning $25,000 would be "really nice." "My husband and I are saving to purchase a house and a big win would alleviate a lot of financial pressure right now." The show has not told Lindley when her appearance will be aired. "They really have not told me anything except when to be there," she said. "I have told all my friends and family members that if I strike it rich in Los Angeles, all of Oklahoma will hear me sceaming."

Creamed... Kappa Sigma member Kevin Bezdicek and Alpha Gamma Delta pledge Kristy Harris hug following a shaving cream tug-of-war Monday in front of Hamilton Field House. The game was part Homecoming's Laff Olympic competitions. (Staff photo by Bryan Terry)

INSIDE TODAY INDEX Editorial 2 Sports 7-9 Around Town 12 Around Campus ... 12 Classifieds 16

NEW DEAN

Regents name UCO's Dr. David Harris as new dean.

5

ALUMNI Couple's return becomes homecoming tradition.

HOMECOMING Check out what's happening with Homecoming '97.

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