What area resident recently appeared as a contestant on "Jeopardy!," the popular T.V. quiz show? The answer: Who is Brian Worthington! 

Brian, who lives in neighboring Lewisville, is a senior computer programmer for Hulcher Services. Inc., headquartered in Denton. He, his wife, Cary, and three-year-old son, Aiden, attend church at Central Christian Church in Dallas, where Brian is a member of the chancel choir. 

The "Jeopardy!" episode featuring Brian as a contestant was taped in January and aired on February 18. Members of Central’s congregation, along with the Worthingtons' family and friends, gathered in the church’s parlor around the TV to watch the show and finally learn how Brian fared. 

We knew that he was a contestant on Jeopardy! but show rules prevented Brian from sharing any part of the outcome of the quiz show prior to it airing on TV. 

Many of us don’t seem too curious about people who appear on shows like “Let’s Make A Deal” and “Family Feud,” but those on “Do You Want to be a Millionaire?” and “Jeopardy!” pique our interest.  

Big time “Jeopardy!” winner Ken Jennings has authored several books after being a contestant on the show. 

Before the evening’s show began, we all wanted to know from Brian what he did to become a contestant on the TV game show that many of us having been watching for years.  

“I watch a lot of 'Jeopardy!,'” Brian said. 

It sounds simple, but apparently “watching the show” is highly recommended if one wants to someday be a contestant on the show. 

If you read the tips on the "Jeopardy!" website, it mentions the importance of being a regular viewer of the show. Frequent watching gives the viewing audience an idea of the diversity of the categories of questions. You must be well rounded in your knowledge.  

The website also profiles the "Jeopardy!" contestants as curious with a natural love of learning; they’re usually avid readers and prolific travelers. They love research and are likely the ones raising their hand to ask a question. Overall, they are pretty competitive people. 

“I've always been good at remembering trivial facts, but it's never done much for me until I tried to get on 'Jeopardy!,'” Brian quipped. 

The "Jeopardy!" website offers practice tests to check out your knowledge. If you think you are ready for the real test, you can sign up to take it online. If you pass, you may be invited for an audition. 

After the audition, you get the “'don’t call us — we’ll call you' speech,” Brian said. And the waiting begins. 

We also wanted to know what “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek was really like and if Brian experienced a severe case of jitters before the game. 

“Alex Trebek was very nice,” Cary said. “However, he was not feeling well that day,” she added. 

“You really didn’t have time to be nervous; everything moves so quickly,” Brian answered. He added that the show’s coordinator did a great job of putting the contestants at ease. 

At show time, we were all anxious to see Brian play the game, but we were also interested in seeing three-year-old Aiden’s reaction when he saw his dad on TV.

Aiden pointed, clapped and ran to the TV, then returned to his seat on the sofa. 

Contending for the champion title on that day were two men and one woman. Brian is pretty tall, but all three contestants appeared to be the same height. Automated lifts behind the lectern bring everyone to the same level. 

“I’ll Take Shakespearean Geography for 400,” Brian said. The question was — Hometown of the Montagues and the Capulets. 

The buzzer sounded and Brian answered, “What is Verona.”

“How I came up with the answer," Brian said, “is that I've read and seen Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' several times. When I saw 'Montagues and Capulets,' this play came to mind instantly and Verona as the setting came immediately after.” 

Yeah, Brian! And the game went on. 

Brian was not “the big winner” that day. He came in second place. But, he graciously shared that he was proud to have just been on the show and that it was a wonderful experience.  

We all know from watching the show what an honor and reflection of knowledge it is to be a contestant on "Jeopardy!"  

Sharing Brian’s pride are not only Cary, Aiden and other family and friends, but also his family at Central Christian Church.