Glenn H. Gough — the Alex Trebek of north country game shows — was posed his own question as he prepared to tape a "Whiz Quiz" segment late last month at WPBS-TV.
The question, in the history category: Did he think the "Whiz Quiz" run would last so long? It's celebrating its 30th year.
Mr. Gough, the show's host, looking dapper in his paisley tie and a striped blue and white dress shirt that contrasted nicely with his curly white hair, smiled and said, "Not really, I don't think so. In this business, some things are short-lived."
"Whiz Quiz," created by WPBS in Watertown to salute the academic excellence of north country high school students, began production in 1980. Students in teams of four compete in matches until all but one is eliminated. Questions range from mathematics to geography.
"Whiz Quiz" was born one year after Mr. Gough joined the station, then known as WNPE-WNPI, in 1979. He started his career in radio in 1949 at WMSA in Massena. He later worked at WWNY radio and television in Watertown. He's been a disc jockey, a sportscaster and the host of television shows on hunting and fishing. Mr. Gough has hosted the majority of "Whiz Quiz" episodes, but at times shared the duties with Ernest Edward "Eddie" Carvin, who died in 2007.
Mr. Gough, 79, officially retired from WNPE-WNPI in 1992, but continues with his "Whiz Quiz" task.
"I was in sports programming and know that athletes tend to get a lot of attention," Mr. Gough said. "This is one show that truly salutes academic performance. Plus, I get to meet so many great kids."
WPBS-TV plans to celebrate 30 years of "Whiz Quiz" with a reception at the station's James W. Wright Community Room from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19.
Mr. Gough said the taping of the show has gotten easier over the years. "In the first year or so, we had the schools provide the questions," he said.
The questions are now purchased from a company that specializes in crafting such queries, he said. But the questions aren't taken at face value.
Mr. Gough said the "Whiz Quiz" team includes about 30 volunteer judges, mostly retired teachers. During a match, three judges are on hand. But before the matches, several judges get together to discuss the questions.
"We ask, 'Are there any other answers that could be correct?'" Mr. Gough said. "We always find some. We want to be fair to all the schools."
Mr. Gough said the talent the "Whiz Kids" contestants show always amazes him. "One thing that especially amazes me is the different activities they're involved in," he said. "It's amazing they have time to study. They are well rounded."
Many former contestants, when they see Mr. Gough in the community, come up to him and tell him of the good experiences they had on the show.
"It's nice they take the memories with them," Mr. Gough said.
Indian River High School Principal Troy W. Decker is a former contestant. He came with his school's team last year as a spectator, which Mr. Gough appreciated.
Mr. Decker is an "adamant supporter" of "Whiz Quiz."
"It allows the schools an opportunity emphasize academics," he said. "I know that sounds crazy enough, but it allows the students the chance to showcase what they have learned."
Mr. Decker added, "It allows the students who may not have a competitive outlet that option."
Four "Whiz Quiz" episodes are taped each week in the fall. In 2001, "Whiz Quiz Canada" was added to better represent Canadian viewers. The winner of the U.S. and Canadian contests battle for the "international" title. This year, Madrid-Waddington Central School is attempting to repeat as overall champions.
Thomas F. Hanley, president and general manager of WPBS, said sponsors are a big part of "Whiz Quiz" success. This year's sponsors are Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, SUNY North Country Consortium, Jefferson Community College and Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley.
Scholarships awarded this year on "Whiz Quiz" are provided in part by the Watertown Noon Rotary Club and the Ogdensburg Rotary Club. The first place American team is awarded with $1,200 scholarship and the second place U.S. team is awarded with $800.
The station is trying to find sponsors for the Canadian teams.
