Stephanie Jass of Milan wins 4th straight 'Jeopardy!' - with an assist from Ann Arbor
Stephanie Jass with Alex Trebek
photo courtesy of Jeopardy Productions
Jass won the TV game show for the fourth straight night, bringing her total winnings to more than $90,000. In the segment when the contestants chat briefly with host Alex Trebek, Jass said she hopes to use some of her winnings to buy a Chevy Volt.
The "Single Jeopardy" round of the show was somewhat competitive on Thursday, ending with Jass holding a slim lead of $5,600 to $4,800 for her nearest competitor.
One of the categories in the round was "Presidential Libraries," and Jass—a history professor at Adrian College—did well with it. When the clue "Ann Arbor, Michigan," came on the screen, she correctly responded that the city houses the library of Gerald Ford—leading Trebek to note, "Good thing you got that one."
Jass pulled away from her fellow contestants in the "Double Jeopardy" round, ending with $24,400 to $12,400 for her second-place challenger.
All three contestants got the "Final Jeopardy" question in the "Nonfiction" category wrong. (With a clue of "In an 1854 work, this title body of water was compared with the proportions of Loch Fyne," the correct response was, "What is Walden Pond?")
But Jass had wisely bet only $1,000, leaving her with $23,400 for the night and a four-day total of $90,170.
Jass' winning run will continue on Friday's episode. "Jeopardy!" airs at 7:30 p.m. on WDIV, channel 4 in Detroit.
Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.
Comments
RedSchwinn
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
"...Jass had wisely bet only $1,000..." One could just as easily say "...timidly risked a measly $1.000..."
RedSchwinn
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
All that said, I'm no professor of history, Maybe now we know why.
RedSchwinn
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
That's one way to go. Swim the Channel, or stay in the shallow end of the pool with your ducky floatees and an extra flotation belt. It's found money. Even if she doesn't win any more, she doesn't lose anything.
djacks24
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
I'd say winning big is living to play another day or longer. Why not take it as far as she can until someone possibly defeats her instead of going bust.
RedSchwinn
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Read the article. Depends on your outlook. She's covered the cost of the Chevy Volt, a couple of times. Why not win big or go home?
djacks24
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
The difference between those two statements is if she answered the final jeopardy question right or wrong. Seeing as everyone guessed the question wrong, she was wise by only betting $1,000 thus insuring she won the game overall. If she had answered the question right then your statement may apply. Try reading the article..
Deborah Field
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
Stephanie is a wonderful instructor and colleague. Her colleagues and students at Adrian College are cheering her on! Go Steph!
Carole
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Keep on truckin' -- you are so fun to watch.
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
I'm really enjoying her streak. She's smart, she's incredibly fast on the buzzer, and she's clearly having the time of her life. How do you NOT be nervous on "Jeopardy!"?
Ann English
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 10:23 p.m.
Jane from Ypsilanti also won Jeopardy matches. My younger sisters were audibly rooting for her through matches.
Ann English
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Decades ago, an Ypsilantian named Jane appeared on Jeopardy, and she didn't look or act nervous either. Art Fleming was still hosting the show then, and Jane didn't smile, as Stephanie does.
harry
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
This lady is brilliant. She should not have any problems finding a Chevy Volt.. She should wait. Soon they will be giving them away for door prizes at bingo.
Steve G
Sat, Oct 13, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
That's a lie. The Volt replacement battery can purchased TODAY for $2995 from any dealer, and its warrantied for 8 years 100k miles, and even at that point it has 70-80% capacity left. The Volt is cheaper to own than the average new car ($30,000). The Volt is outselling half the cars in America right now. So yes, brilliant. But what do I know, I only have a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
harry
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
The problem is its only good for 6 years and then you have to replace the batteries at $8,000. It is cost prohibiitive to buy one for $45,000 to actually save money by not using gas. The payoff on this car is at 18 years. Brilliant?? There is a reason nobody wants these cars.
Rizzle
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
She's also brilliantly selected a very well made, high tech, great performing vehicle for her purchase. It's no coincidence that she is brilliant and made this choice.
lugemachine
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
I don't recall ever before seeing Alex so overtly flirt with a contestant.
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Been thinking exactly the same thing. She has won him over completely!
DNB
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
That is exactly what my spouse and I thought; we've been watching all week. I think Alex has a big crush. He said once this week that he does like enthusiastic players, and she definately fits the bill. Congratulations to Ms. Jass, and best of luck for a win tonight!
Tom Teague
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
Quite an achievement. Congratulations to Ms Jass for a terrific run so far. A very smart family friend once appeared on Jeopardy and quickly discovered that it took a lot more to win than just knowing a lot of stuff - fast reflexes, quick recall, adaptability to the changes in the game, strategy, confidence in punching the buzzer with less than 100% certainty, and a host of other skills were required for the full duration. Alas, our friend didn't do well. It speaks well for Ms Jass and others who win and especially for those who win multiple games as she has done.
music to my ear
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.
its really good to see the smarts this gal has .and she seems,humble and down to earth. so far she is the total package.she''ll go on and on. you go girl.
Kai Petainen
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
wow! hey, once she is done the show... and she's free to talk... do an interview. super smart!
Bob Needham
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
I hope to do just that!
Ron Granger
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
Watched her tonight. She is awesome!
Ellen
Fri, Oct 12, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
Congrats, smart lady! :)