Alexander County Planning Director Patrick Creech will step onto one of television’s most iconic stages this week as a contestant on Jeopardy!
Creech, 45, will appear on the Thursday, February 26th episode, airing at 7:00 p.m. on WCNC Channel 36. The episode will also be available on Hulu the following day.
Before transitioning into local government in 2025, Creech worked 20 years as a teacher in Mecklenburg and Gaston County schools, teaching civics, economics, and history. A few years ago, he decided to move from teaching about government to working in the field, earning his Master’s of Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Outside of work, Creech enjoys cooking, reading, helping his son build LEGO creations, and following minor league baseball. But one lifelong interest has been trivia.
“I’ve watched Jeopardy! for as long as I can remember,” Creech said. “It was just something my family always did. I particularly remember watching with my grandmother, who turned 100 last summer.”
His road to the popular game show began in February 2024 when, after sponsoring a Quiz Bowl club at school, he decided on a whim to take the show’s online “anytime” test. A couple of months later, he advanced to a second round conducted via Zoom. Then came the personality screen test, followed by a long wait. “After that test, they said I could be called back any time in the next two years, so I just had to wait,” he said. “In December 2025, I finally got that call to schedule a time to actually fly out.”
On February 2, Creech traveled with his wife and son to Los Angeles, flying into LAX and staying in Culver City near the studio. During their visit, they explored the area, including a stop at the Santa Monica Pier.
Taping day brought both excitement and nerves. The show films five episodes in a single day, which is a full week’s worth. Contestants gather in the green room, where the show’s numerous Emmy awards are displayed just outside the door. “Everyone is incredibly nice, and the atmosphere is extremely supportive,” Creech said. “Honestly, we all wanted to win, but we’re also just excited to be there.”
Contestants practice with the buzzer, receive legal information (it is a federal crime to cheat on a game show), and wait to learn when (or if) their name will be called.
“We didn’t know who was going to play, except for the champion, until moments before going up,” he said. “So, all morning, you’re just in a state of inner turmoil as you wait for your turn.”
Even so, Creech said contestants cheered each other on throughout the day. “We could watch the game from the green room, and we were pulling for everyone.”
One memorable moment came when host Ken Jennings stopped by to encourage contestants before taping began. After each game, Jennings signs the interview card he uses during the show, and now Creech has a keepsake from the experience.
As for how he performed? “You’ll have to watch to find out,” he said with a smile. “But just look at my face in the thumbnail on Hulu.”
Preparing for the show required intense study, especially in literature, which is a well-known favorite category of Jeopardy!.
“I spent a lot of time learning about books I’ve never read before,” Creech said. “I read a lot, but usually non-fiction. One thing I’ve decided to do since appearing is to actually read some of those classic works I was trying to memorize.”
Creech said he is especially grateful for the encouragement he’s received.
“I really appreciate how incredibly supportive everyone in my life has been through this, including my family, my friends, and my co-workers. It’s an extremely cool thing to have been a part of.”
Residents are encouraged to tune in Thursday night to cheer on one of Alexander County Government’s own.