Schaumburg man ready for 'Wheel' airing

A Schaumburg native who spent years playing along with contestants on Wheel of Fortune thought he would try his luck when the “Wheel Mobile” tryouts rolled through last May.

“I never really thought I would have that chance and all the sudden they had those auditions in Charlotte and the percentages went my way,” said Tim Saam, who moved back to Schaumburg in January after taking a job in Charlotte a few years back.

Saam has been waiting months since working his way through the first round of auditions, where 150 people were cut down to 20. Then a second audition where they picked an even smaller group after putting possible contestants through a series of tests and puzzles.

He will make his TV debut today with family, friends and co-workers during a viewing party at The Snuggery in Schaumburg as his episode airs on ABC 7 at 6:30 p.m.

“It's been a long time since they taped it back in March,” the 44-year-old metal salesman said Thursday night. “That's a long time of anticipation not knowing how you are going to be perceived on TV.”

Saam said one of the highlights of the Los Angeles taping was getting to meet Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

“When they start playing the music and Pat and Vanna come out arm and arm, that's when the nerves start to kick in,” he said.

If it wasn't the bright lights that started Saam's nerves, it might have been the hostess.

“Vanna White — one beautiful lady,” he said. “Even more beautiful in person. I was awe-struck.”

While Saam could not disclose how he did that night, he was fairly confident his friends and family would be proud.

“Gotta keep it a mystery so they can enjoy the show.”