Schaumburg man wins on Wheel of Fortune

A Schaumburg resident never dreamed he would be a contestant on “Wheel of Fortune” — let alone end up winning $27,900 and an all-expense paid trip to Jamaica.

But that was the case for Tim Saam, a 44-year-old metal salesman, who celebrated his victory Friday night with family and friends at The Snuggery in Schaumburg, where they watched his TV appearance together.

Saam had only disclosed the results of the game show to a few select individuals. The majority of his family, friends and co-workers didn't know the result until they watched it Friday.

“I wanted them to be surprised and enjoy the atmosphere,” Saam said.

He said it was a great relief to share the moment with those who were present at the viewing.

“We had a little mosh pit going on. It was like a punk rock concert,” Saam joked. “While watching, friends and family said I was ‘red hot' and doing a great job. It was a really enjoyable viewing.”

Saam said he also received a number of text messages and phone calls throughout the night from friends and co-workers both here and in Charlotte, N.C., where he had been living at the time when he auditioned for the show.

There was even an unlikely call from an old football coach who had heard about Saam's appearance on the show.

“You know, I'm 44 years old and haven't seen him for a while,” Saam said.

Saam said he had a fantastic time on the show, which was taped in March, and he enjoyed celebrating again Friday night.

“It was a really terrific experience,” Saam said. “Like a ‘Wheel of Fortune' reunion.”