Ryan … meet Ryan.
That’s how it was for Ryan Smetzer of Hagerstown, who was able to realize his lifelong dream of coming face to face with Ryan Seacrest, co-host of “Wheel of Fortune” recently. For the last 50 years, Wheel has provided the opportunity for contestants to win cash and prizes solving hidden phrases by guessing letters one at a time.
As one of those contestants, Smetzer, 29, a DJ at WIKZ/MIX 95 of Chambersburg, walked away with $16,300 in prizes, including a trip to St. Croix.
The show, filmed Dec.12, 2024, aired Feb. 28, and Smetzer hosted a watch party, open to the public, to celebrate at Hub City Brewery in downtown Hagerstown. “About 150 to 175 people attended, including family, friends and co-workers. It turned into a sporting event,” offered Smetzer, son of Rob, formerly of Waynesboro, and Kori Smetzer, of Clear Spring, Maryland. “We still have family in Waynesboro.”
Smetzer, who earned a degree in communications/journalism from Shippensburg University in 2017, has been host of the morning show on WIKZ since March 2024, succeeding Rick Alexander and Lisa Harding, who retired. Smetzer also has operated a DJ service/wedding/DJ business, Ryan Smetzer Entertainment, since 2013. “That started in high school. I needed something to pay my cell phone bill, and I’ve been doing it on the side ever since. It’s a supplement to my full time radio gig.”
Smetzer caught the broadcasting bug early … from Seacrest. “I’ve always dreamed of getting to meet him. He’s the reason I got into broadcasting. When I was 7 or 8, my mom gave me her tape recorder, and I recorded my own version of his radio show. I also acted out my own version of ‘American Idol,’ (hosted by Seacrest).”
Smetzer’s journey to his appearance on Wheel began when friends reached out through Facebook posts regarding auditions for “Wheel of Fortune.”
“It was a quick application process. They take you through a few Zoom interviews and a test (to solve a puzzle) to get to know you a little bit. Then they sent me an email and said ‘When can you fly out?’
“It was really hard to keep it hush hush, and the coolest Christmas present ever, but I couldn’t tell anyone,” offered Smetzer. “It was incredible to meet the person who inspired me, my childhood hero. I got to achieve that goal and be on my favorite game show.”
Smetzer ultimately won the game, getting through the preliminary rounds and winning the most money of the three contestants. “I moved on to the bonus round, which is more high stakes and much harder to win, and lost,” he added.
“They shoot multiple episodes throughout the day, and you get to meet a lot of contestants. They obviously pick them based on their personalities and stories. It was a dynamic group and a great opportunity to make great friends. You don’t have your phones, so you get to bond and be part of a cool alumni group. We’re all now basically friends on Facebook, and keep in touch.”
Having the same first name as the host was also highlighted during the show, according to Smetzer. “They had fun with that, and Ryan played into it a couple of times. When it was revealed that I was moving on to the bonus round, we had a bro hug.
“It was an incredible experience and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens after this. It was awesome to check that off my bucket list. Watching it (on TV) felt so surreal. I couldn’t believe I was there.”
