Jay Peterson HOWELL — Jay Peterson of Howell will appear on the iconic television game show “Jeopardy!” on Oct. 20.

Peterson, who is an assistant English professor atAtlantic Cape Community College in southern New Jersey, said he had taken the “Jeopardy!” online contestant quiz several times in the past and was surprised when he was selected to attend a live audition in April.

The audition in New York City consisted of more quizzes, interviews and a mock round of game play.

Peterson said he tried to temper his expectations about being selected to appear on the show and was surprised to get the word a few months later that he would be a contestant on “Jeopardy!”

“It was completely out of the blue. I really prepared myself not to hear from them,” he said. “I didn’t expect it or look forward to it.”

Nevertheless, Peterson was selected by the producers to appear on the quiz show, and inAugust he found himself being flown to California to tape his appearance. He said he is eager to watch the show on Oct. 20 with his friends and family members.

“It happened fast. It was just a blur. I’m looking forward to watching it because I know I forgot so much about the experience,” he told Greater Media Newspapers. “I absolutely had a blast. I think even now it still hasn’t sunk in entirely. I haven’t processed it yet; I think some of that might happen after seeing it on TV.”

Peterson said his colleagues and students are excited to see him on “Jeopardy!”

Peterson grew up in Toms River and attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick, where he double-majored in English and philosophy. He earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Cincinnati.

The “Jeopardy!” episode that will feature Peterson is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 onWABC-TV.