Jeff Gaffen

Jeff Gaffen, right, new “I Want Answers” academic game show host, introduces himself to the Claremore Academic Team Wednesday at the RSU TV station. Claremore High School is one of 16 Green Country schools competing in the tournament this year. Claremore’s team includes Truman Burrage, left, Ty Webster, team captain Andrew Noland and Zane King.

 Mark Friedel
Claremore Progress
The production crew for Rogers State University Public Television’s academic game show “I Want Answers!” hosted a kick off event in preparation for their third season of filming.
The event provided an opportunity for local media outlets to meet the show’s new host, RSU professor Jeff Gaffen, as well as, the high school academic teams and coaches who will be competing this year.
Gaffen teaches developmental mathematics at RSU and as an adjunct for Tulsa Community College.
“I’ve been on camera a few times and have been involved in theatre all my life,” said Gaffen. “I’m part of an email theatre group, that discusses TV and film. I received an email about RSU searching for a new game show host and thought I would give it a try.”
Gaffen said he became really excited after the production team seemed to like his audition.
“Hosting a game show is a new experience for me, but then again it’s kind of like a play; there’s a script and an audience,” he said.
At one point in his career, Gaffen taught high school.
“I’ve missed being around high school students, so I’m thrilled to be able to interact with the teams in this type of setting. I plan to use my theatre background to help some of the contestants who are really serious, break out of their shell and just have fun,” said Gaffen.
“I Want Answers” includes 16 high school academic teams from around Green Country, competing in a single elimination style tournament. The game show is a mix between a traditional quiz bowl type competition with certain challenges, and a Final Jeopardy type of game play.
The team with the most points at the end of three rounds will be the winner and moves on to the next round. The final two teams will battle for a chance to win college scholarships for each member. 
First place team wins $2,000 scholarships and the second place team will go home with $1,000 scholarships. Scholarships will be doubled if the student decides to attend RSU.
Filming for the third season of “I Want Answers” will begin Sept. 11. The first show will air Oct. 17.
Competing high schools include: Claremore, Bixby, Tulsa Central, Bartlesville, Commerce, Riverfield, Adair, Will Rogers High School, Porter, Morris, Locust Grove, Collinsville, Union, Booker T. Washington, Chelsea and Lakewood. 
 

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