From the Stevens Point Journal April 1, 2005:

Trivia Organizers Prepare
Registration for annual event begins Monday

By Jill Steinke
Journal staff


What began as a fund-raiser for a college radio station has turned into a global phenomenon. Entering its 36th year, the annual Trivia contest, played on WWSP-FM, kicks off this weekend and heads into a week of crazy antics, rituals and reunions.

"We hope that it's as crazy as ever," Jim Oliva said. "I encourage anybody that has any remote interest in it to get on a team or form a team. If nothing else, listen to the crazy questions."
The 54-hour-long contest challenges teams with questions from ingredients in a certain food to small details on a television show. Oliva, also known as Oz in the Trivia realm, has been writing questions for the contest for 27 years.
With few rules and nearly 500 teams, it is easy for new players to put together their own team or search for one to join. Registration begins on Monday, charging $30 per team, and lasts up until the contest begins. The first question will be read at 6 p.m. on April 8 and the contest will end at midnight on April 10.

"Have lots of food and lots of people," Oliva advises. "That always makes for the best fun."
While Trivia provides a fun weekend for its followers, the event also provides experience for communication students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Along with Oz at the station all weekend will be students who work for the station and those volunteering for the weekend.
"It's a wonderful event and a wonderful educational opportunity for the students there, and it's a great deal of fun for the people in the community," Oliva said.

Students receive hands-on experience in technology and organization while working the large-scale contest. Money raised during the contest helps provide scholarships and pay for equipment. The station is currently looking to purchase a new transmitter, which will cost about $50,000, Oliva said. The transmitter will increase the station's power and extend beyond the current 60-mile coverage area.

Contestants come from all over the listening area and beyond. The event draws alumni from UWSP, who started playing when they attended the school, friends of alumni and just about anyone else that enjoys trivia competitions. This year's game show quiz master Ken Jennings, who won over $2.5 million playing "Jeopardy!", will visit Stevens Point to witness the competition as he begins work on a book. Over the years, Trivia has gained the attention of the British Broadcasting Corporation, filmmakers and "Jeopardy!"
Players will be huddled in basements, hotel rooms, attics or where ever their research materials are stocked up for the weekend. Residents in the area not playing Trivia may only see players during breaks or runs to find answers on the scavenger hunt portion of the contest.

Shoppers at County Market will hear WWSP-FM played at the grocery store and may even spot a Trivia player on a mad dash for food. For the second year in a row, County Market is sponsoring the grocery bag give-away.

A bag of groceries will be given away each hour for the first 48 hours of the contest. The bags will probably be filled with items such as brats, beverages and deserts, store director Jim Schickert said. Teams will be selected randomly and announced on the radio. Members don't wait to claim their prize, though, Schickert said.

"It's a cherished gift," he said. "It's like a trophy itself."

Steinke can be reached at 715-345-2248 or at jsteinke@cwnews.net.