Payson, Utah – Scott Haney, a high school baseball coach with 39 years of experience, experienced a heartbreaking end to his appearance on , 2026, episode of Wheel of Fortune, losing out on a prize package exceeding $66,000. Haney, who boasts a remarkable 506 wins – placing him among the top three winningest coaches in Utah – found himself just one puzzle away from a life-changing sum.
The episode, which aired on , saw Haney competing against Lori Lewis-Conerly of Hutto, Texas, and Juwan Washington of Midlothian, Virginia. Haney initially gained an early advantage, securing $1,000 in the first toss-up. Washington quickly responded, solving the second toss-up – “Climbing on the Furniture” – for $1,100, bringing his total to $3,100. Haney then demonstrated his puzzle-solving prowess, correctly identifying “School of Rock, Paper, Scissors” to add $1,000 to his bank, reaching $2,000.
The turning point came with the prize puzzle, “Beaches in the Bahamas.” Haney successfully solved it, winning a Caribbean trip valued at $12,428 and boosting his bank to $12,428. All three contestants then participated in Triple Toss-ups, each earning an additional $2,000. Haney continued his strong performance, solving “News Travels Fast” and accumulating a total of $26,428. Washington finished with $5,100, while Lewis-Conerly took home $2,000.
Despite his dominant performance throughout the main game, Haney faltered in the Bonus Round. The category was “Food & Drink,” and the puzzle proved elusive. According to reports, Haney exclaimed “Oh No!” upon realizing he hadn’t solved the puzzle, missing out on the substantial bonus prize. The specific puzzle that tripped him up was not immediately released.
Haney’s impressive run on Wheel of Fortune comes as no surprise to those familiar with his coaching career. He has dedicated nearly four decades to baseball, building a legacy of success at the high school level. He shares his life with his wife, Pam, of the same 39 years, and together they have four children and eight grandchildren. The close-knit family undoubtedly provided support throughout his television appearance.
The episode also highlighted the competitive spirit of the other contestants. Washington, a father to a three-year-old son named Cadence, had a familial connection to the show, as his mother appeared on Wheel of Fortune in . Lewis-Conerly, described as an enthusiast of cooking and furniture repurposing, also showcased her skills throughout the game.
While Haney’s loss is undoubtedly disappointing, his overall performance and the story of his long coaching career resonated with viewers. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the game show and the high stakes involved in the Bonus Round. The show continues to be a popular fixture in television, attracting over 27 million viewers each week, according to the official Wheel of Fortune YouTube page.
The near-miss for Haney echoes a similar situation experienced by Renee Jones, a high school teacher from Atlanta, who had a memorable reaction after winning a substantial prize on a episode of Wheel of Fortune. Jones’s emotional outburst after solving the Bonus Round puzzle went viral, demonstrating the excitement and intensity of the competition. She won $50,000 after a comeback performance, initially trailing behind her competitors before ultimately prevailing.
Wheel of Fortune, consistently the #1 syndicated series since its inception, has earned seven Emmy Awards and continues to captivate audiences with its blend of wordplay, strategy, and the potential for life-changing winnings. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its accessibility and the relatable stories of its contestants, like Scott Haney, who bring their personal journeys and competitive spirit to the national stage.
