Woody Hover drives the locomotive past the Jeopardy Clue Crew.
Paul “Woody” Hover found his 15 minutes of fame on Oct. 1, 2013. The Jeopardy! Clue crew was at Sanford Lab to film video questions about the facility and the science. Hover was the motorman. As the on-camera “talent” gave a clue, Hover drove the locomotive past the camera for effect.
“I tried several times to get on Jeopardy,” Hover said. “But I couldn’t type fast enough for the online test. So, that’s probably as close as I’ll get to being on the show.”
Hover worked as a miner, motorman and a member of the underground maintenance team at Homestake for nearly 20 years. He left in 1998, then 12 years later came back to work for Sanford Lab. He enjoyed his work, but in 2015, decided to try something different.
“My wife and I were looking for something that would let us travel,” Hover said. “Than a former employer called me—a contractor that works all over the western united states—and I said, ‘okay.’ But after a couple of years living out of suitcase, you find out it’s not really what you want.”
When a position opened for the Emergency Response Team (ERT) lead, he immediately threw his hat into the ring. Hover’s work will ERT and other safety training, as well as inspections and leading evacuation drills.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “I enjoy this. This is what I love to do. This is where I’m supposed to be.”
But first, he has some catching up to do.
“There are a few experiments that weren’t here when I left,” Hover said. “And so, conditions have changed, and I need to get up to speed on all of this.”
Larry Jaudon, director of Environment, Safety and Health, said he is excited to have Hover on board.
“Woody’s background and experience make him a great fit to lead our ERT efforts,” Jaudon said. I have a clear vision for where I see our capabilities going into the future and Woody will be integral in leading us to excellence.”
And Hover is looking forward to working with all the people at this “unique facility.”
“I’ve always enjoyed working underground and working with people, especially ERT people,” Hover said. “When this opportunity came up, I said, ‘Heck yeah!’”