UMSL alumnus Jim Virtel (right) was a recent contestant on "Jeopardy!" He's seen here with the show's host, Alex Trebek. (Photo courtesy of Jeopardy!)

University of Missouri–St. Louis alumnus Jim Virtel tested his trivia knowledge during a recent “Jeopardy!” appearance. And while he didn’t walk away a champ, he was happy with his third-place performance.

“It was exciting, and that’s all I hoped for. I’m happy with how I did,” Virtel told the Lemont (Ill.) Patch. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy from UMSL in 2010.

Virtel was in first place going into the “Final Jeopardy” round, but answered the question incorrectly. He finished third and took home $1,000 for appearing on the show.

The “Final Jeopardy” answer in the subject of “Military Matters” was: “In 1934 the lease for this place was increased to $4,085 per year; since 1959 the checks haven’t been cashed.”

Virtel guessed “Fort Knox.” The correct answer was “Guantanamo.”

Click here for a Q-and-A with Virtel on his “Jeopardy!” appearance.