The Decayed Brigade
Top Row: James Contreras, Chase McCullough, Sebastian Lam, Trey Yasger, Jeremy Shumake, Michael Stewart, Greg Daniels, Andrew Mummert
Bottom Row: Eric Saunders, Veronica Nihart, Elijah Padilla, Naomi Haro, Ruth Duckworth
Top Row: James Contreras, Chase McCullough, Sebastian Lam, Trey Yasger, Jeremy Shumake, Michael Stewart, Greg Daniels, Andrew Mummert
Bottom Row: Eric Saunders, Veronica Nihart, Elijah Padilla, Naomi Haro, Ruth Duckworth
The Decayed Brigade is a group of dedicated, hard working men and women who put on high energy shows at various Halloween conventions that include choreographed routines, spins, sliding under bars and jumping over fellow Brigade members. They constantly push the envelope and challenge each other to go bigger and faster with their tricks and jumps. What started as a scare tactic at Knott's Scary Farm several years ago has turned into a fascinating spectacle of tricks that draw huge crowds at events such as www.midsummerscream.org and Scare LA. Their show gets bigger and bigger each year. Last year at one of the events, a group record was set when one of the members slid and jumped 11 other members of the Brigade while they laid side by side on the ground.
Below you will get to meet some of these crazy and fun individuals that make up the Decayed Brigade and learn a little bit about what makes them tick. You'll learn what they feel before a show, how they got started in the Halloween industry and how they prepare for an event. You'll then get a behind the scenes look at the group with some photos from recent practices. Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts regarding this blog, the team, the shows you've seen. We want to hear it all. Thank you and enjoy.
History of the Brigade
Back in 2013, Knott's Scary Farm veteran Gary "Spaz" Davis was approached by a new haunt event and was asked to team up with some very inexperienced sliders that called themselves the "Scream Team" and participate in a slider show at their event. The only expectation this new event had was that Gary would help train these inexperienced sliders to do what sliders at Knott's Scary Farm used to do during the pre-show of the hanging in the late 1990's. It was quite disorganized and a bit chaotic. This was the first time anything like this had been attempted outside an actual theme park Halloween event. People ended up loving the show and a small cult like following began to develop. The crew did such a great job that the event asked the sliders back the following year. The following year the Decayed Brigade was formed.
Once the group was formed they began to rehearse shows months in advance, along with training, cardio, putting moves and skill challenges to customized music, trying new tricks, pushing their bodies to the limit, adding choreography and trying to develop and tell a story during shows. They developed a saying, "One Team, One Scream". This means a lot to the squad. To them it means one goal, no egos, have fun and have an expectation to push each other to the next level. They truly see themselves as a family. Over the last 2 years as previously mentioned, they have been asked to perform at Midsummer Scream and Scare LA. Last year in 2016 the Brigade was invited to perform at Queen Mary's Dark Harbor (www.queenmary.com/events/dark-harbor/) for one night along with a one night performance at Stokercon.
The Decayed Brigade currently has over 1,000 social media followers (decayedbrigadeofficial on Instagram), has been invited to train and choreograph a show at Six Flags Texas and has been asked to perform two separate private haunts during the 2017 Halloween season. Long time member Paul "Spatz" Frechette says, "This team has blossomed into something none of us ever thought would have been possible. We have become the pioneers to a sport we all love so much."
This team wants to take these shows nationwide. They have dreams of performing in the capital of Halloween in the United States, Salem, Massachusetts along with signing a contract with a theme park to perform shows during the theme parks Halloween season. Several sliders have been recruited through the years to join the group. They don't always look for the best sliders to join the group as sliding can be taught, but before you can be selected as a member you must be voted in unanimously. Some of the things the group looks for when selecting a new slider is the sliders humility, willingness to learn and positive attitude. This group will continue to grow and push sliding to the limits. This year there will be new tricks, new shows, higher jumps and a quest to become the first slider to clear 13 other brigade members on a single slide. 2017 looks to be the greatest year ever for this group, this family. The Decayed Brigade.
Meet the Team
Are you ready to meet the team? Below each photo you will learn a little bit about each member. You will learn their name, haunt or slider name, how many years they've been with the team, what they do in their day job and answers to some fun questions.
Please enjoy and when you see these men and women performing during their shows, get loud for them and let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work. Thank you.
Gary "Spaz" Davis
Years in the Brigade: 5 years (Performed in every show all 5 years except the Sliders Unite show). Began sliding in 1993.
Day Job: Software Engineer
In his first year at Knott's Scary Farm, Spaz was a lower class vampire bat in Lair of the Vampire.
Spaz has won two Monster of the Year awards (1 from the Gauntlet and 1 from Ghost Town) along with 5 Endurance awards (3 from the Gauntlet and 2 from Ghost Town Streets).
What attracted you to Haunt?: I was a fanatic that loved the scare.
Where does your passion come from?: Insanity
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show?: I am extremely focused on doing everything correct. I am focused on hitting all my queues and being where I am supposed to be so as not to interrupt the flow. I am focused on not making a single mistake and being entertaining. I can get distracted if I smell fear.
How do you prepare for a show?: Practice, Practice, Practice.
What do people not commonly know about you: I do not drink and have never done drugs.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at: Knott's Scary Farm since 1993, 23 years. I missed 1996.
What do you wish you would have known when you started: I wish I had started when I was 18 and I wish I had gone to streets sooner. I also wish I would have done Carnevil one year and that I had left The Gauntlet for Ghost Town Streets sooner.
Spaz says, "When I am out on the streets scaring I become obsessed almost to the level of insanity to get a scare, but when I see one of the other monsters get a great scare my inner fan boy smiles hugely."
Name: Ruth “Ducky” Duckworth also known as MaMa Bates
How many years in Decayed brigade: 2 Years
Day job: Sage behavior services I work one on one with children on the Autism spectrum in the home and community.
What was the first maze you worked in what year and what character? Virus Z 2012 as the old man dumpster monster 😅 also roamed the theater and house.
Where does your passion come from? I've always been self-driven and try and push myself harder each and every day to do better then the last, also having people that push you to do better as well is extra motivation.
What was your first year of sliding ever? 2013 was the first time I ever slid.
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show? I start off super nervous standing back waiting to slide. That first slide when everyone cheers for you gets me even more pumped for the rest of the show. It's a bit unreal how the crowd can motivate you to try different tricks.
What inspires you? My parents for sure because they showed me that working hard pays off and even though some days may kick your butt you just have to get up the next day and try harder than the last.
How do you prepare for a show? Once in make-up I put my headphones in and listen to music to get in the zone mostly five finger death punch, figure, avenged, I may throw in some Disney songs for some positivity 😁.
What do people not commonly know about you? Well most people don't know that I own two rabbits their names are Ash and Gizmo.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at? Knott’s Scary Farm, and the Huntington Beach Newland house.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcome? Actually going in to the doctor who diagnosed me with bipolar 2 disorder was a difficult challenge of mine, getting the courage to go in because I knew something was wrong was the hardest. I didn't want to face it. Reaching out for help is needed at times though. Of course I don't let my mental disorder define who I am and I push through every day.
What do you wish you would have known when you started? Everything!! Lol!!! Just kidding. Hmmm, I don’t know. I love that I learn something new each time I slide. Learning as you go is exciting and fun.
Elijah "Hybrid" Padilla
Years in the Brigade: 3
Day Job: Knott's Haunt builder
Although his mom initially tried to keep Elijah away from Haunt, he attended his first Scary Farm in 2008 when was just 12 years old. He immediately fed off the adrenaline and loved being scared. When sliding Elijah always does his best to avoid getting injured and always tries to one up his game to take it to the next level. He also focuses on nailing each one of his tricks.
When Elijah is performing during a show, he takes inspiration from the kids in the audience and wants to set a good example and remain humble. He wants to perform as long as he physically can.
In regards to his Brigade family, they are the most funny brothers and sisters that are all here for the same thing: The Show.
Trey "Screech" Yasger
Years in the Brigade: 3
Day Job: Senior Carpenter at Knott's
Trey has been at Knott's Scary Farm for 6 years. His first year was 2012 where he played a vampire in Dominion of the Dead.
During the show Trey focuses on his distance jumping feeding off the crowds adrenaline. He feels the shows help push past any fears and anxieties. He views the Brigade members as brothers and sisters.
For the future of the Brigade, he wants to see them spread out to other events and take things to the next level.
Trey prepares for a show by putting on gear (his armor as he calls it) in a specific way.
His advice to kids who are interested in trying this, start slow and show up. Find someone to learn from and have fun.
Naomi "Nomi" Haro
Years with the Brigade: 1
Day Job: United Health Care
Naomi has worked 8 years at Knott's Scary Farm. Her first year she was a Kabuki doll in Doll Factory.
Her passion for Haunt comes from her love of scary movies and the adrenaline of fear.
What she loves about sliding is the athleticism and heart pumping adrenaline and wants to keep attacking it and practicing.
One thing about Naomi: Don't misinterpret her calm demeanor for shyness. She can be "loud & crazy"!
Brandon "Sin" Gasilan
Years with Brigade: 3
Day Job: Knott's Carpentry Lead
Brandon first started working Knott's Scary Farm in 2007 as a Factory Worker in Doll Factory.
His grandmother and his mom loved horror movies. When he was young his mom had a park map of Knott's Scary Farm and he used to sit on her lap and point out all the maze locations. She is also his biggest supporter and attends all the Brigade shows.
Brandon loves to push the limits and years from now hopes to see this group, The Decayed Brigade go out of state to train other groups in the safety aspects of sliding. He continually balances the safety of the group and the risks of each performance.
He would do this whether there was a crowd or not but having the crowd there is validation for what they do.
He views the group as a family.
Advice for other monsters: Do it for you, not for success. Do it your way, not to impress.
One thing you might not know about him is that he is pretty calm.....and not mad.
David "Colonel" Woods
Years in Brigade: 2
Day Job: Professional musician (Drummer)/Audio Engineer
How David joined the Brigade: He was asked by member Greg "Seaweed" Daniels if he wanted to join, so David attended a practice and was hooked from the start.
When he saw someone slide for the first time, "It was like MJ doing the moonwalk and I knew he had to do it."
What he loves about sliding is taking himself to the next level, challenging the body.
As an only child he used to love to hide and scare his mom and boy did she get mad!
David is so committed to the team that he will make a stop from his music tour and fly in from Chicago or Seattle just to attend practice.
"Gas money would be nice."
His first year at Knott's was 2015 in Paranormal Inc. Then in 2016 he was Lust in The Deadly Seven.
David has also worked at Haunted Hollywood Sports.
Veronica "Nonni" Nihart
Years in the Brigade: 3
Day Job: Voice actor and stunt woman
What was the first maze you worked in what year and what character?: Never worked a maze at Knott's, Craig plopped me into Ghost Town my first year.
What attracted you to Haunt?: First and foremost, the creation and embodiment of a character from the Calico world. Second, tapping into the primal forces that make humans human. Third, the thrill and the physical prowess of sliding and lunging and chasing all night long.
Where does your passion come from?: Most of us are haunted in some way. My motivation is to mimic and come to terms with my demons, in an effort to understand them and myself in a deeper way. A lot of the resulting understanding manifests itself through monstering, costume design, and show writing.
What was your first year of sliding ever?: My very first slide was taken with the great Vince Carrillo and Ted Dougherty back in the good ol year 2002. My first on-streets slide was in Ghost Town in 2004, my second year on streets.
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show?: It's a rush! The pounding of the music, the energy from the audience... all the hard work and choreography comes pouring out and it's incredibly thrilling. All the rehearsal, all the training, it all comes together for these shows, and it's the event of a lifetime.
What inspires you?: My family inspires me. Casey pushes me every day to do better than the day before. My son Xander makes me want to be the hero he thinks I am. As far as athletic inspiration, I look to fellow DB members like Ruth, Paul, Eric, and Sebastian for their unwavering dedication and pushing the limits of sliding and physical abilities.
How do you prepare for a show?: In the months before a show, I begin physical training with cardio, weights, flexibility, and plyometric exercises After the shows begin to develop, I focus my attention on the specific stunts going into each show, and tailor my non-sliding workouts to benefit those stunts. In the weeks before showtime, I put the final touches on costuming and hair, and make sure my gear is in tip top shape for the brutality is going to face in the shows. In the days before, I mentally run through the shows, walking through each stunt step by step in my mind, and making sure my body knows where to be and what to do. I also begin fueling my body with pasta, nuts, and fruit for long term energy. In the hours before a show, I laugh with my teammates, relax, fuel up on good food, and mentally prepare for the next show. And in the minutes before... the only thing left to do is let go, trust your body, trust your teammates, and have the time of your life.
What do people not commonly know about you: Here is something most of the audience may not know... I suffer from a disease called fibromyalgia. It's a neuromuscular disorder characterized by widespread pain, stiffness, mental fogginess, tender spots on the body, interrupted sleep, and a host of other ailments. Anxiety and depression often accompany the disorder, due to the constant pain the sufferer experiences. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 17, and have only now begun to manage the symptoms. Exercising, maintaining a vegan diet, and staying positive and engaged in my passions have helped me tackle the condition head on. The DB is a big part of my ability to cope with the disease.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at: I have worked with Knott's Scary Farm, Huntington Haunt, and Sinister Pointe. This year I will be doing wardrobe and talent management for Coffin Creek in Corona, CA.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcame: Every day I need to tell myself that I am not my disease, which I spilled the beans about earlier. When I wake up, and everything hurts, I tell myself that I am not my pain. When I begin a workout, or strap on the knee pads, I tell myself that I am strong, capable, and worthy. My biggest challenge is always to be more than the disease. Some days it wins, and I'm stuck in bed, but I don't let those days define me. There is too much fun to be had.
What do you wish you would have known when you started: Way back in 2003 when I started at Knott's, I wish I had known to just relax and enjoy the process. Back then, I focused on the drama and the violent guests, and I didn't focus enough on the joy of the gig. The scaring. The sliding. The immersion into this epic world that only exists for a month. If I could go back and talk to that Nonni from way back then, I would tell her to step back, take a breath, and really enjoy just being a monster.
Michael "Eerie" Stewart
Years with the Brigade: 4
Day Job: Assistant Manager Visual Design at Pac-Sun
Michael's first haunted attraction was Haunted Hollywood Sports. He has been at Knott's Scary Farm for 3 years all of which have been spent in Ghost Town.
When sliding, his mind is clear and he's focused on his tricks, judging his speed and stopping ability. He's fully immersed and his character comes to life.
Michael spent 10 years as a gymnast.
As a kid he loved clowns and the fear clowns bring.
Michael continually wants to push the standards, go big but stay humble.
Advice for those wanting to slide: Have fun, be safe and learn the basics.
Holds his dad as a big inspiration.
Sebastian “Seabass” Lam
Character name: Mime
How many years in Decayed brigade: 3
Day job: Drapes
What was the first maze you worked in? Empty Grave 2010-2014 Vampire/Zombie/Factory worker.
What attracted you to Haunt? Skidduh Videos.
Where does your passion come from? Having fun with a bunch of like-minded weirdos is a hard thing to lack passion for.
What was your first year of sliding ever? 2010
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show? I get the bubble guts and then I want to scream but I can’t because I'm a mime.
What inspires you? Nothing inspires me more than the slider community. Each one trying to outdo the other. The members in the team really try to push each other to do even better than our best.
How do you prepare for a show? Besides going to practice twice a week, each member also contributes their own time to add to the shows whether it be building props or helping each other with costuming.
What do people not commonly know about you: I'm actually not a horror fan and I use my fears to fuel my scares like batman.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at: Besides The Empty Grave, I'm currently working Knott's Scary Farm.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcame: Thinking of cooler tricks to do because everyone is coming up with crazy stuff and the bar is set too high.
What do you wish you would have known when you started: CARDIO IS SO IMPORTANT FOR LIFE.
Chase "Sequel" McCullough
Years in Brigade: 4
14 years at Knott's Scary Farm. First maze was 2004, Blood Bayou as a blackout.
The transition to sliding began in the Asylum in 2006.
During a show Chase frees himself of worries and is completely focused. Views the team as family; his brothers and sisters. The women in this sport are amazing and prove that this sport is truly beyond gender borders.
5 years from now, Chase would love to train and help other groups choreograph and have fun with sliding.
Something you probably didn't know.... Chase has a twin brother.
Greg "Seaweed" Daniels
Years in the Brigade: 5
Day Job: Marketing for the Los Angeles Dodgers
What was the first maze you worked in what year and what character?: 2010 Black Widows Cavern , A old White Miner.
What attracted you to Haunt?: From being a fan as a kid.
Where does your passion come from?: Remembering being that kid being made fun of for liking scary farm and remembering watching seasons of scream everyday after school.
What was your first year of sliding ever? 2006
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show?: There's no feeling like it , being in the moment you can finally feel all those months of practices paying off.
What inspires you?: Other people around me but mostly my mom.
How do you prepare for a show?: Stretch , watch past shows on what to work on and just relaxing and staying off my feet as much as possible.
What do people not commonly know about you: I'm left handed.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at: Knott's Scary Farm.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcame: Being doubted that I would become a slider and being told that it was just not for me as far as being a monster.
What do you wish you would have known when you started: How much duct tape I would need in a single season. Just kidding but just go in there with a open mindset and know that everyday is different.
Eric “Double Dee” Saunders
Been with the Brigade since the beginning
Day Job: Front Desk Agent for A Hilton Hotel
First maze I ever worked was a home haunt in Long Beach and my character was a Scare Crow.
What attracted me to Haunt was the creative ability, the controlled hostility in each person’s scare as well as the simple fact that you literally get to lose yourself and forget about everything else that's going on in the world for the few short hours.
My passion comes from self-motivation and just an overall love for this hobby. It's an addiction that I certainly won't be looking for a rehab center to go to for.
My first year of sliding was around 2003, 2004? I'm not quite sure but I was 12yrs old.
Before a show starts you always have this huge rush of adrenaline and excitement. The only way I can describe is it's like right before you jump out of a plane or go on a rollercoaster for the first time. It's just insane.
Honestly what inspires me is passion. People who are passionate about what they do is so infectious to be around and the fact that I could be someone who inspires others is a cool feeling as well. Just being in the lime light and being a good example is what does it for me.
I sleep. No but seriously the best way to prepare for a show is to just block out everything and just rest.
Well usually anything regarding Haunt and sliding is the random I use for something people don't know about me but I guess in this case I'll just go with the fact I used to be in T-Mobile commercials.
I've worked home haunts, Knott’s Scary Farm, Empty Grave, Dark Harbor and a Haunt at the Rancho Los Amigos hospital way back.
The biggest challenge I overcame is performing in front of a crowd because I'm actually pretty socially awkward and shy but now I thrive on that sort of attention.
I enjoy the excitement of just seeing where this sliding thing takes us because it's all just fun to me.
Paul "Spatz" Frechette
Years in the Brigade: 5
Day Job: Hotel Manager
What was the first maze you worked in what year and what character?: Rot Cop , Camp Snoopy Streets 1994.
What attracted you to Haunt?: My family being from Salem the Halloween Capital.
Where does your passion come from?: Love acting and being able to be mean when I am so nice during the day.
What was your first year of sliding ever? 1994
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show?: I just enjoy being the character and have a great time. Nothing like it.
What inspires you? Setting an example for younger people and teaching.
How do you prepare for a show? Since I am so old, stretch a lot and stay in shape all year around.
What do people not commonly know about you: Over 10 years of martial arts training.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcame: When I was younger I was extremely shy and had very low self confidence.
Andrew "Boyd" Mummert
Time in Brigade: 3 months
Day Job: Videographer for the Almost Famous Paintball League.
What was the first maze you worked in what year and what character? Haunted Alexandria Hotel 2005, as Chucky.
What attracted you to Haunt? I used to go to Knott's Scary Farm with my dad when I was a kid, and I've been hooked since.
Where does your passion come from? I have such a deep love for haunt it just helps inspire me.
What was your first year of sliding ever? 2011.
How does it feel once you begin sliding during a show? It's a rush of adrenaline and then silence in my head, everything clears.
What inspires you? All my teammates and friends that have helped me along the way.
How do you prepare for a show? Get focused and prepare my mind to get in the zone.
What do people not commonly know about you: At 18 years old I have 12 years of working haunt experience.
What other venues/events have you previously worked at: Haunted Alexandria Hotel, High Desert Haunted Hayride, Pumpkin Massacre.
What's been your biggest challenge you have overcame: Having the patience to learn stunt sliding.
What do you wish you would have known when you started: I wish that I would've known about all the slider gear and how to make it. I started out in 2011 with pennies on some baseball gloves and Bell kneepads.
James "Velocity" Contreras
1st year with the Brigade
Day Job: Electrician
My 1st year ever at a haunt was actually last year, at Scary Farm. I was a scarecrow in The Hollow.
I actually got into Haunt because of sliding. But as soon as I was casted for streets, I fell in love with the idea of scaring the crap out of people.
My passion comes from my roots as an athlete before this. Sliding is much like any sport in the spectrum: You get out what you put in.
I'm inspired by the monsters before me.
Well before haunt, I would sit and scream at a corner of a room until I felt I was a monster. So I'm sure things will play out the same way at shows.
Idk if people know that I've dislocated both shoulders and my knee, twice. All before this haha.
My biggest challenge was overcoming my fears and realizing I have to actually try to do something in order to get the results I want. Do not let your mind limit your soul to what it can and cant do.
I wish I knew what I was getting into, than I would've done it with 300% confidence. Don't psyche yourself out of any opportunity, no matter what anyone has to say. Do you!
Images from Decayed Brigade Practice
Below you will find images from some recent Decayed Brigade practices. These are warm up photos, jump photos, candid shots and some photos of the team trying new things. None of what you see below are spoilers from the up coming shows. Those are a secret and nothing is being revealed ahead of time. This group has put in a lot of effort for these shows and we don't want to ruin any surprises they may have for all of you. Hope you enjoy.
