http://alliednews.com/local/x383279139/Local-ghost-hunter-eliminated-from-SyFy-s-reality-show

Local ghost hunter eliminated from SyFy’s reality show

Experience was worth it, he says

By Kelly Smith/Staff Writer Allied News

BOYERS — Brett McGinnis has no regrets when it comes to his recent appearance on reality TV.

The 21-year-old from Boyers was cast as a cadet on the second season of SyFy’s “Ghost Hunters Academy.”

He was eliminated from the show after only three episodes, the final of which aired locally on June 16.

“I wish I would have progressed a little bit further but as far as what I did, I don’t have any regrets. It was a lot of fun. I would do it again. It was definitely worth it,” said McGinnis of his time on the show.

McGinnis was eliminated mainly because of an error he made during an investigation. He forgot to attach an IR illuminator Ð a device that extends infrared vision Ð to his camera.

Others believe McGinnis was eliminated for a different reason.

“Some of the cadets made it seem like I lost some passion but that’s not true,” said McGinnis, admitting he had a head cold while filming.

“That was kind of wearing on me a little bit.”

Even after the elimination, McGinnis maintained a positive attitude.

“Jason Hawes (founder of The Atlantic Paranormal Society) told me even after the show that I had been selected over tens of thousands of applicants and that I was a winner already. And then progressing to the third investigation, I felt pretty good,” McGinnis said.

McGinnis returned home after elimination, but was not allowed to say anything as to where he had been or what had happened.

“My parents knew I was home, but nothing else,” McGinnis said.

After watching the third episode of the show, he said many of his fans were confused as to why he was eliminated.

“A lot of people, not just family but fans, have been saying to me they don’t understand why I was eliminated because they all thought I was doing a pretty good job... In the first two investigations I did a really good job,” he said.

McGinnis thought he also did a decent job in the third investigation, during which he found a key piece of evidence.

“I can understand why the audience would be a little bit confused, a little bit shocked to my dismissal,” he said.

McGinnis’ dismissal, however, hasn’t deterred his stance as a professional ghost hunter.

Fans are praising his investigative tactics. A paranormal group in Tennessee has asked him to become an honorary member. Many other paranormal groups are looking for his membership as well.

In terms of his elimination from the show, McGinnis has one thing to say.

“I don’t think it will affect my integrity a a ghost hunter... nothing bad, just good can come of it.”