I stand before you today, a humbled man, football player, and human. With the end of this chapter in my life, I close a book on a playing career, however, I bring along memories that will last more than a lifetime.
The Utah Shock football team was one man’s dream that I personally took and made it bigger than I ever pictured it to be. Ed Descamps had a vision of a football organization like no other, and I am proud to say this vision was true and more.
It will always be more than football, I will cherish the memories made and more importantly the great people I met along the way. Football was something that I felt that I need improvements on and something that I could prove to someone, if not only myself, that I was more than what I’ve showed.
I’m truly honored and bless to call the Utah Shock my family. Majority of the people in my life now, were all brought to me because of this team. This was more than just a team and for the rest of my life, it will always be the ones I call family.
The end of it all still eats me up and with tears in my eyes, I couldn’t be any more proud of the men I was able to share those experiences with.
The Utah Shock, the RMFL, truly saved my life. On Saturday, April 11, 2009 I laid in my living floor, flowing with emotion and suffering through severe depression. My life had taken a turn for the worse, and I felt hopeless, lost. I wanted out; I wanted to end my life right then, right there. I left the Utah Shock uniforms outside my front door for Chris Hooper to pick up for our game versus the Revolution and I was going to end my life.
It was a game, it was the people who I shared that game with, the people who depended on me, who made me get up, drive my car, and go to a game that I no longer cared about.
The UTAH SHOCK and the RMFL saved my life. During that 2009 season I learned a lot about myself and about the meaning of friendship, brotherhood, and about how it was really MORE than just football with the Shock.
Through ups, and through downs, it kept me alive, it made me strive to be perfect at everything that I did. People ask why is it over? Why not keep playing? The answer, my answer, is that will just not be the same without the same guys I’ve shared these life experiences with. These guys weren’t just my teammates for 3 hours on a Saturday, these were and are my BEST friends. They are my 2nd life. And they will continue to be way after the Utah Shock. I don’t know if I’ll play in the RMFL again, but I know that it will never be the same without these guys.
It’s still fresh right now, so I wanted to write down as much of this feeling, this emotion that I could, before it passed, because in life, with time.. All will pass.
I wanted to thank all the people in the RMFL, past, present, and future. It truly has been a pleasure. I never meant any ill will towards anyone on the field or off. I’m a character, someone who thrives off the attention. It was truly an honor to play against some of you and it was more than a pleasure to have met or talked to you all in the past 9 years. You will all have that special place in my heart and the RMFL will always be a big part of my life. I hope that the Utah Shock as a team and as an organization will have left an impact on this league with more than just wins and losses. With the people on the team, and the era that’s about the end, I hope that you all will remember the Shock. This league gave me a place to prove something to myself, and forever I will in debt to the league. I made the RMFL, the SHOCK, MY LIFE.
Best of luck to the teams next week, and best of luck to all teams in the future. This chapter in my book is closed; however I am excited and cannot wait to see what lies before me ahead. I chose football over a wife, over having kids, over starting a family, over a career and over school. Call me crazy, but it’s time.
You were all an inspiration to a measly Asian kid who just wanted to prove that he could play football. To everyone thank you.. Officials, players, staff, owners, family and friends, THANK YOU!
To all the friends I’ve made in the league, I hope we can continue to stay in touch off the field. It truly is about the people you meet along the way in life and the impact they have in your life no matter how big or small the part, and in some way I hope we all can stay in contact one way or another. Thank you.
To the UTAH SHOCK FAMILY, I truly love all of you. I cannot wait to see what life holds for us now! The absolute best 9 years of my life.
To make an already long post, a little longer, I just truly wanted to say thank you and God bless you all. It truly has been a fun 9 years. I hope to see some of you around and if you guys ever need me, I’m not hard to find. Football is just a game, but cherish the time you have playing it with the people you are surrounded with. Nothing is forever. Thank you all, it’s been a pleasure. Goodbye RMFL, I will miss you.
Kyto Khouangrasvongsay
-- Edited by KytoKhouang on Sunday 24th of June 2012 10:56:46 PM
Kyto, allthough we never net before this season, our games or during our games infact...I respect what you had to say...leaving something that has changed your life completely around for the best is a hard thing to take in...I personally believe we will see Kyto in the back field again...but not yet...you've just started a new chapter...and in this chapter you'll find a beauitfull wife that will give birth to 60 beautiful and talented kids and with all 60 beauitful and talented kids, you'll start the Shocks all over again and they will be the future of the RMFL...just sayin...good luck Kyto..
-- Edited by XcEsSiiVe on Monday 25th of June 2012 06:46:01 AM
-- Edited by admin on Monday 25th of June 2012 07:25:43 AM
Jus wanna show some luv on your post bruh, you've been a great example of leadership and class to me as a RMFL player, hope you stick around to watch a nobody,like me, play some FOOSBALL!!! By the way, we need to go back n smash on vegas with a full roster, cuz last year was BS, C'MON bro you know you want to. And don't worry about that first post, you know better than to respond to that, there's always some idiot wanting to cause drama. Let tha haterz spectate n talk ****, jus keep it real n move forward...PEACE!!! Phil Te'o #4 Utah Stealth
I might be wrong, but I would suggest that outside of handful of folks, (including Jared Neumeir, Dave Sire, Travis Hobson, etc.), Kyto has probably done more or at least as much to build and shape the RMFL as anyone else (albeit ticking some people in the forum off along the way, lol). While you've never had an official staff position in the league (other than GM of the Shock), you've created an example for others to follow, helped shed light on critical issues, and more than anything show how much fun it can be to play the best game in the world with some of your best friends--and as I've said before, that is truly what this league is all about.
I was able to go to the Shock vs. Stealth game and see first-hand what I had read about for years--the Shock FAMILY doing what they do. Kyto, wearing #61 as a Safety. Nick Vickers' dad wearing his jersey with "Shock Daddy" on the back, standing the entire game and trying to lead the crowd in a "DE-FENSE" cheer during the 4th quarter to inspire the team. I saw the Shock players actually come into the stands at halftime to hug friends, kiss kids and girlfriends. I watched Troy Peterson break through the line on a key 3rd down in the 4th quarter and sack Whissler to keep the Shock hopes alive. I saw Hoop talking smack to Rozy in the crowd during the first half about burning the Stealth DBs; I also saw Hoop standing at the 50 yard line with 1:00 to go in the game, before the Shock got the ball back, head down, more humble than I thought possible as he contemplated the gravity of that final drive and a chance to steal the win. And finally, I saw JK try to extract one more bit of magic out of those legs and that throwing arm--leaving the crowd breathless on the last two plays of the game as he bought time in the backfield and was still able to find a semi-open receiver and have the ball fall off his fingertips (either one would have been really tough catches, but JK did everything he could to make them seem possible).
I don't know how many times I've said it, but we are blessed in this league to play the greatest game on earth with some of our best friends and FAMILY. The Shock figured that out a long time ago. Don't anyone take it for granted, because like almost all good things in this life, it's over way too quickly. Good luck to Kyto & Co. in whatever they decide to do going forward--I for one am hoping for a Brett Favre-like return for one more shot at the ship.
It has been fun seeing you on the field. Everyone in the RMFL is going to miss you. You have been a leader for your team, the league, and some of us as individuals. I know that your teammates are going to miss you. Way to play with a passion for the game that not many people have. Way to stay strong in the face of adversity.
You are a great man and a great player. Never lose sight of that!
Take care in life my friend, remember that memories life this will never fade away. Always remember the good times that you have shared with these men who have touched your life. Because I am sure that you have done the same to them.
April 11 is a day for you to remember. Depression is a serious issue and suicide haunts everyone of us. I don't know "how you felt," or "why you felt that way," but I do feel ya. I have lost a couple friends to suicide, and there is not a bigger question mark in the world to those left behind.
I know we didn't always get along, but truly, good luck in your future endevors. A guy who has been so dedicated to an organization and a group of guys, certainly will succeed in his career if that same character traite is channeled. Good luck.
Kyto, best of luck in the future and I wish you success in whatever path Life takes you down. I came into this league in 2009 but saw right away what an impact you are on the league, your team, and your community. You're funny as hell and even though you've mostly kept the public discussions light, anyone can tell that you are focused on improving yourself, your team, and the RMFL.
If you need anything give me a call (if you don't have my number stored, message me). The league suffers a setback today, losing a leader of your caliber. It's been a pleasure being in the same league as you and your ****y but highly capable team.
P.S. You can sing karaoke Sweet Child O' Mine with me any time, ya' show-stealing lush.
__________________
Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
Reading this gave me chills bro. I was a rival for a few years as a Pitbull, then as a Viper for several years. You helped me hold my brother on the field and keep him calm when his ankle was laying on his calf. You are a competitor in all you do. You deserve anything you set your mind on. It has been a true honor playing the game against, and more importantly... with you.
You made the game fun for everyone involved... you even had my oldest son as our water boy for a few games... he still talks about it! The brotherhood that was created with this team was amazing. It pains me to know that I missed out on this entire season... but the comforting words from you guys as I am overseas... made me know that I am still every bit a part of that brotherhood.
Thank you for the chapter of my life. You gave me a chance to continue playing the game I love...
I want to thank you for letting me be a part of the Shock family this year. This year was the first time, in a long time, I've had fun as a coach. .
To all my Shock brothers, let's stay together one more year and win the ship.This group of guys made me decide to come back and play next year, and I'm hoping Kyto will be a part of it. I would love the chance to battle it out on the field with my Shock fambam. If everyones in, lets go one more year. And uhh Kyto....... this is not an option for you LOL . I will be at your door, hunting you down till you say yes!! LOL Think about it.
For the first time, in a long time, this Follower is speechless...
I picked your team to win in EVERY game this year...why??? It should be apparent to most but for those who don't quite #seewhatididthere it's because I'm extremely thankful and indebted to the Shock...everyone of the the players/coaches/fans/assistants/etc... The Shock made me a better person, writer, friend, family member, fan...and most importantly...a better PLAYER!!! I love you all, we all need time to heal...as my time as the Follower is coming to an abrubt close...
Final prediction will be made with a different than normal ending...anyone who's solved the riddle...please feel free to call me, message me, Facebook me, or send me a smoke signal (Solo...)
Thanks Kyto, my brother and to the rest of my brothers and shock family, this has been the best experience of my life....what......hold on.....SUKA, say man if you are in, i'm riding wit ya. I will save this speech until we are sure its over, love ya Bro!
I got love for the shock. Even if i did ditch them in Pokey. This whole league is about the relationships we build with our teammates and other teams. I can't imagine the feelings going through these guys hearts. I guess that means I'm not ready to give it up yet.
I have to agree with Thurber. Kyto has done more for this league then I can imagine and he's a huge reason why the RMFL is the powerhouse it is today.
I don't know Kyto that well personally, however I still consider him a friend. I've had the pleasure of playing against him for 7 years and have enjoyed every minute of it.
Kyto, you're a good dude and I'm sure I'll see you around since we carry the same circle of friends. I wish nothing but the best for you in the future and you will truly be missed. Thank you for everything you did for this league.
Kyto........I sit back and think about the first time we actually met. And then I remember the first impression I had of you. I thought you were a little ****y "Know it all", that thought he was above anybody else that walked on the football field. I thought that there was no one in the world that had a bigger mouth, then you. Then......I remember the compliment that you had gfiven to me and my team, a couple of weeks or months (who is counting) after our game against you guys. What a game that was. Through the years, I have had the pleasure to actually get to know you, and especially have the pleasure to have you as a friend. My impressions about you now, are totally different then they were 8 years ago. I now see a young man, that had passion in his heart, not only for himself, his level of play or the game of football......but for anyone that was and IS associated with you. You not only have brought so much to this league, with your highly respected opinions on different matters, but you have helped me become a much better and respected Manager and Owner of one of these teams in the RMFL. I owe alot to alot of different managers out there, but you are the one that gave me insight to the changes I needed to make, for the betterment of my team, and you are the one that gave me different ideas on how to better manage. Thank you my friend!! I know how hard it must be for you to walk away from this league and all the friends and family members you have made. It is a decision that isnt easy to make.....I know. It is my hopes and prayers that everyone will respect your decision, and help back you and never turn their backs on you. Again, I thank you for everything you have done for this league, for your team and other teams, but most of all...what you have done for me. You will be missed for sure!!