Wedding "MVPs"
Dylan Gassert
MVP
Kody and I have done a lot of road trips together over the years, including having driven across the country several times. One particular trip involved Kody and I driving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where we intended to spend a week surfing the incoming hurricane swell before driving Kody to Niagara for school. Three days and many truck stops later we were parked on the sand in Kody’s truck taking turns longboarding in the tropical warm waters of the East Coast. Although the trip as a whole was laden with memories, one specific incident that stood out involved hurricane Sandy moving her way up the coast toward us. The day or two before Sandy was set to arrive, what was once a sunny beach community full of tourists and travelers turned into a mass exodus of people and cars. There we were with a decision to make, do we follow the emergency evacuation orders and pack up our camp? Or do we batten down the hatches and ride this sucker out? Naturally, Kody and I decided on the latter, using any and all cordage to tie everything we had several times over in some way to the truck. We woke up to perfect peeling surf all to ourselves. I’ve made more Type Two Fun memories of the dangerous and dumb variety with Kody than I can count with my fingers, but I’d give anything today to go back and live them all over again. Kody is a brother to me and words can’t describe the many years of friendship we’ve shared. When life throws you hurricanes, go surfing. Kody and I did.
Alden Blair
MVP
This memory was in high school. I was at my parents house and Kody and I wanted to scare one of our friends. We devised a plan. Kody put on this terrifying halloween mask and hide behind my jacuzzi. The friend and I got in and were relaxing. I distracted our friend so Kody could slip in and hold his breath underwater. I then pointed in the direction Kody was underwater and told our friend I had heard something odd in that direction. As our friend was looking in that direction, Kody slowly rose from the depths of the jacuzzi to send our friend into a full blown panic. It was executed so well that even I got scared and I knew it was happening. It was so funny and that's just one glimpse of the shenanigans we got in to.
Jake Vertel
MVP
When it comes to Kody, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint just one memorable experience. Instead, I'll focus on a common theme that runs through our many exploits: 'GO.' Whenever Kody and I set our minds on something, we never hesitated to dive in, embracing the thrill of uncharted territory. For instance, we were captivated by whitewater kayaking. We hopped into recreational boats without even a spray skirt. Donning only 3mm wetsuits, paddling class III rapids, which felt exceptionally challenging due to our lack of proper gear, left us near hypothermic at the end of a late-November day. When we wanted to go bouldering but lacked the funds for new climbing shoes, we simply squeezed into the tightest pair of Vans we owned and started climbing. One time, we wanted to go surfing but only had a free 48 hours between our collegiate baseball and soccer seasons. Of course, we were going to make the seven-hour drive across New York to the coast. I don't even know if we checked Surfline before hopping in Kody's truck. I could share Kody stories like this for days, most from our time at Niagara. While life after college adds all sorts of real-world responsibilities that make it harder to 'get after it,' I am convinced that distance from Kody is another major hurdle because whenever we do get together these days, we're still going to charge at whatever we can.
Robert McLaughlin
MVP
There was a time in high school when Kody got all the guys to go surf the "Biggest Swell of the Year". It was stormy and cold and everyone except Kody was surely going against their will. When we got to Westward beach, we walked out to the shore to look at the waves, which were monstrous looking and I never considered going out for a second. But Kody was suiting up without skipping a beat and paddled out as the rest of us just watched him charge. I think we all were in awe of his fearlessness that morning and it was a moment that captures something admirable about Kody's character; he follows through once he's made his mind up to do something, even if it's super gnarly.
Matthew Meyer
MVP
Kody and I were college roommates all 4 years at Niagara University. For 4 years, I never knew what I was going to come home to at the end of the day... A dude painted silver, new dreads, 15 people crammed in our 150 square-foot dorm watching Paranormal Activity... Whatever it was, I knew it was going to be an adventure. Amidst all of the shenanigans, Kody was always there for me. I never really struggled with anxiety until I had to call it quits from baseball. Kody saw me at my lowest and helped drag me back to my feet. I'll always be grateful for him. Kelsey, you found a good one. 4-8-15-16-23-42... The only thing I actually learned while studying for finals.
Zack Burough
MVP
" Watch the eggs boys" whether it's snowboarding in whistler or sleeping in your truck or my couch for big winter swell, I know there is always one dude I can count on for a good time and an adventure. Kody is always down for anything which is a great quality to have when he's friends with me because I'm full of bad ideas and he's still down to charge at 100%. One of my favorite memories of Kody is when I became a dad. Kody was so stoked to me and so excited to hold my baby girl. Which makes me so happy for him now because I know he's going to be an awesome dad and take his little girl on all the same adventures that we went on together when we were kids. Congratulations uncle Kody, I love you like a brother and can't wait for the next adventure together.
Alexa Scott
MVP
It’s hard to think of one memory that stands out to me with Kelsey. We have so many memories over the last five years or so. Our endless silent disco nonsense, our wine and charcuterie board nights, me hearing someone with a kitten and calling Kelsey and immediately telling her that she needs this kitten (you’re welcome Sushi), our lovely Vegas trip where we had a casualty (my toenail 😂) , her taking me on my first hiking shenanigans in the Grand Canyon and seeing the world in awe. I was struggling so bad on our way back up thinking I’m half way dying and I look back, and I see Kelsey who is eight months pregnant looking effortlessly as she hikes back up. Our girls trip to visit her and to Scottsdale was one I’ll never forget (oh yea Kody I did talk her into riding electric scooters at eight months pregnant, whoops!! lol ). Kelsey has been here for me through thick and thin, she has gotten me through some of my hardest times and I couldn’t thank her more. I am beyond grateful for the friendship that we have developed that has turned into sisterhood. When she introduced me to Kody, I immediately knew that this was her match and I told her many times, Kelsey, this is your person! I am so happy that they have decided to become one, and that they have welcomed Oaklee into this world, thank you for giving me the niece I was never able to have. I love you beyond measure, and will always cherish all of our memories that we’ve created.
Jonathan Rigsbee
MVP
Kody and I first became friends in middle school bonding over all things boardsports. There were all kinds of shenanigans we got into in our youth, but I'll save that for another time. In 2014 I took a semester off from college and headed to Wyoming to live in a wall tent with Kody in the backcountry. We got the land ready for the coming hunting clients over the summer. I remember one afternoon getting woken up by Kody. He threw me a pair of fire resistant pants and for the next 36 hours we were fighting a several hundred acre fire on Rick's land alongside locals. It was wild. Helicopters, breathing in smoke through bandanas, and being totally drained by the end of it. And this wasn't the only fire we had to deal with. Later on in the season I tagged along on some hunts. One of the clients harvested a bull elk right before dusk. Once we were able to get the truck close enough, Kody led the field dressing. It was the closest I'd ever been to an elk and I remember Kody tossing the heart to me, it was the size of a football! The client was an older gentleman so it was up to the two of us to load the elk in the bead of the truck. Imagine you and one friend lifting a dead horse into the back of a pickup. It was just like that. I could write an entire book about our friendship, but I'll end it here. Kody is one of my best friends and a brother. He's going to be a phenomenal husband and father.
Brian Sidenberg
MVP
Attempting to nail down one memory of Kody and I together is tough as we have shared so many good memories since becoming close friends at redwood middle school. Those days were nothing but boards sports, steep hills and many good times. Pioneers is what we were, and Kody was leading the stoke. He was always up to go surfing, skating, dirt boarding, and he always did it with such enthusiasm. One wild memory I have is when the group of us modified a petal go-kart to seat six of us and improved the wheels and tires, so they were off-road ready. We dragged this behemoth car up the Santa Monica Mountain range behind his house to attempt the death-defying group bonzai down the mountain. We were pretty “smart” back then. However, in our infinite well of engineering prowess we somehow ended up with a hand break at the back, so the driver and break operator were two separate people. Of course, since Kody was too crazy to drive this death trap, we put him at the back, yet somehow, he ended up controlling the breaks. this crazy ride down the mountain was nothing but full throttle with Kody cackling at the back, yet somehow, we made it safely to the bottom with the biggest smiles on our faces and not a scratch on us, which was rare. This is how Kody lives his life; full throttle in everything he does. Whether he’s shredding the gnar, protecting our parks, or being a great father and husband, Kody’s going to go full throttle and make sure everyone with him is having a great time!
Russell Jackson
MVP
Not surprisingly, a significant portion of my memories with Kody involve some type of board. Everyone has memories of Kody with him surfing, skating, or even dirtboarding..but honestly one of my favorite, and more recent memories of Kody involves a different board. Settlers of Catan. It was March 6, 2018 around 9:41PM. Kody Pulled off one of the greatest comebacks the game has ever seen, and playing the Seafarers expansion no less. This game was 6 years ago so I don't remember the exact score or the nature of the comeback. But what i do remember is the moment Kody won. He stood up and immediately ran out my front door, screaming at the top of his lungs. Everyone there was busting up laughing still sitting at the table. Kody finally reappears shirtless and yells " COMEBACK OF THE NIGHT" It's a silly memory, but it exemplifies something I love about Kody: Everything he does, he does with 100% passion and intensity. He always gives his all, and that (among many other reasons) is why he will make and amazing husband and father.
Kevin Laughlin
MVP
Kody is one of those friends who will show up when you need him most, loyal, trustworthy, a brother. When I started my new life journey as a farmer Kody was the first person to support my decision. Kody even showed up on multiple occasions on his days off from Sequia National Park to come help me do farm work. Kody is the best hype man and the only one you’ll ever need. You’re my brother Kody and I’m happy that you found your person.
Kristopher Kasper
MVP
Trying to pinpoint my favorite memory with my brother Kody is incredibly hard because I have so many special memories over the years. But if I have to pick one, it would be the year I coached his high school surf team. Kody has always been a natural in the water, and every weekend brought a new challenge, a new break. Seeing him and his friends out on the water, I saw that he was not only a talented surfer but also a great team player who encouraged and lifted up others on the team. He cheered loudly for his teammates, offered tips and encouragement, and celebrated every win. It gave me a glimpse of the man he would become: kind, courageous, and strong. I’m proud to have such a great brother and such a great group of brothers. I can’t wait to celebrate Kody & Kelsey in April.
Kasey Kasper
MVP
Where do I begin, our friendship started over 30 years ago on an August night. Since then, we have shared countless memories. It's hard for me to pinpoint one story, one experience to quantify our relationship. You have been a pivotal part of my life and helped me become the person I am. Look where it has taken us now, you are about to marry a beautiful soul that can keep up with your energy and helps you grow. I am beyond happy for you and Kelsey. There are many experiences we have shared from traveling the Utah desert aimlessly looking for the perfect campsite to skipping classes as kids to go surfing in the morning, and we all know I loved skipping class any chance I could. We have laughed, we have cried and a combination of both. One memory that comes to the front of my mind is our recent trip to go climb Mount Hood. I had a genius idea to fly to Oregon, throw on crampons, grab ice axes and scale a mountain. Who else would I trust enough to go with then Kody. We flew into Oregon, got an Airbnb, went over the basics of using ice axes and crampons and tried to sleep, but between the excitement and nerves, not much was had. We started the day at midnight, slowly making it closer to the top. We got to the crux. At that moment it really hit me that Kody had never actually used crampons and ice axes before. he took on the challenge and put trust into our bond overcoming fears and we made it to the top just in time to watch the sunrise together.
Brandon Chiapuzio
MVP
Less of an individual memory, but more of a series of memories. Early mornings waking up to Kody throwing rocks at my window on the second floor of my parents' house because I slept in again, and he's there to pick me up to go surf. Kody always brought so much stoke and energy when it came to surfing. My favorite memories with Kody are all of the subsequent epic surf sessions we had because he was willing to drag me out of bed, when I really didn't want to leave. If you have never surfed with Kody, it is definitely a special experience, when Kody is absolutely the best version of himself. Love you brother.
Rick "Slick" Kasper
MVP
Gone Hunting.....
Scott Gilman
MVP
Kody, you were the first of the kids had the pleasure to meet, sometime in July 2015, your mom thought it was best to meet for dinner at Bandits. That was for sure an evening I will never forget! I was made aware how special your mom is to you! You also made me aware you always had a something to protect her and you, close by your side. Oh my! We have forded a bond that is undeniably special, memories that are irreplaceable. You made my first Christmas so special when you brought a 14 ft tree into the house for me to experience my first Christmas, while at the same time I was able to teach you a bit of Hebrew. Our experiences together are countless, watching you graduate Ranger school was so special, road tripping around Hawaii, to deep frying turkeys are just a few. i am proud of you beyond words. Continue to shoot for the moon, stay humble and kind. I wish you a life of health, love, happiness and prosperity.
Kristen Evans
MVP
Kelsey is one of my oldest friends from such a young age. I knew when this super cool, sporty girl moved in around the corner from me we had to be friends. And thus began a 20+ year friendship. When I try to come up with one of my favorite moments in our friendship, I'm flooded with fond memories of one of my best friends. I could talk about our lemonade stand where we made quite a bit, but somehow got in a huge fight about who got the half dollar coin. Or perhaps that one soccer playoffs game where Kelsey and I were on opposing teams playing each other in buckets of mud sliding around the field. Then there are the countless sleepovers carting our massive collection of polly pockets back and forth as if we were moving in. But honestly my favorite memory is the friendship as a whole. Because she taught me what friendship is. She taught me what it means to be a reliable friend in someone's life, never letting the years, distance and growing up get in the way of this friendship. The second we connect again in person or through a call, Kelsey always has me in stitches. I'll be grinning from ear to ear, as we catch up - reliving good times, discussing the present, and dreaming about the future. And I couldn't have dreamed up a better partner for Kelsey than Kody. It makes my heart overjoyed to celebrate you two tying the knot together and welcoming in beautiful Oaklee.
Shanna Moore
MVP
Kelsey & I met when we were placed together as roommates freshman year. We showed up with the same hot pink zebra bedding (which now haunts us) & the rest was history. One day sophomore year we thought, “We should climb Pikes Peak!” So that weekend we set off with big hopes & remarkable amount of ignorance about the intensity of climbing a 14,000 ft mountain. Both of us packed backpacks filled with a plastic water bottle, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, & a granola bar. Off we went with our zero traction Nike shoes. At 9am we were ready for lunch, eating most of our food knowing there was a donut shop at the top. The last 1000 ft of the climb was up steep large rocks to finally come over the edge, exhausted & disheveled. Kelsey & I went into the gift shop to get our victory donut that tasted much less sweet knowing the mistake we made. Our trek down, we slipped on the dirt & over & over. Not long into the hike, it started to rain, adding another layer of cold. Although we were miserable we laughed our way through it & didnt kill each other. Once down, we immediately got some fast food which was without a doubt the best burger of our lives. Looking back, its one of my absolute favorite memories. Since moving to the Springs, Kelsey has been my one constant. She is my very best friend & someone who I will treasure forever. She's helped me navigate through some of the toughest times in my life with nothing but love & understanding. Friends like her don’t come along often.
Theresa Lari
MVP
TBD
Lexi Koslowski
MVP
TBD
Stephanie Meunier
MVP
Out Traveling the world
Hannah Dickenson
MVP
TBD
Ryan McGuffin
MVP
Out on tour
Nikki Meunier
MVP
Sam McGuire
MVP
I don't really have an exact story to tell about Kody, but more of a chapter in my life. When I look back 2017-2019 I feel extremely grateful. I spent those years from September- December( give or take) hunting and guiding with Kody. There is no one story that summs it up. From him being by my side when I asked my wife to marry me to chasing down supposed poachers wondering how this was going to end. We went through a lifetime of experiences in a few short years all across the western united states. He will always be my brother and I think back on it all the time. I can't be happier for him to start this journey as a father and a husband and pray we are able to have our children grow and continue tradition. Love ya buddy.