February 2026: Most Valuable Players
These team members have been nominated by their colleagues for demonstrating our core values in their work.
Houston Franks, Assistant Track & Field Coach: PERSERVERANCE
It was the 31st of January. We had completed a long two days of competition at the Arkansas Razorback Invitational and were heading back to Baton Rouge, through DFW. There were several of us who were flying commercial, as the charter only seated 50 and a bigger plane was not within the budget for the department.
Arriving at DFW at around 9:00pm, were greeted with the now standard on every flight delay. After an hour we were told our flight was cancelled until the next day at 7am. Disappointed that we would not be able to return home that evening like those on the charter were, Houston showed a positive attitude and rallied the troops. He immediately began calling local hotels to 5 rooms for our travel party. Showing the skills of a fine travel agent such as Mary Jane or Quinlan, BOOM, he landed us 5 rooms at a local Hampton Inn immediately. Free wi-fi and free breakfast! We couldn't believe our luck!
The next morning our flight was continually delayed as we were lacking a flight attendant. Sure frustration was growing but good old Houston, he steadied us with his calm and positive presence. He even was able to secure a small meal voucher for each member of the group. Finally after a long day in the DFW airport, at 4:30pm, we were able to board our plane and begin the journey home. In Baton Rouge, Houston coordinated our path back to campus with local company. After a long Sunday and arrival home late, that guy was at practice ready to go at 7am this next morning.
Hip Hip Hooray for Houston and his perseverance and positivity. He is a true Most Valuable Player. ~nominated by Todd Lane
Andy Kokhanovsky, Assistant Track & Field Coach: EXCELLENCE
We were stuck in Dallas for an extra day after cancelled flight and then delayed flights, while the charter plane was already at home.
As we kept getting delay, Andy, began interacting with the other frustrated passengers, pilot and flight attendant. Misery loves company and we were company. He even volunteered to serve as the flight attendant that was needed in order for us to leave. After many hours of not going anywhere, we decided to grab a bite to eat, when the call came that the flight was loading. We walked back to the gate and along the way Andy gathered and told the others passengers we had gotten to know that they needed to get back to the gate to board. As we boarded and were boarded on the plane, Andy was receiving a heroes welcome from fellow passengers for him letting them know it was time to go. They may have never made it without him.
Andy demonstrated excellence and authenticity and respect and fairness to all his fellow passengers. ~nominated by Todd Lane
