The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announced October 29 that its annual media award will go to Julie Mankin in 2021, long-time contributor to both The Team Roping Journal and The Breakaway Roping Journal.
“Julie Mankin has spent her life in the western industry, first as a competitor and now as a journalist,” said Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “Throughout her career she has been a strong supporter of women in the sport of rodeo by telling the stories of the current competitors but is also an advocate of keeping the history of the WPRA alive and well. In 2020, she helped document the history of breakaway roping and the trailblazers that have helped get it to where it is today. We are excited to honor Julie with the WPRA Media Award and thank her for her dedication to the ladies of the WPRA.”
Mankin helped jump-start The Breakaway Roping Journal when it launched in September 2020, chronicling the industry’s growth from its earliest influencers to today’s biggest backers.
“When we need a hard-hitting, well researched piece, we call Julie,” said BRJ Editorial Director Chelsea Shaffer. “She’s been our go-to contributor for better than a decade, and there’s nobody who connects with the women and stories of the WPRA like Julie. I can’t think of anybody more deserving of this award. It’s an honor for our entire team and helps validate the work we do in which we so deeply believe.”
Among Mankin’s 2021 stories for The Breakaway Roping Journal were:
NFBR in the Works for Las Vegas
Why Breakaway Ropers Can’t Buddy with PRCA Counterparts
Elite of the Elite: Only Three College Breakaway Ropers Have Won It All TWICE
The WPRA will honor Mankin and the rest of its contract recipients at its luncheon during the WPRA Star Celebration at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday, December 2.
