ProRodeo Sports News - August 2, 2019

WPRA BARREL RACERS

Sammy Thurman Brackenbury Florence (Price) Youree Jimmie Gibbs Munroe Three WPRA competitors join HOF

Brackenbury

COURTESY WPRA J immy Gibbs Munroe, SammyThurman Brackenbury and Florence (Price) Youree all accomplished plenty during their barrel racing careers in the arena. But all three did just as much, if not more, for the WPRA after stepping back from competition. Munroe and Brackenbury are both going into the WPRA umbrella of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as barrel racers, while Youree was selected under the Notable category. While Munroe initially made a name for herself in the rodeo arena, winning a world title in 1975, her love and commitment to the association cemented her legacy in the sport. “This is just great news,” Munroe said.

Munroe

Brackenbury

Youree

“What an incredible honor this is. I was there two years ago to see the first class of WPRA members inducted and was so excited then.” Munroe made 11 trips to the National Finals Rodeo on three different horses and was twice an NIRANational Champion Barrel Racer and once an NIRANational Champion All-Around Cowgirl. Munroe served as president of the WPRA from 1978-1993 and again from 2011-12. During her first time as president she led the association in acquiring equal prize money, obtained national sponsors and advanced the use of electric timers and better arena conditions. She joins her husband, Dan O. “Bud” Munroe, in the Hall of Fame. Bud Munroe, who was inducted in 2007, was a 12-time NFR qualifier and 1986 Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion. Brackenbury was also an all-around talent, even roping and winning money in PRCA rodeos. She qualified for the NFR 11 consecutive times, winning the world title in 1965. During her career she served as the California Circuit Director, All Events Director, Vice President of the Association and in 1975 served as the President of the Girl’s Rodeo Association. Youree is the first notable inducted under the WPRA umbrella into the Hall of Fame. She was among the Top 15 six times and won the WPRA all-around title in 1966. But it was her services to the GRA/WPRA in an administrative capacity that landed her induction. Youree served the association as a director, then president from 1960-64 and then secretary-treasurer, where she made the biggest impact. It was during that time that Youree worked to get the barrel racing included at the NFR as it is today. “I appreciate this so much,” Youree said. “I have loved and enjoyed everything I have ever done with the WPRA and still do. When I won my award (WPRANFR Lifetime Achievement Award) in Las Vegas this past December, I thought that was the best thing that could have ever happened and it couldn’t get bigger than that, but I guess I was wrong.”

Munroe

WPRA file photos

Youree

ProRodeo Sports News 8/2/2019

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