Wendy Rankin Mahanna closes nine-year run as Bourbon County’s Athletic Director

After nine years of service, Mahanna steps into a new role, while Travis Earlywine becomes the next face of Bourbon County athletics

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – After nine years guiding athletics at her alma mater, Wendy Rankin Mahanna has stepped down as Athletic Director at Bourbon County High School and will now begin a new chapter as the Assistant Principal at the high school. Her transition marks the close of one of the most impactful administrative tenures in modern Colonel athletics, a period defined by a deep commitment to strengthening Bourbon County’s athletic programs.

 

A two-time 10th Region Athletic Director of the Year, Mahanna leaves behind a legacy honoring Colonel history while expanding opportunities for student-athletes. Her leadership was instrumental in launching both the Bourbon County Athletics Hall of Fame and the Bourbon ESPY Awards, projects she envisioned, built, and nurtured into signature annual traditions. These events have become cornerstones of the athletic calendar, bringing together alumni, families, coaches, and current athletes in a celebration of Colonel pride… past, present, and future.

 

Under her direction, Bourbon County added Archery in 2017, giving students a new competitive outlet that quickly gained traction. In 2024, she created the Girls Sports Camp for K-6th graders, a weeklong summer program designed to introduce young girls to multiple sports while being coached and mentored by Bourbon County’s female athletes. The camp became an immediate hit, strengthening connections between the high school programs and the next generation of Lady Colonels. She originally launched the ESPYs in 2019, but the event was paused during the Covid years before she revived it last spring.

 

Navigating those Covid years, she said, was the toughest stretch of her time as AD. Despite the challenges, Mahanna remained a steady presence, helping guide the department through shutdowns, restrictions, and constant uncertainty.

 

Her influence extends well beyond Bourbon County. Mahanna currently serves on the Kentucky 2A State Championship Board of Directors, where she will continue as Section Representative. She spent five years as President of the 10th Region Athletic Directors Association and served on the KAAA Board of Directors. In 2024, she was recognized as a KAAA State Finalist for Athletic Director of the Year, finishing among the top five statewide.

 

Her work ethic, professionalism, and personal investment in student-athletes earned her widespread respect across the district. Even as she steps away from the AD role, she will continue serving Bourbon County High School in her new position, ensuring her presence and influence remain woven into the fabric of Colonel athletics and academics.

 

“As a former Lady Colonel athlete, it was a dream come true to be the Athletic Director at BCHS. I was a student aide for Kathy Johnston my senior year, so I had a great role model for a female athletic administrator,” Mahanna said. “I am proud of everything that we accomplished during my tenure and am thankful for the opportunity.”

 

Stepping into the role as the new Athletic Director is long-time Bourbon County educator and supporter Travis Earlywine, whose deep ties to the community and strong background in athletics make him a natural fit for the position. Earlywine has served the district in multiple capacities, including Middle School Principal, as well as the District Director of Food Services, a position he still holds. His involvement in local athletics and youth programs has long made him a familiar and trusted figure across the county.

 

“I’m very excited to be named the Athletic Director at Bourbon County High School,” Earlywine said. “Wendy Mahanna has been a staple for Bourbon County athletics and is well known across the state for her role as AD. I look forward to learning from her and continuing to support Bourbon County athletics and all of our student athletes.”

 

As Mahanna transitions into her new role and Earlywine takes the reins, Colonel athletics remain in the hands of leaders who know the school, know the kids, and know the tradition. Both bring decades of experience, deep community roots, and a shared commitment to helping Bourbon County’s student-athletes succeed.

 

“I have loved watching our student athletes compete and chase their dreams. I have worked with some great coaches and made great connections with the families,” Mahanna said. “I hope to continue that in my new role as an Assistant Principal. I look forward to serving our staff, students, and community in this role. My entire career has been at BoCo and I cannot think of anywhere else I’d rather be.” She added that she knows Travis will do a fantastic job.

 

And so, as one chapter closes and another begins, Bourbon County athletics moves forward with the same spirit that has carried it for generations, built on tradition, leadership, and ready for whatever comes next. In true Colonel fashion, the torch isn’t just being passed, it’s being carried proudly down a familiar path by two people who have spent their lives walking it.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY KRISTA BARNETT