DENVER (January 13, 2017) --- Dustin Bowen is continuing his 2017 comeback story in the bull riding at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo.

Bowen, from Waller, Texas qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2015 and was poised to make a second trip last year. Then injuries cut his season short and he found himself working out, rehabbing and preparing tor 2017.

That paid off as he won the bull riding at the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo the first of January. He used that momentum here in Denver riding two bulls and taking the lead in the second round and the overall standings.

He competed here at the Saturday matinee and evening performances. During the afternoon he scored 82.5, then came back that evening and scored 86. That 86-point effort on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Slim Kitty gave him the lead over Elliot Jacoby from Fredericksburg, Texas, who has an 81.5.

Bowen, who grew up in Pennsylvania, then moved to Texas to attend college, is one of three men who have been successful on two bulls here so far. He has a total of 168.5 points. Chase Robbins from Marsing, Idaho is in second with 160.    Another Idaho bull rider, Riker Carter, from Stone, has 137. Bowen has won money out of the Denver Coliseum before, but has never been at the top of the leaderboard like he is now. His position could certainly change before the U.S. Bank Championship Finals on Jan. 22, but he should still be at the top of the 12-man field.

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association action continues here on Sunday with performances at 2 and 6:30 p.m.

-Information Courtesy of Susan Kanode

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