By KATIE LACKEY, Student Reporter
Staying focused.
That’s what has helped Mason Bowen succeed.
Bowen, of Bullard, Texas, scored a second place finish with an 18.1 on two head this past weekend in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Northwestern senior was a 9.5 in the first round.
“It wasn’t quite as good as I expected it to be,” Bowen said about his first round. “The calf didn’t cooperate like I thought he would. He was stronger than the rest, but it worked out.”
Bowen’s second calf turned out to be a good one. He was able to take advantage of it and win the short round with an 8.6.
His successful weekend helped him secure his spot at second in the region, not far behind first.
“I just need to keep knocking them down and try to get points at every rodeo,” Bowen said.
He wasn’t the only Ranger getting points at Fort Scott though.
Cody Devers, of Perryton, Texas, finished first in the steer wrestling with a 9.3 on two head. Colt Madison was not far behind finishing third in the average.
Cole Patterson, of Pratt, Kansas, was also at the top of the leader board in the team roping where he finished third.
Ashlyn Moeder, of Oakley, Kansas, put together two solid runs in the barrel racing to place second in the average.
The lady Rangers dominated goat tying with Katy Miller finishing second, followed by teammates, Jennifer Massing and Tearnee Nelson, tying for third.
With more than half the rodeo season coming to a close, Bowen and the rest of the team know the importance of each rodeo is mounting.
“I have changed a lot of things, mentally, on winning,” Bowen said. “I try to stay focused and stay on top of it.