Young hero tops rodeo's mutton bustin' contest

DENVER -- A 7-year-old boy hailed as a hero for helping to save his mother's life two months ago moved a step closer to his dream of becoming a rodeo cowboy, winning the Mutton Bustin' competition at the National Western Stock Show.

Titus Adams beat six other riders in the annual event Sunday that has 5- to 7-year-olds clinging to the backs of sheep as they sprint around the ring.

As in bull and bronc riding, whoever stays on the longest wins.

In November, Titus was hailed for running for help through a snowy field in his pajamas after his mother was seriously hurt when their pickup truck crashed as they drove home from Thanksgiving dinner.

Titus and his sisters, Tiffany, 4, and Tier, 1, were in their pajamas when the truck veered off the road and rolled five times. Their mother was thrown from the vehicle and unconscious with a broken back, punctured lung and 10 broken ribs.

On Sunday, Titus was honored at the afternoon performance of the stock show's Mexican Rodeo, where he was awarded a custom-made saddle and bridle, a gold and silver belt buckle and the Colorado State Patrol's Award of Excellence.

"He is an amazing little guy," said Trooper Jay Peters, who was on hand for the award. "After the accident, he retained his composure and was able to answer all my questions. There are many adults who wouldn't have acted with as much bravery as Titus."

Titus, in true cowboy fashion, had little to say at the rodeo. He just grinned and nodded as the adults asked him questions, and then, on a borrowed horse, took a victory lap around the arena.