Dusty LaValley is a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, having finished ninth in the 2008 bareback riding world standings and 10th last year.

He’s doing all the right things early this season to finish even higher when the 2011 season ends. He won more than $7,000 at RodeoHouston, which doesn’t count toward the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings; but it does count in the confidence standings.

So far, LaValley and fellow Canadian Luke Creasy lead the average at RodeoAustin with 159 points on two rides. Both have clinched a spot in Saturday’s championship round.

LaValley is 16th in the most recent world standings issued Monday by the PRCA, but look for that to change very quickly. The way the Alberta cowboy is riding, he could be atop the leaderboard very soon.