Will Lowe is just 28 years old and already owns three bareback riding world championships in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

He’s already on his way to a fourth if he can keep up with his hot start to the 2011 season. He’s won a share of three rodeo titles: the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo.; the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas; and the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

In all, he’s earned $21,028 to lead the early world standings, more than $8,000 ahead of the No. 2 bareback rider, Bo Casper of Fort Scott, Kan., with whom Lowe shared the Denver title. He’s also second in the average at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in Texas, an event that will conclude this coming weekend.

Yes, it’s way too early to crown world champions, but I think anytime is a great time to recognize excellence. Lowe, of Canyon, Texas, is second only to 14-time world champion Trevor Brazile in season earnings. Brazile, of Decatur, Texas, has earned $28,671 in three events: He’s atop the standings in steer roping with $9,096, third in team roping-heading with $9,892 and fourth in tie down roping with $9,683.

By shear quantity, it’s hard to beat Brazile, but Lowe has made a strong mark early this season. After nine straight trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, I suspect Will knows what it takes to be at the top of his game.