PUEBLO, Colo. - With the first half of the 2017 Built Ford Tough Series now in the rearview mirror, and the stretch run to the 2017 Build Ford Tough World Finals on the horizon, PBR.com is taking a look back at the story so far. The first half of the season was full of history and memorable moments, meaning anything is possible once the BFTS returns to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Aug. 12-13.

Stormy Wing makes history in Albuquerque 

Stormy Wing is an eight-year veteran of the BFTS, but the 2017 Ty Murray Invitational in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arguably the moment he truly arrived.

Wing stunned the PBR world when he won the second event of his career in jaw-dropping fashion with a historic 95.25-point ride aboard reigning World Champion Bull SweetPro’s Bruiser. The ride was the fifth-highest numerical score in PBR history and was just the ninth 90-point ride in Wing’s career.

“It would be one of the best,” Wing said. “I don’t know. I like me on Train Wreck in Nampa. I was 92 there. Ty Murray said on TV I should have been a few more. That is one that stands out. I have ridden the rank ones before. It is just a long time coming.

“I knew I could ride him and it happened to work out. We just got along today.”

The ride put an exclamation point on a 3-for-4 weekend for Wing. It was the first time all season he recorded more than two rides at a single event.

Finding that consistency was an important moment for Wing, who never doubted he had the ability, but had previously been unable to build a successful streak.

“That is what we come to do week in and week out,” Wing said. “I wouldn’t take myself out of the truck if I wasn’t here to win. It was great to bounce back They were about to cut me. I don’t like to get thrown off. Nobody does.”

Cody Teel makes his case in Glendale

2012 PRCA champion Cody Teel was no stranger to the big stages in bull riding, having excelled at events like the National Finals Rodeo and the Calgary Stampede, but Teel had yet to truly make his mark on the elite Built Ford Tough Series.

Then he arrived in Glendale, Arizona.

Teel went a perfect 3-for-3 to win his first BFTS buckle in just his fourth event, checking another thing off his bull riding bucket list. The win also propelled him into the lead of the Rookie of the Year race, which was a big step toward accomplishing a goal the 24-year-old set at the beginning of the season.

“I feel like a rookie, and I am a rookie,” Teel said. “That is what it is. I was pretty humbled coming over here. It is great competition with the best guys and the best bulls. That is why I want to be here.”

Making the move to the PBR full-time has been a big step for Teel, who truly feels that the BFTS is the ultimate test for bull riders. After making his debut at Iron Cowboy, he has dedicated himself to raising his game and making his mark.

He has also emphasized that his already glowing resume does not mean that success on the BFTS will be easy, and he has maintained a humble outlook throughout the season.

“It is back to zero this week. It is a new weekend. It feels good having momentum on my side, but, at the same time, it is the past,” Teel said. “I have to show up and do it all over again. Around here you can’t dwell on the past, bad or good.”