GLADEWATER, Texas — At most rodeos, the spotlight usually shines on the bull riders, barrel racers, and kids doing the mutton bustin'. Behind the scenes is 9-year-old Cooper Jones, quietly becoming a star in his own right.

"I just move around and I do what they tell me to do," Jones said.

He’s stepping in to help fellow kids when they take a tumble. Before the gates fly open, the rodeo starts behind the scenes with some face paint and a little mutton mischief.

"Usually when (the kids are) riding, when they fall off, I go and check if they're OK," Jones said.

Call it a rodeo rescue — the job may be small, but the heart behind it is huge.

"Sometimes they just cry a whole bunch because they don't get very far," Jones said. "I just have to do my job."

Mutton bustin' is no stranger to Jon

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