Tyler Calhoun has a big month of rodeo ahead of him with a RodeoHouston qualification on the calendar, but first, the Richards, Texas, man stopped in and rounded up the Hooey Jr. Patriot 19-and-Under Tie-Down Roping Jackpot Championship worth $4,732.
“It’s huge to get tapped off on the week here,” Calhoun said. “This roping paid really good, especially for a Tuesday evening.”
Riding 5-year-old gelding “Leroy,” Calhoun roped and tied in 9.79, 9.11 and 9.13 seconds.
“My first calf was good,” the 19-year-old said. “My horse was a little strong and dragging off, but we got by the first one. I was able to make some adjustments and come back better.”
His second run was his fastest of the day—one where he was wholly focused on taking care of business and advancing to the short go. He entered the short go as the high call, relatively unbothered by potential pressure.
“I just focus on doing my job,” Calhoun said. “That’s it. Control what you can control, ride your horse, rope the neck and get ‘em tied down. That’s all you can do.”
The short go was another businessman’s run, and Leroy, trained by his father “Big Papa” worked “perfect.”
“To see one be made from scratch there and be that good, it’s cool,” Calhoun said. “My dad is a big part of what I do.”
This year is Calhoun’s ninth year to attend the Hooey Jr. Patriot, and he says the fun atmosphere and money up for grabs keeps him coming back.
