ProRodeo Sports News - Sept. 3, 2021

RAM CIRCUIT SPOTLIGHT TURQUOISE

To make that happen, he’ll need Calmelat as his header. As veterans in the field, Calmelat and Brown don’t let nerves impact their performance. In fact, Brown said the more circuit finals he competes in, the calmer he gets. “I think there’s definitely less pressure than the first years that I was going (to the circuit finals),” Brown said. “I just read the steer for what he is and try to react.” After roping together for about four years, the pair are hoping to make a strong run at the RAMNCFR. To do so, they’ll have to win the average at the RAMTCFR in Camp Verde, Ariz., Nov. 5-6, or win the circuit year-end title. In the meantime, the cowboys are also focused on spending time at home. “I spend a lot of time with my kids and at home. The guys that (rodeo) a lot, they sacrifice sometimes their home life for their road life. And I never have done that,” Calmelat said. A family man, Calmelat finds his happy medium by circuit rodeoing. “It’s nice to be at home sometimes, and I don’t like to travel very much,” Calmelat said. “But I like roping and rodeo so there’s a good balance there for me because I get to stay home and go rodeo sometimes.” Calmelat, 44, is a father of two. His son, team roping and circuit rodeos. When he was little, we would go circuit rodeo, and he grew up watching the NFR. He and my daughter rope. And that’s kind of all we’ve ever done.” As a rodeo dad and competitor, Calmelat enjoys bringing his son with him on the road. And Little Michael is rising to the challenge. Brown said the 12-year-old has been showing everyone, including his dad, who’s boss in the arena. “He’s been kicking all our butts at the rodeos, for quite a while now,” Brown said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody that young that can rope that well. “It’s not just his talent to rope, it’s his mindset. He doesn’t know what pressure is, he never gets frazzled or anything like that. It’s pretty special to see, really. He’s going to be pretty great, that’s for sure.” Brown may not have a Mini-Me roping, but he has other big plans keeping him close to home. He and his wife are building a home. Being able to see his wife and the progress on his future home is important to Brown. “We’re in the middle of building a house right now, so it’s been nice to be home and be part of that and help get that taken care of,” Brown said. Even as a horse trainer, Brown still said it can be hard only competing on the weekends. “It’s nice because you get to stay around your family a lot more, you’re not gone as much,” Brown said. “But on the other hand, it’s kind of hard to stay sharp and still beat a lot of those guys who are doing it every day for a living.” Brown Michael, and daughter, Angelina, are growing up to be ropers like their dad, and Little Michael, as he’s known, is already making a career of it. “He’s a lot better than I ever was or will ever be,” Calmelat said. “He’s pretty impressive, actually. He’s done well. “All he’s ever really gotten exposed to was

Weekend Warriors Team ropers Calmelat, Brown look for bid to RAM NCFR William Kierce photo Heeler TJ Brown, left, and header Michael Calmelat compete during the Rodeo de Santa Fe (N.M.) in June 2019. Calmelat and Brown are in the Turquoise Circuit and are aiming to qualify for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

each week. PRCA circuit rodeos were made for cowboys like Calmelat and Brown. The two have qualified for the RAMTurquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo numerous times. In the Turquoise Circuit standings, they are third and second in their events, respectively, and are going to be headed back to the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo. Brown, 39, has found success not just in the circuit, but nationally, competing at two RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeos. He’s hoping this year is number three.

ABOUT MIKE AGE: 44 HOMETOWN: Tucson, Ariz. FAVORITE RODEO: La Fiesta de los Vaqueros

“In the meantime, the cowboys are also focused on spending time at home. I spend a lot of time with my kids and at home. The guys that (rodeo) a lot, they sacrifice sometimes their home life for their road life. And I never have done that. . . . It’s nice to be at home sometimes, and I don’t like to travel very much. But I like roping and rodeo so there’s a good balance there for me because I get to stay home and go rodeo sometimes.” – MICHAEL CALMELAT

BY ALLY GALLAGHER, Special to ProRodeo Sports News I f you call team roper Michael Calmelat during the workday, he won’t be on the road like most cowboys. Instead, you might hear co-workers talking about their next delivery or the sound of a truck beeping as it backs up. That’s because Calmelat isn’t just a cowboy, he’s also a tree service company owner and a family man.

Though he has other plans during the week, Calmelat loves team roping. “My dad roped. He never rodeoed or anything, but he roped a lot when I was really small,” Calmelat said. “And so, I’ve always loved roping, that’s my passion. That’s what I really like to do, is team roping.” Calmelat and his heeler TJ Brown are weekend warriors on the rodeo trail. They juggle full-time jobs, families and rodeos

ProRodeo Sports News 9/3/2021

ProRodeo Sports News 9/3/2021

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