Bubba Buckaloo and Little Michael Calmelat Cash In at Patriot Fort Worth Open Team Roping

Bubba Backaloo and Little Michael Calmelat cash in $27,000 at the first roping of the week at the Patriot Fort Worth team roping event at the Will Rogers Coliseum.
Bubba Buckaloo and Little Michael Calmelat Cash In at Patriot Fort Worth Open Team Roping
Bubba Buckaloo and Little Michael Calmelat Cash In at Patriot Fort Worth Open Team Roping /

Bubba Buckaloo, an NFR Qualifier from Kingston, Okla., and Little Michael Calmelat, a 15-year-old #9.5 heeler from Tucson, Ariz., emerged as the champions at the 2024 Patriot Fort Worth Open Team Roping event held on March 4 at the Will Rogers Coliseum. 

As the high call back team, they posted a 5.99-second run in the short round, claiming the title with an aggregate time of 31.92 seconds on five head, earning $27,400 and Gist buckles. 

Kaleb Driggers, a two-time World Champion from Hoboken, Ga., and Wesley Thorp, a two-time World Champion from Throckmorton, Texas, secured second place with a total time of 32.28 seconds on five, winning $20,550. 

JR Dees, a two-time NFR qualifier from Aurora, S.D., and Coleby Payne from Stephenville, Texas, clinched third place with a total time of 32.36 seconds on five, pocketing $13,700. 

Luke Brown, a 14-time NFR qualifier from Rock Hill, S.C., and Case Passig from Las Vegas, N.M., closed out the top four by posting a time of 32.40 seconds on five, and secured $6,850. 

The Patriot Fort Worth event will continue through March 10, and you can check out the full schedule, results, or information on live streaming the event by visiting patriotevent.com/patriot-fort-worth.

The Patriot Open Results:

1. Bubba Buckaloo and Little Michael Calmelat, 31.92 seconds on 5 head, $27,400
2. Kaleb Driggers and Wesley Thorp, 32.28, $20,550
3. JR Dees and Coleby Payne, 32.36, $13,700
4. Luke Brown and Case Passig, 32.40, $6,850


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Jenna Link
JENNA LINK

Jenna Link is an accomplished journalist with a passion for rodeo. Born and raised in Arizona, she grew up competing in barrel racing, team roping and breakaway. After studying marketing at Arizona State University, Jenna honed her skills working for top media outlets in the Western industry, which eventually led her to journalism.  Today, she works for Sports Illustrated’s Rodeo Daily, where her career and passion for rodeo combine. Despite her busy schedule, Jenna still finds time to compete in rodeos and jackpots. With her unique perspective as both a journalist and a rodeo athlete, Jenna brings a fresh and insightful voice to her reporting.