Local boys lasso their way to nationals!

Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez are ranked top 20 in the entire world for junior high rodeo.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Mando Gonzalez and Silo Calame Jaquez competed in a National event at Lazy E Arena against people from all over the world. The pair competed in the team roping event, also known as “heading and heeling.” Two mounted riders work in tandem to catch a steer. The “header” ropes the steer’s head or horns to lead it towards the “heeler” who then lassos the hind legs to immobilize it. The objective is to secure the steer in the fastest time possible.
“What a week!” said mom Meghan Gonzalez. “When we were told the boys made Nationals, we didn’t realize it was a worldwide competition. Six different countries, and the top four teams from 47 of the U.S. states…Very, VERY proud of the boys for making the short go! We didn’t have the finish we were hoping for but are still incredibly proud of them ranking 18th in the WORLD for JH rodeo.”
The boys won their Region, then won State and now placed in the top 20 of the world!
“Can’t wait to see where the future takes them!” mom adds.
Proud parents are Armando and Meghan Gonzalez (Silo Calame Jaquez is the son of the late Jose Jaquez-Calame.)
Proud grandparents are: Foard and Debbie Houston, David Calame, Marsha and Patrick Bourcier, Grandparents: Victor and Rosie Gonzalez from Laredo, and great grandmother Patricia Ann West of Devine.