From a spirited fighter aircraft roaring through Welsh valleys to a beloved quarter horse returning to Raiderland, these were Texas Tech Today's top ten stories last year.

U.S. Air Force Pilot Shows College Pride in Flight Through Mach Loop
(VIDEO) The Mach Loop, a series of valleys in Wales frequently used for pilot training, is one of the few places in the world where photographers can capture aircraft flying beneath them. Photos recently shared on Texas Tech University's Facebook page feature an F-15E Strike Eagle flown by Capt. Scott Hicks, of the United States Air Force. Proudly showcased in the cockpit was a Texas Tech flag.

Homecoming King, Queen Crowned During Texas Tech vs. Iowa State Game
Reginald Lane of Bridgeport and Hunter Heck of Panhandle were crowned Texas Tech University's 2019 homecoming king and queen during the halftime show of the Texas Tech vs. Iowa State game at Jones AT&T Stadium.

History Made as Texas Tech University Breaks Ground on School of Veterinary Medicine
(VIDEO) Administrators and officials from Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center gathered in an empty field just north of the Amarillo campus to break ground on the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, the latest milestone that will bring about the state of Texas' first new school of veterinary medicine in more than 100 years.

Brain Research: In the Same Way Addiction Sufferers Crave Substances, Their Family Members Crave Them
(VIDEO) It's no secret that substance use disorders (SUDs) can negatively impact the individual struggling, even putting their life in jeopardy. Likewise, groundbreaking new research now indicates that the same thing is happening in the brains of the people caring for those with addiction.

2019-20 Texas Tech Masked Rider Unveiled at Transfer of Reins
(VIDEO) Texas Tech University named Emily Brodbeck of Lubbock as its 58th Masked Rider. Brodbeck, a graduate student majoring in Wildlife, Aquatic and Wildlands Science and Management in the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, will serve in the position for the 2019-20 academic year.

Amarillo Businessman, Former Mayor Gifts $10 Million to Texas Tech's School of Veterinary Medicine
Jerry Hodge is synonymous with Amarillo. For decades, the former mayor has played a crucial role in the growth and development of business in the community that anchors the Texas Panhandle. Now, Hodge is stepping up once again to support another significant vision for the region: the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Kimberly Gramm Named Associate Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
In this role, she is responsible for developing and coordinating an effective, dynamic and nimble team focused on innovation, engagement, knowledge transfer, commercialization, entrepreneurship and economic development, building on West Texas' tradition of innovation.

Texas Tech Spirit Squads Win Big in Pom and Cheer National Championships
The Texas Tech Pom and Co-Ed Cheer squads earned first-place wins at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Texas Tech Acquires ExxonMobil Core Facility in Downtown Midland
(VIDEO) The new Permian Basin Research Center will provide a collaborative location between Texas Tech, the Permian Basin oil and gas industry and partners throughout the region.

Texas Tech Spirit Program: Cody the Quarter Horse Rides Again
The gelding from Archer City teamed up once again with the Masked Rider and giving Fearless Champion some well-deserved rest on the sidelines.