New Masked Rider to Take Reins; Raider Red to Pass Guns to New Mascot

April 19, 2021

The Texas Tech mascots for the 2021-2022 school year will begin their duties after the ceremonies.

WHAT: Texas Tech University's Transfer of Reins and Passing of the Guns ceremonies.

WHEN: Friday (April 23)

3:30 p.m.: Transfer of Reins
5 p.m.: Passing of the Guns

WHERE: McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, Texas Tech campus, 17th Street and University Avenue

EVENT: The Masked Rider Program's 60th rider will take the reins of Fearless Champion from 2020-2021 Texas Tech Masked Rider Cameron Hekkert. Following the Transfer of Reins ceremony, two graduating Raider Reds will be unmasked and pass their guns to two new students who will serve as the mascot for the upcoming academic year.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 100 people and masks are required.

CONTACT: Stephanie Rhode

Director, Spirit Program stephanie.rhode@ttu.edu

(806) 742-5433

tags: News Releases, Spirit, events

Texas Tech University

A new era of excellence is dawning at Texas Tech University as it stands on the cusp of being one of the nation's premier research institutions.

Research and enrollment numbers are at record levels, which cement Texas Tech's commitment to attracting and retaining quality students. In fall 2020, the university achieved a goal more than a decade in the making, reaching a total student population of more than 40,000. In 2018, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education again placed Texas Tech among its top doctoral universities in the nation in the “Very High Research Activity” category. Texas Tech is one of 94 public institutions nationally and 131 overall to achieve this prestigious recognition.

Quality students need top-notch faculty. Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly revered pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and service. The university strives to foster an environment that celebrates student accomplishment above all else. Texas Tech is large enough to provide the best in facilities and academics but prides itself on being able to focus on each student individually.

The momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater.

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Raider Red

Raider Red is Texas Tech's costumed, public relations mascot. Before the 1971 football season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule which restricted the bringing of live animal mascots to out of town games. Thus, the Masked Rider, Tech's official mascot, would not be able to travel representing the university. Jim Gaspard, a member of the male spirit organization, Saddle Tramps, created the Raider Red character from drawings from Dirk West to represent Tech at away football games.

Raider Red shakes hands with the crowds at athletic events and poses for pictures. He attends football games, men's and women's basketball games, women's volleyball, as well as men's baseball. You can also find Raider Red making appearances at women's tennis matches, softball games, and around the Lubbock community.

Prior to 2005, only members of the Saddle Tramps were able to serve as Raider Red. In 2005, the Center for Campus Life formed a partnership with the Saddle Tramps and extended the offer to the High Riders, a female spirit organization. Center for Campus Life and these two spirit organizations combine efforts in maintaining Raider Red. The students' identity who serves as Raider Red is kept secret from the Tech community and public. Students serving as Raider Red must be a part of one of these organizations to be eligible to tryout. Tryouts are held each spring.

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Masked Rider

Since 1954, the Masked Rider has served as one of the most popular traditions at Texas Tech University.

Help Continue
the Tradition

Donate to the Texas Tech Masked Rider Endowment Fund. This endowment fund is set up to help offset the many expenses incurred by the rider each year. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Donate Online

Or send check to:

Masked Rider Endowment
Attn: Center for Campus Life
Box 45014
Lubbock, TX 79409

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