Raider Red Takes the Crown for First Time in National Championship

April 10, 2021

Texas Tech University’s beloved mascot took first place at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships.

Texas Tech University's Raider Red competed today (April 10) at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) & National Dance Alliance (NDA) Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

In typical Texas Tech fashion, Raider Red finished in first place in the Mascot division for the first time ever with a score of 94.27, beating out Sam Houston State University's second-place finisher Sammy the Bearkat by 1.83 points.

Headley and Stephenson — Emma Headley and Matt Stephenson placed third in partner stunt.

“I'm so excited for Raider Red!” said Bruce Bills, head cheer and mascot coach. “With games and events being altered all year due to COVID-19, this championship is the perfect way to end the year.”

Raider Red competed with a 90-second “Toy Story”-themed skit with multiple, well-designed props. Mascots were judged on characterization, skit creativity, crowd leading, dance, prop effectiveness and overall performance.

“With this being Texas Tech's first NCA Mascot National Championship, it was a really fun process to be a part of,” Bills said. “I'm very proud and excited to start working on next year's skit.”

Stephanie Rhode, director of the university's Spirit Program, said the anniversary of Raider Red coincided perfectly with this win.

“This is a historic victory for the Texas Tech Spirit Program and for Texas Tech itself,” she said. “With this being the 50th year since Raider Red made his first appearance on campus, it's even sweeter.

Raider Red wasn't the only winner today. The university's STUNT partner team, Emma Headley and Matt Stephenson, placed third in the partner stunt division with a score of 93.38. Two separate teams from Weber State University took first and second place, with scores of 94.83 and 94, respectively.

tags: Achievements, Campus Life, Feature Stories, Spirit, Stories

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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Spirit Squads

The Texas Tech Spirit Program is part of the Center for Campus Life office, a division of Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs.

The Spirit Squads lead the fans in supporting the teams at football, basketball, and volleyball games. They serve as ambassadors not only at athletic events, but also at many different school functions. In addition, the Spirit Squads gladly participate in their community by volunteering at local schools, charity events, and youth organizations.

Being a proud part of the Texas Tech Spirit Program is more than just a year-round commitment. It means dedication from each member to maintain the school spirit of the students, the alumni, and the fans.

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Center for Campus Life

The Center for Campus Life offers programs and services that enrich the Red Raider experience by focusing on student transitions, the university and campus traditions, establishing positive relationships with students and families, and maintaining collaborative partnerships.

Services related to the following areas are offered:

Greek Life
Community Engagement
Leadership Development
Spirit & Traditions
Student Emergency & Crisis
Study Abroad
Student Services
General Student Services

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