The Texas Tech basketball mascot is a beloved figure among fans and supporters of the university's athletic teams. The mascot, known as the Masked Rider, has become an iconic symbol of school pride and spirit. The Masked Rider is a student who rides a horse around the basketball court during games, wearing a black cape and a red and black mask. The rider is selected through a rigorous process and serves as a representative of Texas Tech's values and traditions. The tradition of the Masked Rider dates back to the 1950s when a student named Joe Kirk Fulton became the first rider. Since then, the mascot has evolved and grown in popularity.
Raider Red Tryouts
The Spirit Program is seeking qualified members within Saddle Tramps and High Riders who have an interest in serving as Raider Red. Members must be in good standing within organization and complete the tryout application and process.
Raider Red serves as Texas Tech's costumed public relations mascot. He shakes hands with fans, poses for pictures, and promotes positive sportsmanship at athletic events and public appearances.
Raider Red attends football, women's soccer, women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball, and selected other Texas Tech athletic sporting events, with the possibility to travel to post- season games/tournaments.
Serving as Raider Red will be considered a privilege; this is a one-time, yearlong commitment. Time management, responsibility, discipline, and team work are basic essentials for being mascot. Academics are upmost importance and will be priority next to being able to fully serve out Raider Red's duties. Events in your personal life do not take precedence over Texas Tech Spirit Program activities.
Raider Red team members will be required to be in Lubbock during the summer months, winter holiday break, and spring break to be available to attend mandatory events/games. Flexible schedules and having access to Lubbock residence during these time periods is strongly recommended.
Preliminary Tryouts/Individual Interviews
Wednesday, April 12
Times assigned (estimated 3:00-6:00 PM; 15-minute sections)
You will need to select top TWO best available times on application.
Final Tryouts/Character Walk (finalists only)
Thursday, April 13
Times assigned; be available between 3:00-5:00 PM
Raider Red Benefits
- Serve as Texas Tech's Costume, Public Relations Mascot
- Texas Tech Federal Credit Union Leadership Scholarship
- On-Campus Meal Plan
- Provided UnderArmour attire
Raider Red Duties Include
- Attend weekly Raider Red meetings to review game coverage and appearance requests. Includes coverage for games/appearances over the summer, winter semester break, and spring break.
- Attending football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, & baseball games, public appearances and events.
- Promote Raider Red program on Red's social media accounts.
Tryout Requirements
- Sophomore or higher academic classification with at least one fully active, in good-standing, year within parent organization.
- Maintain overall and semester GPA of 2.5.
- Must be in Lubbock throughout summer with housing and transportation.
- Limited summer school to no more than 3 hours per session.
- Employment duties must not interfere with Raider Red activities.
- May not partake in major leadership roles within parent organization for year of service as Raider Red.
Passing of the Guns Ceremony
- Friday, April 21, 4:00 PM
McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Final selection of possible new members will be announced after tryout process concludes.
Texas Tech Spirit Program
50 Years of Raider Red: Stan Alcott
Since then, the mascot has evolved and grown in popularity. Today, the Masked Rider is an integral part of Texas Tech's basketball games, providing entertainment and excitement for the crowd. In addition to being a symbol of school pride, the Masked Rider also serves as a living embodiment of Texas Tech's fearless spirit.
Texas Tech’s beloved mascot turns 50 this year. To mark this milestone, alumnus Stan Alcott reflects on his time as the first-ever Raider Red.
In 1971, Texas Tech University student and Saddle Tramp Jim Gaspard created one of the most recognizable college mascots: Raider Red. Inspired from an “Old Red” drawing by late Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West, Raider Red represented Texas Tech as an alternative to the Masked Rider when the Southwest Conference ruled live animals were not allowed to travel to visiting fields unless invited by the home team.
Stan Alcott with Raider Red and Jim Gaspard
To mark Raider Red's 50th anniversary, a few former Raider Reds spoke about their experience as the notable mascot and what they're up to now. This is the final installment of the five-part series.
Lake Jackson-born Stan Alcott graduated from Texas Tech in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in business management. However, Alcott, who is now happily retired and living in Houston, was a local celebrity when he became the first person to be named Raider Red for a season from 1971-73.
“Raider Red's identity wasn't a secret back then,” Alcott said. “I have a ton of photos from the newspaper with me posing with Raider Red's head on my hip.”
This is Alcott's fondest memories of being the first person to represent Texas Tech as Raider Red.
Why did you apply to be Raider Red?
I was a football walk-on for two years and decided it was time to move on (I was trying to be another “Rudy”). I had helped many friends try out for cheerleader and make it, so I felt that I could transfer those skills as well.
What was it like serving as the very first Raider Red?
Unique, as the first. I was able to give Raider Red life, personality, character and a reputation not only to the university but also the entire Lubbock community. I represented Texas Tech at so many functions during those two years, and every event I went to was self-funded with only the help from a few friends, unlike it is now with scholarships, NCAA mascot competition, entourage, etc. (Wow, I'm jealous). My dad and I spent a lot of time making repairs and improvements those first two years.
What is your favorite memory as Raider Red?
Everything I did those first two years was special. Being Raider Red helped me meet a freshman cheerleader who I went with my entire junior year until she went back to Indiana University. I also had two friends I grew up with as teammates who were playing at the University of Texas and the University of Arkansas who I could visit with on the sideline before the games.
What did being Raider Red mean to you?
Being a special part of Texas Tech history that has evolved over 50 years. I never imagined the exposure Raider Red gets now. At the time, I think everyone thought the ‘no live animal mascot' rule would be reversed, and Raider Red would be a fading memory.
It's great to see the support he has gotten over the years. I can't imagine wearing that lightweight outfit as compared to the 35-pound papier-mâché, chicken wire and plaster-of-Paris head with heavy foam padding for the stomach (which was a great way to lose weight).
Has being Raider Red influenced your career or post-Texas Tech life in any way?
Being Raider Red was always a fun topic at interviews (especially if it was a Texas Tech grad interviewer) that I was asked about in the early days after graduating.
My friends still kid me about it during football season or when they introduce me to someone new – especially Aggie and LSU grads.
What is the craziest thing that happened to you as Raider Red?
When I first started as Raider Red, I had to get my own props. One of the things I bought was a stick horse to pretend to ride alongside the Masked Rider. Before a game when the cheerleaders and I would lead the players onto the field, I tripped trying to run with the stick horse between my legs and rolled like Humpty Dumpty and couldn't get up because the outfit was too heavy. The cheerleaders had to help me up. It was very embarrassing because, back then, my identity wasn't kept secret like it is now and everyone knew who I was. I never heard the end of it.
What advice do you have for any future Raider Reds?
Have a blast but never embarrass Texas Tech, the Saddle Tramps, Raider Red's legacy or yourself and your family. Always be friendly to the fans – especially the kids – and pose for pictures and sign autographs for them. You are a Lubbock hero to them. Keep working on your arm movements and dance moves and be an active part of the cheerleader squad. I led cheers with their microphone in front of the student section back then, even though Raider Red no longer speaks.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or mention?
It's hard to believe Raider Red is still going strong after 50 years. Let's win some more NCAA mascot competitions!
View Stan Alcott's Scrapbook
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The rider's bravery and determination are representative of the university's commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. The Masked Rider is not only a visible and recognizable figure at basketball games, but also throughout the community. The rider makes appearances at various events and parades, further spreading Texas Tech's reach and influence. Overall, the Texas Tech basketball mascot, the Masked Rider, plays a significant role in fostering school spirit and building a sense of community among fans and supporters. Through their energetic presence and dedication, the rider embodies the passion and spirit of Texas Tech University..
Reviews for "Exploring the Traditions Connected to the Texas Tech Basketball Mascot"
1. Maria - 2/5 - I have to say, I was quite disappointed with the Texas Tech basketball mascot. It lacked the energy and excitement that I associate with college basketball mascots. The costume was dull and unappealing, and the mascot itself seemed disinterested. It didn't engage with the crowd or create any memorable moments during the game. Overall, I expected much more from a university known for its basketball program.
2. John - 1/5 - The Texas Tech basketball mascot was a complete letdown. It felt like a last-minute decision without any thought put into it. The design was unimaginative, and the mascot's actions were lackluster. It failed to build any school spirit or motivate the crowd. The whole experience was just underwhelming and did nothing to enhance the basketball game atmosphere. I hope they consider investing in a better mascot in the future.
3. Emily - 3/5 - While I didn't hate the Texas Tech basketball mascot, I can't say I loved it either. It was just average. The costume was decent, but it lacked the charm and uniqueness I've seen in other mascots. The mascot's performance was mediocre at best, failing to engage with the audience and add excitement to the game. Overall, it didn't leave a lasting impression, and I believe there is definitely room for improvement in terms of design and performance.
4. David - 2/5 - As a fan of Texas Tech basketball, I was expecting more from their mascot. It lacked the charisma and energy that a mascot should bring to the game. The costume design felt outdated, and the mascot's interactions with the crowd were minimal. It failed to create a fun and energetic atmosphere, leaving me disappointed. I hope they reevaluate their mascot and make the necessary changes to make it more appealing and engaging for the fans.