The Texas Tech football mascot is the Masked Rider. The Masked Rider is a student who rides a black horse named Fearless Champion onto the football field before each home game. This tradition started in 1954 and has become one of the most iconic symbols of Texas Tech athletics. The Masked Rider is known for wearing a black mask and cape, with the school's logo emblazoned on the front. The rider carries a double-barreled shotgun, which is fired into the air when the team scores a touchdown. The Masked Rider and Fearless Champion perform a series of choreographed moves and tricks as they ride onto the field, thrilling the crowd and creating an electric atmosphere.
Prior to the 1971 season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule that prevented members of the conference from taking live animals to non-home games unless the host team had no objections. So Jim Gaspard, a member of the Saddle Tramps created Raider Red from a drawing by the late Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West as an alternative to the Masked Rider. Raider Red's student persona is kept a secret from the Tech community. Red is a public relations mascot who shakes hands with the crowds at athletic events and poses for pictures. He changes from boots to high-top court shoes for basketball games. Raider Red fires his two 12-gauge shotguns using powder-filled shells after every Tech touchdown and field goal.
So Jim Gaspard, a member of the Saddle Tramps created Raider Red from a drawing by the late Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West as an alternative to the Masked Rider. So Jim Gaspard, a member of the Saddle Tramps created Raider Red from a drawing by the late Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West as an alternative to the Masked Rider.
The Masked Rider and Fearless Champion perform a series of choreographed moves and tricks as they ride onto the field, thrilling the crowd and creating an electric atmosphere. Fearless Champion, the horse, is also an important part of the Texas Tech football mascot. Fearless Champion is a black horse with a white blaze on his forehead.
Texas Tech Honors 50th Anniversary of Raider Red Mascot [PHOTOS]
During the second quarter of Saturday's Texas Tech vs SFA football game, Texas Tech honored the 50th anniversary of the creation of Raider Red.
Texas Tech is like many college teams that have both a live animal mascot, and a costumed mascot. Raider Red was created once rules were changed to ban visiting football teams from bringing live animal mascots to road games in the Southwest Conference.
Saturday's on-field ceremony honored previous Raider Red mascots and the family of Dirk West, who created Raider Red. West was a modern-day renaissance man, a renown artist who published a weekly editorial cartoon depicting the status of Texas Tech Football, and the fellow teams in the Southwest Conference, through their mascots. West also served as Lubbock's mayor for one term from 1978-1980.
Prior to the 1971 season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule that prevented members of the conference from taking live animals to non-home games unless the host team had no objections. So Jim Gaspard, a member of the Saddle Tramps created Raider Red from a drawing by the late Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West as an alternative to the Masked Rider. Raider Red's student persona is kept a secret from the Tech community. Red is a public relations mascot who shakes hands with the crowds at athletic events and poses for pictures. He changes from boots to high-top court shoes for basketball games. Raider Red fires his two 12-gauge shotguns using powder-filled shells after every Tech touchdown and field goal.
Photos of Raider Red over the years:
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He is well-trained and calm, even in loud and chaotic environments. Fearless Champion adds an element of excitement and grandeur to the Masked Rider's entrance, captivating the crowd and generating enthusiasm. The Masked Rider tradition is deeply rooted in Texas Tech's history and has been passed down through generations of students. The Masked Rider represents the spirit, determination, and pride of Texas Tech and its athletic programs. The rider and horse combination symbolize the strength and unity of the team and its supporters. In addition to performing at home football games, the Masked Rider also makes appearances at other Texas Tech sporting events, parades, and community events. The mascot is cherished and celebrated by fans, alumni, and students alike, and is an integral part of Texas Tech's rich culture and traditions. The Texas Tech football mascot, the Masked Rider, is an iconic symbol of the university's athletic prowess and spirit. With its thrilling entrance and captivating performances, the Masked Rider embodies the passion and pride that comes with being a Texas Tech Red Raider..
Reviews for "The Making of a Mascot: Behind the Scenes with Texas Tech Football's Raider Red"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Texas Tech football mascot. The mascot's appearance was lackluster and uninspiring. It didn't embody the spirit and energy of the team. Additionally, the mascot's costume looked cheap and poorly made. Overall, I found the mascot to be unimpressive and it negatively impacted my experience at the game.
2. Sarah - 1 star - The Texas Tech football mascot was simply cringe-worthy. It seemed like the designers didn't put much effort into creating a unique and memorable character. The mascot lacked personality and failed to engage the crowd. Moreover, the costume looked outdated and unappealing. It was a letdown to see such a lackluster mascot representing the team at the game.
3. Robert - 2 stars - I have seen many football mascots over the years, and I have to say that the Texas Tech football mascot was average at best. There was nothing special or standout about it. The mascot's performance was unenergetic and lacked enthusiasm, failing to create a sense of excitement and team spirit. I expected more from a mascot representing a renowned team like Texas Tech.
4. Emily - 1 star - I found the Texas Tech football mascot to be unimpressive and forgettable. It lacked originality and failed to capture the attention of the crowd. The mascot's appearance seemed outdated, and I believe it could use a revamp. Overall, I felt let down by the lack of creativity and effort put into creating an engaging and memorable mascot.