TEXAS TECH: THE MASKED RIDER & RAIDER RED
When the Red Raider mascot became official in 1936, a mysterious and colorful symbol of the
university’s pride and spirit rode into the hearts of Tech faithful. The mascot known as the Masked
Rider, rides a quarter horse while he leads the team on to the field. His outfit creates mystique with
the combination of black riding clothes, mask, bolero hat and a red cape.
Tech students called Ghost Riders started the Masked Rider tradition in 1936. They were given the
ghoulish reference because no one knew the rider’s identity combined with how the mascot entered
the stadium in mysterious fashion. Out of no where the Masked Rider would appear at home football
games, circle the field at full speed and then disappear for the rest of the game.
The Masked Rider created quite a stir when Tech played in the Gator Bowl following the 1953
season. The charge on to the field by Tech players who were led by man and horse prompted Atlanta
Constitution sports writer Ed Danforth to describe what he believed was a grand moment that was
“typically Texas.” He wrote: “The dramatic entry by the horse and rider electrified the crowd as well
as the team, which beat Auburn 35-13. No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational
entrance.”
This mascot was designed to compliment the efforts of the Masked Rider after a rule was passed by
the Southwest Conference prior to the 1971 season that affected the Tech mascot. The ruling
prevented conference members from taking live animals to road games unless the school received
permission from the home team.