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.