When the world thinks of Texas Tech, it remembers much history. The Red Raiders have been making noise in college football for decades, and the numbers say it all. Their all-time record is 597–481–32 (.552).
They’ve earned 11 conference titles, picked up one division title in 2008, and been to 41 bowl games. Beyond the numbers and the crowd at Lubbock, there’s another star of the show. The Texas Tech mascot!
What Is the Texas Tech Red Raiders’ Mascot?
There is no missing the lovable, larger-than-life costumed mascot who’s become a Tech icon. That is the Raider Red, the Texas Tech mascot. But here’s the thing: Raider Red wasn’t always part of the game plan.
Back in the day, Jim Gaspard, a proud member of the Saddle Tramps spirit group, brought Raider Red to life. He was inspired by the witty drawings of cartoonist Dirk West and crafted the character so Tech would still have representation at away games. That happened purely because, sometimes, a team cannot bring a live horse to games.
Raider Red’s gig isn’t just about dancing on the sidelines. This mascot means business. He’s the face you’ll see shaking hands at football games, posing for photos at women’s volleyball, and even cheering on tennis and softball matches. Before 2005, the Red suit could only be worn by Saddle Tramps.
But there was soon a change. The High Riders, a spirited female org, was invited to join that year. Together with the Center for Campus Life, these groups now team up to manage all things Raider Red. Also, the students behind those masks are a complete mystery. Their identities are top secret, making Raider Red a true campus legend in disguise.
In 2012, the Texas Tech Credit Union funded everything from the mascot’s wardrobe to scholarships for the students rocking the suit. It’s a full-on operation, and Raider Red keeps the spirit alive.
Why Was Texas Tech’s Mascot a Raider Red?
Now, here’s the thing. Raider Red might be everything today. But the original Texas Tech mascot is a Masked Rider. Before 1971, Tech’s mascot was a black-capped horseman leading the team onto the field. But when the Southwest Conference banned live animal mascots from traveling to away games, Tech needed a backup plan.
That’s when the Red Raider of today was born. Still, the Masked Rider never left the scene. This legend started as a prank in 1936. Some cowboy-daring students were pulling a “ghost rider” stunt around the field. No one knew who was under that hat, and that only added to the magic. But in 1954, it got real. Joe Kirk Fulton saddled up in full costume at the Gator Bowl, galloping onto the field.
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And the hype it brought made the Masked Rider the face of Texas Tech. To this day, the Masked Rider leads the Red Raiders onto the field at home games, guns up and cape flying.
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