Masked Rider Sculpture
Just
what is the price tag for the 46-year old Masked Rider Tradition? Techsans
across the state and nation agree that it is priceless. However, the newest
addition to the Masked Rider History did not come without a charge.
When the idea of the newest Masked Rider statue came about, the work that
had to be done before it became a reality was second on the list of priorities.
The first priority and most important was to preserve the history of the Masked
Rider, Tech’s best tradition.
As with most dealings with the Masked Rider, people were willing to step
forward with their time, ideas, talent and even more money to build the monument.
The Masked Rider tradition is the best and strongest one on campus, the
new Masked Rider statue was created to preserve a special part of that tradition.
The
idea started years ago as a way to honor the former Masked Riders and their
mounts. The Frazier Alumni Pavilion served as the ideal location. Today, it
is believed that the statue will be the most photographed place on campus.
"I believe that this statue will take the place of Will Rogers and
the Seal as the focal point on campus. The landscaping will be gorgeous and
the monument truly represents Texas Tech and our mascot," Jim Douglas,
Vice President of the Ex-Students Association.
The statue is 1 ¼ size bronze set on top of a sandstone base. Surrounding
the statue are bricks with Former Masked Riders' names engraved along with
the mounts and the year they rode.
Alvin Davis, Chairman of the National Cowboy Symposium and a Masked Rider
Committee member, says "Being a member of the Masked Rider Committee for
14 years, I love the Masked Rider Program. When I realized that the dedication,
the Cowboy Symposium and the North Texas football game would all be the same
weekend, it only seemed natural to tie them together. To say the least, I am
pleased to announce that we could put the events together."
Miniatures of the statue are being sold at the total cost of $7500 each
and can be sold in three installments of $2500.