Texas Tech University
Center for Campus Life

Want to be the Masked Rider?

The Masked Rider has been the official mascot of Texas Tech University since January 1, 1954. However, the tradition of the Masked Rider is over 60 years old. The program began in the 1930's with volunteer students who would get dressed in a cape and mask and appear unexpectedly at Texas Tech home games. Originally known as "Ghost Riders", the Masked Rider program has since become a prestigious institution and a powerful icon of Texas Tech. Although the position of the Masked Rider is very demanding with public appearances, and caring for the university mascot, Black Phantom Raider, the rewards are immeasurable.

 

Masked Rider Tryouts are held during the spring semester of each year and last until a Masked Rider is named in April. The following is a list of qualifications that each candidate must meet before they are eligible to tryout for Masked Rider.

 

Tryout Qualifications for Masked Rider Candidates:

  1. Must be enrolled as a Tech student during the fall 2005 and spring 2006 semesters and have a cumulative total of at least 45 credit hours. (A minimum of 24 hours must have been completed in residence at Texas Tech. CLEP and AP hours may go towards the overall total, but will not be counted for residency hours.)
  2. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours; graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 semester hours.
  3. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (GPAs are not rounded up and adjusted cumulative GPA is not used).
  4. Must have considerable equestrian experience.
  5. Graduation will not occur before May, 2007.
  6. Must plan on being in Lubbock during the summer following selection.
  7. Must be willing to accept all responsibilities of the position, which include year-round public relations activities.
  8. Must be insurable to drive the Masked Rider truck.
  9. Must pass a criminal background check.

(Masked Rider Assistants must also meet above qualifications)

 

2006-2007 Masked Rider Tryout Dates

 

Applications Available

January 11

Information Session

(4:00, Lonestar Room, Student Union Building)

February 22

Preliminary Application Due and

Written Exam

(5:00, Lonestar Room, Student Union Building)

February 28

Results from Written Exam posted

March 6

Final Application & References Due

March 24

Riding Practice

March 27-31

Equestrian and Driving Tryouts

April 3-5

Final Interviews

April 6

Transfer of Reins

(3:00, Frazier Alumni Pavilion)

April 21

 

 

 

For more specific information concerning the Masked Rider program and the tryout procedures for the position, contact Bruce Bills at the Center for Campus Life office at 742-5433. For information concerning other positions within the Masked Rider program that could lead to further involvement, contact Center for Campus Life office, 201 Student Union.