Texas Tech Masked Rider Program
Ashley Wenzel
2012-2013 Masked Rider
Ashley Wenzel is a sophomore education major from Friendswood, Texas. Mounted on Midnight Matador and wearing a black mask, bolero hat and red and black cape, she follows in the boots of a half-century of former Masked Riders, the mysterious and striking symbol of Texas Tech school spirit and pride.
Ashley, the daughter of Gary and Theresa Wenzel of Friendswood, began taking western horseback riding lessons from a family friend at the age of five. At 12 she ventured into English riding for a change of pace and competed in hunter and jumper shows for four years.
Her freshmen year of high school, Ashley started competing in rodeos in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, competitive trail and some breakaway roping. She also was a three-year member of the Friendswood FFA Horse Judging Team.
In 2008, she traveled to Colorado to compete in the national Little Britches Rodeo Association and won Rookie of the Year. She was All-Around Champion at the Southern Texas Playday Association, first place at Friendswood Equestrian Riding Club and champion at Willowbook Farms & Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Ashley is or has been a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, National Barrel Horse Association, Appaloosa Horse Club, Greater Houston Hunter Jumper Association, Alvin Youth Livestock Arena Association and Galveston Country Fair & Rodeo Association. She also is involved in the Texas State Teachers Association to be current on issues in teaching and education.
Wenzel brought her horse to college with her and continues to ride. She volunteers at the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center every week. After graduation, Wenzel aspires to teach high school math.
Quick Facts
- Official mascot of Texas Tech University
- Attend over 170 public appearances
- Travels about 15,000 miles per year
Meet Ashley
- From Friendswood, TX
- Tech's 51st student to serve
- Sophomore Education Major
History
See how the Masked Rider Program all began - Click Here >>
schedule an appearance
Schedule the Masked Rider to attend your event. Appearance Requests must be made at least 14 days in advanced of event date.
Program sponsor
Follow the Masked Rider Program
Help Continue A Tradition
Donate to the Texas Tech Masked Rider Endowment Fund. This endowment fund is set up to help offset the many expenses incurred by the rider each year. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Send check to:
Masked Rider Endowment
Attn: Stephanie Rhode
Center for Campus Life
Box 45014
Lubbock, TX 79409
Masked Rider Program Benefits
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Out of State Tuition Waiver
- Uniform & Accessories Paid
- Paid Travel Expenses
- Academic Tutoring
- Meal Plan
- Supportive Alumni
