Raider Red
Raider Red is Texas Tech's costumed mascot. Before the 1971 football season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule which restricted the bringing of live animal mascots to out of town games. Thus, the Masked Rider, Tech's official mascot, would not be able to travel representing the university. Jim Gaspard, a member of the male spirit organization, Saddle Tramps, created the Raider Red character from drawings from Dirk West to represent Tech at away football games.
Raider Red is a public relations mascot who shakes hands with the crowds at athletic events and poses for pictures. He attends football games, men's and women's basketball games, women's volleyball, as well as men's baseball. You can also find Raider Red making appearances at women's tennis matches, softball games, and around the Lubbock community.
Prior to 2005, only members of the Saddle Tramps were able to serve as Raider Red. In 2005, the Center for Campus Life formed a partnership with the Saddle Tramps and extended the offer to the High Riders, a female spirit organization. Center for Campus Life and these two spirit organizations combine efforts in maintaining Raider Red. The students' identity who serves as Raider Red is kept secret from the Tech community and public. Students serving as Raider Red must be a part of one of these organizations to be eligible to tryout. Tryouts are held each spring.
In 2012, the Raider Red program was proudly supported and funded by the Texas Tech Credit Union. The Texas Tech Credit Union provides funding for operational expenses, uniform upkeep and replacement, as well as scholarships for the students who serve as mascot.
Source: Texas Tech Traditions from A to Z
NCA Mascot National Champion: 2021, 2022
Raider Red wins back-to-back mascot national championship.
Read More 2022 >>
Read More 2021 >>
2012 National Mascot of the Year
Raider Red is the Capital One 2012 National Mascot of the Year.
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2023-2024 Tryouts
Tryout Applicaiton & Details >>
Quick Facts
- NCA Mascot National Champion
2021, 2022 - 2012 National Mascot of the Year
- Celebrating 51 Years of Raider Red
- Attends over 350 public appearances
- Must be member of Saddle Tramps or High Riders
- Raider Red Alumni Database
- Sponsored by Texas Tech Credit Union
Schedule an Appearance
Schedule Raider Red to attend your event. Appearance Requests must be made at least 14 days in advanced of event date.
Follow Raider Red
Raider Red Program Sponsor
Texas Tech Credit Union serves as the offical sponsor for the Raider Red Program. In May 2012, Texas Tech Federal Credit Union formed the sponsorship to provide additional funding support to the Raider Red Program.
Raider Red Program Benefits
- Texas Tech Credit Union Leadership Scholarship
- Out of State Tuition Waiver
- Uniform & Accessories Paid
- Paid Travel Expenses
- Academic Tutoring
- Meal Plan
- Supportive Alumni
Texas Tech Spirit Program
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Address
1502 Akron Ave., 025 Student Union -
Phone
806.742.5433 -
Email
spirit@ttu.edu