Just what is the price tag for the 53-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 Texas Tech Alumni 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 former 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.