Ashley Hartzog, a senior
animal science and Spanish major from Farwell, dons the rider’s mask for
2008-2009. Riding Midnight Matador, Ashley will promote spirit within the
university and goodwill for Texas Tech at athletic events, rodeos, parades,
and many other school and civic functions across Texas.
The Masked Rider is a mysterious and striking symbol of Texas Tech school
spirit and pride. Mounted on a black quarter horse and wearing a black mask,
bolero hat, and a red-and-black cape, the Masked Rider leads the football
team onto the field. Ashley is the 47th student to serve as the Masked Rider
as the program enters its 54th year.
Ashley is the daughter of Roy and Trudy Hartzog
of Farwell. She has ridden, trained and shown horses everywhere from ranches
to rodeos for more than 16 years, and in 2003 served as president of the
Llano Estacado Horse Association. She has competed on Texas Tech’s Ranch
Horse, Horse Judging and Equestrian teams and recently completed an
internship with seedstock giant Leachman Cattle of Colorado.
Yet the experience that has perhaps readied her
most to take up Midnight Matador’s reins is her nearly four years on the
Masked Rider Field Safety Team, which brought her in close contact with
former riders during and between appearances.
“It’s still hard to believe that I
was selected to be the Masked Rider,” said Hartzog, who
has fulfilled an ambition that took seed when
she first saw the iconic mascot at a Red Raider football game when she was
five. “Every time I see a Masked Rider logo or image on campus I get chills
thinking that I get to be a part of that tradition.”
