CASNR launches new Masked Rider Scholarship Endowment
Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources announced Friday (May 1) the creation of a new Masked Rider Scholarship Endowment. Created by Tech alumni Debbie and Gerald Nobles, Jr., of Midland, funds generated by the endowment will be used to give the iconic Red Raider mascot close to a full ride scholarship during their tenure aboard Midnight Matador, the Masked Rider's black horse.
"Our goal is to see that the Masked Rider's position is fully endowed with scholarship money," said Jane Piercy, Director of Development and External Relations at Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. "We want everyone to contribute to the fund. Right now the Masked Rider receives only $2,600 in scholarships. We want this endowment to reach $175,000, a level for the full $7,000 of tuition, fees and books to be completely covered."
Wells Fargo Bank has sponsored the Masked Rider and funds most of the expenses associated with the 13,000 miles travelled and the 155 appearances, as well as the care and transportation of the horse.
"Establishment of this scholarship endowment should make every Red Raider proud," said Kris Wilson, an assistant professor with Texas Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences and coach of Tech's Horse Judging Team. "After personally knowing each of the past six Masked Riders, I know there's not a student on campus that works harder or pours more of themselves into this university."
Recognized Symbol. Texas Tech's Masked Rider is one of the most recognized symbols in all of college football. Mounted on a black quarter horse and clad in an ensemble that includes a black mask, a bolero hat and a red-and-black cape, the rider is most famous for leading the Red Raiders onto the field.
Gerald Nobles, executive director of the RAM Foundation and The Fasken Foundation in Midland, is a former Masked Rider himself, riding Happy Five during 1973 athletic seasons. The Fasken Foundation, one of the oldest private charitable foundations in the Permian Basin, supports nonprofit organizations involved in health, human services, education, arts, humanities, civic and community initiatives.
Gerald Nobles received a bachelor's degree in animal business and Debbie Nobles earned a bachelor's degree in home economics education, both from Texas Tech. "Attending Texas Tech was an important time in our lives," Nobles said. "We met and married while attending Texas Tech. Yet, it was the masked rider experience that opened so many doors for our future. We have met and are still meeting people through the Masked Rider program that are so warm, friendly, and with whom it is a pleasure to be associated."
Unforgettable Experience. Nobles stressed that he wants the Masked Rider program to continue for the crowds at the games, as well as for the students and alumni. "I also want it to continue for the unforgettable experience received by the Masked Riders, past and future," he said
The Masked Rider, which makes hundreds of appearances in Lubbock and across Texas to promote Texas Tech spirit and goodwill at athletic events, parades, rodeos and elsewhere, has been appearing at Texas Tech athletic events for more than six decades. Originally known as "Ghost Riders," the first Masked Riders sporadically stormed Texas Tech home football games when daring students threw on capes and masks and raced across the field.
The mascot itself began as a prank "" the brainchild of two Saddle Tramps, Arch Lamb and George Tate, who in 1936 borrowed a horse from the then-college's dairy barn and raided a game. Lamb came up with the idea while Tate executed the plan. The rider was not seen again until 1954 when Joe Kirk Fulton traveled to Florida to make an appearance at the Auburn vs. Tech in the Gator Bowl game.
Earlier this month Brianne Aucutt-Hight accepted the reins to Midnight Matador, becoming the Texas Tech University's 2009-2010 Masked Rider. In donning the rider's mask, Aucutt-Hight, a senior animal science major with a specialization in production from Clovis, N.M., realized a goal she set as a child after her parents attended a Red Raider football game and brought her an autographed card from the Masked Rider.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Jane Piercy, Director of Development and External Relations, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2802 or jane.piercy@ttu.edu
Note: For more information on contributing, please visit the Masked Rider Scholarship Endowment Website.
Davis College NewsCenter
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