Ag Communications major Chadwell named new Masked Rider
A sophomore agricultural communications major from the Dallas area has been selected as Texas Tech University's 2010-2011 Masked Rider, one of the most iconic symbols in all of college football. Christi Chadwell accepted the reins to Midnight Matador Friday (Apr. 16) at a special ceremony in the Frazier Alumni Pavilion.
"I did everything I could to put myself in a position to become the Masked Rider," Chadwell said, "I'm overjoyed that the day has finally arrived when I get to carry on one of Texas Tech's most treasured traditions." She is the 49th student to serve as the Masked Rider.
The Garland native grew up in what she refers to as a red-and-black household. Her parents, Kirby and Terri Chadwell, are Texas Tech graduates, and when she began learning how to ride horses at the age of 10, her father told her that she could someday fill the boots of the mascot.
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 Masked Rider makes hundreds of appearances and put thousands of miles on the Masked Rider's pickup as she crisscrosses the Southwest to promote Texas Tech spirit and goodwill at athletic events, parades, rodeos and other functions.
The Masked Rider tradition dates to the 1936 season when George Tate, wearing a cape made by Tech's home economics department, led the team onto the field aboard a horse borrowed from the Tech barn.
Texas Tech animal science major Brianne Aucutt-Hight, the 2009-2010 Masked Rider, noted that the Masked Rider represents a great Texas Tech tradition and that she was honored to have been selected to serve in such a prestigious position.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Gay Trammel-Witt, Masked Rider publicist, Center for Campus Life, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-5433, gaytrammel.witt@ttu.edu.
0420NM10 / Photo Illustration: N. Martin
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