In Profile: AFS's Bradley Skinner leads as Texas Tech's 50th Masked Rider
Bradley Skinner says one of his favorite roles as the new Masked Rider is traveling and promoting Texas Tech throughout the state. As far as his father Scott is concerned, Texas Tech couldn't have chosen a better representative.
"When he first told me he wanted to transfer, I said it would be all right with me if he could work things out," Scott said. "It turned out to be a great experience. He really loves it down there, and I couldn't be more happy for him."
Bradley, an Arvada, Colo., native, transferred to Texas Tech from Colorado State University last summer. He has since fallen in love with Texas Tech, and is now the 50th Masked Rider to lead the football team onto the field.
The senior animal science major from Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources first visited Texas Tech as a member of the Colorado State ranch horse team, and he remembers being impressed by the friendly people and facilities.
As for the Masked Rider, he first saw the mascot in high school while watching a football game on television. It was not until he transferred to Texas Tech; however, that he found out the Masked Rider is a student.
"I thought that was so cool," Bradley, 22, said. "I think that's what makes us unique and special, because we have to balance school and all the work that comes with being the Masked Rider."
Bradley didn't think twice about trying out. He rode his first horse at age 5, and like his father says, "never looked back." He grew up showing horses and in 2003 was the youngest member (age 14) in Colorado 4-H history to achieve Level 4 Master Horseman, the highest horsemanship level attainable in the horse project.
"When he tried out for the Masked Rider, I was so excited because I just knew he would get it," Scott said. "My son has always been an inspiration to me, because whatever he wants to do in life, he just goes out and does it. I'm so proud of him."
Written by Patrick Gonzales
CONTACT: Amy Murphy, Interim Dean of Students/Director of Center for Campus Life, Texas Tech Center for Campus Life at (806) 742-5433
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