AFS’s Brown Takes the Reins as Texas Tech’s Masked Rider
By: Norman Martin
Ellie Brown, a senior animal science major with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine from Canyon, Texas, is the university's 63rd Masked Rider, one of the most recognizable college mascots in the country. She began duties after Friday's (Apr. 19) Transfer of Reins ceremonies at the university's McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.
Brown has been active within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, including serving as a member of the Ambassadors for Agriculture, a group of young men and women who are dedicated to spreading the story of American agriculture and opportunities for youth in the broad fields of agriculture and natural resources.
“She has been a great contributor to the mission of the program, helping to advocate, educate and serve our institutional and local communities,” said Maeley Herring, Davis College's Program Manager for Student Retention. “Ellie will be an incredible Masked Rider and representation of an outstanding Texas Tech and Davis College student.”
According to a Texas Tech news release, Brown has an extensive background with horses; she began riding at age 11, then cutting and training horses in the years to come. She served in the Spirit Program this past year as a handler of Centennial Champion, the official name of the Masked Rider's horse.
Brown's connection with Centennial Champion will certainly make her transition to Masked Rider smoother. In a Texas Tech news release she noted, “He's kind of like a friend that you're working with … he has a big personality.”
In 1954, Texas Tech fans attending the Gator Bowl in Tampa, Florida, witnessed the evolution of a beloved tradition that Red Raider fans would embrace for decades to come. Dressed in black with a long flowing cape and mounted on a solid black horse, Joe Kirk Fulton caught the eyes of the nation when he charged onto the playing field to lead the Red Raider football team.
The Atlanta Constitution's Ed Danforth (1892- 1962), often known as the dean of Southern sportswriters wrote: "No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance." The dramatic entry by the horse and rider electrified the crowd, as well as the team which beat Auburn 35-13.
CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Chair and Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu
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