Raider Red

Raider Red is Texas Tech University's costumed mascot and one of the university's most recognizable ambassadors. From Red Raider athletic events to campus celebrations and community appearances, Raider Red represents Texas Tech spirit, tradition and sportsmanship throughout the year.

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About Raider Red

Raider Red was created before the 1971 football season after the Southwest Conference adopted a rule restricting live animal mascots at away games. Because the Masked Rider could no longer represent Texas Tech at those games, Saddle Tramps member Jim Gaspard developed Raider Red from illustrations by Lubbock cartoonist Dirk West.

Raider Red became Texas Tech's costumed public relations mascot and developed into a university tradition of his own. Today, Raider Red interacts with fans, poses for photos and promotes positive sportsmanship at athletic events, university functions and community appearances.

Raider Red regularly represents Texas Tech at football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer and other selected athletic events.

Explore Spirit Program Traditions & History

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Raider Red Program

The Texas Tech Spirit Program oversees the Raider Red Program in partnership with Saddle Tramps and High Riders. Students serving as Raider Red must be members of one of these two spirit organizations.

Raider Red was originally performed exclusively by members of Saddle Tramps. In 2005, the program expanded eligibility to members of High Riders.

The identities of the students serving as Raider Red are traditionally kept secret from the Texas Tech community and public while they are serving in the role.

Program Commitment

Serving as Raider Red is a yearlong commitment that requires significant availability, responsibility and time management. Members balance academics with athletic events, appearances, travel, meetings and other Spirit Program responsibilities.

Raider Red team responsibilities may include:

• Attending football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and other selected athletic events
• Representing Texas Tech at university and community appearances
• Attending weekly Raider Red team meetings
• Providing coverage during summer, winter break, spring break and postseason athletic events
• Supporting Raider Red public relations and social media activities
• Maintaining mascot uniforms and program equipment

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National Recognition

Raider Red has earned national recognition while representing Texas Tech on the collegiate mascot stage.

NCA Mascot National Champion

• 2021
• 2022

National Mascot of the Year

Raider Red was named the Capital One National Mascot of the Year in 2012.

Beyond competition, Raider Red maintains an extensive appearance schedule throughout the year, representing Texas Tech at hundreds of athletic, university and community events.

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Program Benefits

Program members receive benefits and support associated with representing Texas Tech as part of the Spirit Program.

• Leadership scholarship opportunities
• Coverage for out-of-state tuition
• Meal plan
• Travel expenses
• Uniforms and accessories
• Academic tutoring
• Discounted personal care services, including tanning, waxing, eyelash extensions, hair appointments and nail appointments

Support from community partners helps provide additional opportunities and resources for Texas Tech Spirit Program members.

Spirit Program Sponsors

Program Support

Texas Tech Credit Union has supported the Raider Red Program since 2012, providing funding for program operations, scholarships and uniform upkeep and replacement.

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Become Raider Red

Students interested in serving as Raider Red must be active members of Saddle Tramps or High Riders and complete the Spirit Program's selection process.

General eligibility requirements include:

• Be classified as a sophomore or higher
• Complete at least one active year in good standing with Saddle Tramps or High Riders
• Maintain an overall and semester GPA of at least 2.5
• Be available in Lubbock throughout the summer with housing and transportation
• Be available for required games, appearances, meetings and Spirit Program activities
• Maintain employment and outside commitments that do not interfere with Raider Red responsibilities

Tryouts are generally held during the spring semester. Current selection information will be posted on the Spirit Program's Join page as it becomes available.

Spirit Programs Tryout Information

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Request a Raider Red Appearance

Raider Red is available for university, community and special-event appearances throughout the year. Requests are subject to student availability, academic schedules, athletic responsibilities and Spirit Program approval.

Appearance requests should be submitted at least two weeks before the event. Approved appearances may require fees, travel expenses or other event accommodations.

Events requesting Raider Red must provide a private changing and storage area away from guests. Additional requirements and policies are available with the Spirit Program appearance information.

Request a Raider Red Appearance

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Alumni & Support

Raider Red alumni and supporters remain an important part of the program. Learn how to stay connected with the Spirit Program and support current students carrying on the Raider Red tradition.

Alumni & Support