Traditions & History
Texas Tech's Spirit Program carries forward some of the university's most recognizable traditions. From the Masked Rider leading the football team onto the field to Raider Red energizing crowds and Cheer and Pom representing Texas Tech at games, competitions and appearances, Spirit Squad members have helped shape the Red Raider experience for generations.
Masked Rider
The Masked Rider is one of Texas Tech University's oldest and most visible traditions. Mounted on a black horse and dressed in black with a scarlet cape, the Masked Rider serves as an official university ambassador and leads the football team onto the field at home games.
The tradition began in 1954 when Joe Kirk Fulton became the first official Masked Rider. What began as a dramatic football entrance grew into a year-round role representing Texas Tech at athletic events, university functions and community appearances.
Each Masked Rider is selected through an extensive process that evaluates horsemanship, academic standing, leadership and the ability to represent the university publicly. The student selected for the role works closely with the Spirit Program and the Masked Rider horse throughout the year.
Raider Red
Raider Red is Texas Tech's costumed public relations mascot and has been a familiar presence at athletic events and university activities since the early 1970s.
The character was created as a way for Texas Tech to have a mascot that could travel to locations where live animal mascots were not permitted. Raider Red quickly developed an identity of his own and became an important part of the university's game-day atmosphere.
Students who serve as Raider Red appear at athletic events, campus programs and community activities throughout the year. Because the identity of individual Raider Red performers is traditionally kept private during their service, the character remains the public focus.
Cheer
Texas Tech Cheer has a long history of supporting Red Raider athletics and representing the university through performance and competition. Cheerleaders support football, basketball, volleyball and other university events while also competing at the collegiate level.
The program has evolved over the years to include multiple competitive squad configurations. Today's teams continue the tradition of combining athletic performance, school spirit and university representation.
Texas Tech Cheer members also serve as ambassadors at campus and community appearances, helping extend the Spirit Program beyond athletic venues.
Pom Squad
The Texas Tech Pom Squad represents the university through dance performances at athletic events, competitions and public appearances. The program combines collegiate dance, game-day performance and competitive opportunities.
Pom members perform at Texas Tech athletic events and participate in national competition while also serving as representatives of the university at campus and community functions.
The squad's performance style and competitive program have continued to evolve while maintaining a strong connection to Texas Tech traditions and game-day culture.
Spirit Program Traditions
Although each Spirit Squad has its own history and responsibilities, the programs share a common role in representing Texas Tech and creating the atmosphere associated with Red Raider events.
Game Day
Spirit Squad members are a visible part of the Texas Tech game-day experience. Cheer and Pom perform from the sidelines and courtside, Raider Red interacts with fans and the Masked Rider's entrance remains one of the university's signature athletic traditions.
University Representation
Spirit Squad members represent Texas Tech beyond athletic competition through campus ceremonies, community events, alumni activities and public appearances. These opportunities make the Spirit Program an important connection between the university and the communities it serves.
Competition
Cheer and Pom also represent Texas Tech in collegiate competition. Competitive preparation requires year-round training and gives students an opportunity to represent the university on a national stage.
Generations of Red Raiders
Former Spirit Squad members remain part of the program's history after their student service ends. Alumni help preserve traditions, support current students and maintain connections across generations of Texas Tech Spirit Squads.
Student Life
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Address
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Phone
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Email
studentlife@ttu.edu