By Urvi Dalal, The Hub@TTU
Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is celebrating its Centennial from Dec. 2, 2022, to Dec. 1, 2023. In honor of its many traditions, the photo essay below depicts The Masked Rider through the years.
One of the oldest and most popular mascots, The Texas Tech Masked Rider started as a dare in 1936 as the ghost rider, who would circle the field at home football games. No one knew the rider’s identity.
The first official Masked Rider was Joe Kirk Fulton. He rode onto the field at the Gator Bowl in 1954, wearing Levi’s, a red shirt, a black cape, and mounted on a black horse.
-
- Joe Kirk Fulton leading the Raiders onto the field at the Gator Bowl, taken in 1954 by Texas Tech University
-
- The Masked Rider at Homecoming in 1957. The image is taken by Charles R. Eatherly.
-
- Taken in 1960 by an unknown author, this image depicts the Masked Rider, J.H. “Hud” Rhea.
-
- Taken in 1964 by Texas Technical College, this image shoes the Jones Stadium memorial of the Masked Rider.
-
- Anne Lynch, the first female Masked Rider, taken in 1974 by Texas Tech University
-
- Taken in 1975 by Texas Tech University at the Homecoming pep rally.
-
- The Masked Rider is shown at the 1978 UT v Tech football game, taken by Ed Purvis.
-
- Taken in 1980 by Texas Tech University, the Masked Rider is on the field for the Tech v NC Football game.
-
- Taken in 1980 by Texas Tech University, the Masked Rider is on the field for the Tech v NC Football game.
-
- Taken in 1980 by Texas Tech University, the Masked Rider is on the field for the Tech v NC Football game.
-
- Depicted is the Masked Rider float at the 1981 Homecoming parade, by Texas Tech University.
-
- Tonya Tinnin is presented with her mask in 1989, taken by Ian Halperin
-
- Blaine Lemons presents Ralynn Key with her mask, taken in 1991 by Sharon Steinman.
-
- Taken in 1994 by Walter Granberry, Amy Smart honors the memory of Double T
-
- Joe Kirk Fulton reprises his role as the Mask Rider, taken in 1997 by Texas Tech University
-
- Raider Red and the Masked Rider celebrate the new horse. Taken in 1998 by Texas Tech University
-
- Introduction of Travis L. Thorne as the Masked Rider, taken in 1999 by Texas Tech University Dept. of Communications and Marketing
-
- Taken in 2000 by Texas Tech University Dept. of Communications and Marketing, showcasing the placement of the Masked Rider statue.
-
- Taken in 2001 at the TTU v Oklahoma game by Texas Tech University Dept. of Communications and Marketing
-
- Texas Tech celebrates the retirement of the Midnight Matador in 2012. The image is depicted in an article by Leslie Cranford.
-
- Bradley Skinner is pictured below with Midnight Matador, in an article by Patrick Gonzales. He was the 2011-2012 Masked Rider.
-
- Charlie Snider, 2016-2017 Masked Rider, riding on Fearless Champion is pictured below in an article by K’Leigh Sims.
-
- 2020-2021 Masked Rider Cameron Hekkert and Fearless Champion shown in a picture by Ashley Rodgers at the Texas Tech Office of Communications & Marketing
-
- 2021-22 Masked Rider, Ashley Adams and Fearless Champion, in a picture taken by Ashley Rodgers at the Texas Tech Office of Communications & Marketing
-
- Jarrell Key as the Masked Rider in 1985 by Texas Tech University. Dept. of Communications and Marketing
About stephanieturkowski
