Raider Reds
"I always hoped that one day I would be the Masked Rider," said Self. "I now intend to share the magic and beauty of the Masked Rider's spirit throughout the community."
At Texas Tech, Self is a member of the Horsemen's Association and Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She also is a member of the Arabian Horse Association and the American Horse Show Association. Among her duties is fund raising efforts for the Masked Rider Endowment Fund. The endowment has a goal of $250,000.
The Masked Rider is selected through a process involving horsemanship and interviews. As the Masked Rider, Self will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Tech Student Foundation.
In addition to supporting Texas Tech University activities, the Masked Rider makes appearances. Appearances are made with or without "High Red', the university mascot. The Masked Rider makes special presentations designed for school age children. The Masked Rider is willing to take part in "Say No to Drugs" or "Stay in School" programs.
"High Red" is in its first year as the official mount of the Masked Rider. A nine-year old gelding, "High Red" previously served as a mount for the Dallas Black Horse Patrol in Dallas, TX.
For information on how to help support the Masked Rider program or for further information, please contact Student Organization Services office at Texas Tech by calling (806)-742-3621.
Year Rider, Hometown 1953-56 Joe Kirk Fulton, Lubbock 1956-57 Jim Cloyd, Canadian 1957-59 Donald Hollar, Guthrie 1959-61 J. H. "Hud" Rhea, Lubbock 1961-62 Kelly Waggoner, Henderson 1962-63 Bill Durley, Wellington 1963-64 Douglas Hollar, Guthrie 1964-66 Doughlas Wilson, Matador 1966-68 Douglas Hollar, Guthrie 1968-70 Johnny Carruth, DeLeon 1970-71 Tommy Martin, Throckmorton 1971-73 Randy C. Jeffers, Amarillo 1973-74 Gerald Nobles, Midland 1974-75 Ann Lynch, Dell City 1975-76 Joe Kim King, Brady 1976-77 Jess Wall, Perryton 1977-78 Larry D. Cade, Sonora 1978-79 Lee Puckitt, San Angelo 1979-80 Coke Hopping, Lubbock 1980-81 Kathleen Campbell, Portland 1981-82 Kurt Harris, Stratford 1982-83 Perry Church, Friona 1983-84 Jennifer Aufill, Lubbock 1984-85 Zurick Labrier 1985-86 Jerrey Key, Lubbock 1986-87 Daniel Jenkins, Higgins 1987-88 Kim Saunders, Marfa 1988-89 Lea Whitehead, Sonora 1989-90 Tonya Tinnin, Bell Ranch, NM 1990-91 Blaine Lemons, Colorado City 1991-92 Ralynn Dey, Gail 1992-93 Jason Spence, Tahoka 1993-94 Lisa Gilbreath, Flower Mound 1994-95 Amy Smart, Dallas 1995-96 JoLynn Self, Amarillo
One of the most visible support groups at any Texas Tech athletic event is a group that has been around for some 59 years - the Saddle Tramps sprit organization. Founded in 1936 by then head cheerleader Arch Lamb, the Saddle Tramps have become the focal point of school tradition, spirit and pride through their tireless endeavors on campus and in the community.
Heading into their 59th year on the Tech campus, the Saddle Tramps of today adhere to the same principles that Mr. Lamb established back in 1936 - sprit, service and leadership. The sprit that is displayed by the Saddle Tramps in their work ethic and their dedication to Red Raider athletics is second to-none in the country and their association remains as one of the only student groups of its kind, anywhere. Always proud to wear the red and black, Saddle Tramps give unselfishly of their personal time to do whatever is necessary to help promote Texas Tech University, Red Raider athletics and the Lubbock community as a whole.
The Saddle Tramps' robust involvement in spirit related activities is known to any and every Texas Tech fan. They actively support the Red Raider football team every fall by decorating the campus with streamers, painting signs, welcoming the tam onto the field and performing traditional bell circle at the beginning of each home game. The Tramps also show a commitment to all Tech sports with their service at basketball, baseball and track events as well as at any other event where needed by the athletic department.
In a nutshell, Saddle Tramps feel the need to uphold traditions at Texas Tech, from the "Guns-Up" sign to ringing victory bells after a Red Raider victory.
Tradition, spirit and pride - synonymous with Saddle Tramps.
The '95-96 officers are: Chad Tompkins, Andrews, President; Shane Stephenson, Cleburne, 1st Vice-President; Jeff Marshall, Sugarland, 2nd Vice-President; Scott Irlbeck, Tulia, Secretary; Alan Hurst, Garland, Corresponding Secretary; Jeff Gerber, Houston, Treasurer; Todd Burns, Lubbock, Sargent-at-Arms.
One of the more colorful mascots in college sports is Texas Tech's Raider Red. Originated in 1971 because of a need for a mascot that could attend all athletic events (not just outdoor events as the Masked Rider can), "Red" was the brainchild of Lubbock artist Dirk West. West and Saddle Tramp Jim Gaspard came up with the idea and had the head and body made. The rest, as they say, is history, and Raider Red is still going strong after 24 years. Jarret Mallon, Raider Red in 1992-93 (fall and spring), was named All-American by the National Cheerleader Association. The all-time list of those Saddle Tramps who have served as "Red":
Year Red(Spring/Fall) 1971 Jim Gaspard 1972 Jim Gaspard/Stan Alcott 1973 Stan Alcott/James Geeslin 1974 Mike Dallas/David Pietsch 1975 David Sterret/Rodney Smith 1976 Alan Polmier/Gary Wright 1977 Eddie Tyler/Jeff Holoman 1978 Terry Hodges/David Perez 1979 Brad Coleman/Tom Short 1980 Robert Martin/Rob Lake 1981 Billy Smith/Tracy Brown 1982 Kent McIntosh/Clay Flathers 1983 Steve Daniels/Call Huffaker 1984 Shawn Thornton/Jay Wise 1985 John Rafferty/Tony Lloyd 1986 Zane Lewis/Joel West 1987 Ross Roberts/Derrick Flack 1988 Brent Dragoo/Foy Odom 1989 Rando Ammons/Lonnie Busch 1990 Robbie Rudder/Loren England 1991 Scott Glover/Charlie Tibbles 1992 John Carrell/Jarret Mallon 1993 Kurtis Kloiber/Jarret Mallon 1994 Gerald Bodde/Steve Hutto 1995 Roger Miller